Interning with the Walt Disney Company

by: Lauren Newcomb

Erica Nowak, a recruiter for the Walt Disney World College Program, spoke at Texas State Monday evening on what she believed was an amazing way for students to start off in the work force.

According to Nowak the Walt Disney World College Program is one of the best internship programs currently offered to college students.

“The Disney College Program offers students the amazing opportunity to both live and work at one of our magical theme parks,” said Nowak.

Nowak said she believes the Disney program is different from other internship opportunities because it gives students a chance to enter the working environment, under one of the largest companies on the planet, with little to no experience.

Abram Garcia, a senior at Texas State, interned with the Disney College Program in spring of 2008. Garcia worked asan entertainer and is now a campus representative for the Disney College program.

Garcia said interning with Disney looked great on his resume to potential new employers. "Usually the first or second thing I'm asked about at an interview is my Disney experience," said Garcia.

Garcia said it isobvious the program was of great benefit to him since he is now a campus representative for the program.

"I learned a lot about myself. The Disney College Program helped me figure out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life," said Stephanie Rohlfs, Public Relations major.

Rohlfs, also a senior at Texas State, said the Disney College Program pointed her in the right direction, career wise, after graduation.

All of the campus representatives said they agreed with Nowak’s claim that the internship benefits them in their job search.

Rohlf said the Disney College Program taught her valuable skills, such as marketing and social networking, that she would be able to use in future career endeavors.

Kathleen Norris, a sophomore, said she believes the Disney College Program helped her become more confident in interviews because it boosted her self-esteem and made her feel better about how her resume looked to employers.

Jessica Smith, a sophomore who attended Nowak’s lecture, said she was a little skeptical of the program is now looking forward to applying.

Smith spoke to her academic advisor about the program and said that made her decision a lot easier. Smith suggests going to the Career Services and talking to an advisor for anyone considering the program.

Nowak said she hopes as many students as possible will take part in this opportunity by applying to the Walt Disney World College Program.

Food Bank Helps Families Fight Thanksgiving Hunger

by: Victoria Ontiveros

October marks the beginning of the Turkeys Tackling Hunger campaign where the Hays County Food Bank raises money to provide

Thanksgiving meals to hungry families.

Who it Helps
Donating to the Food Bank and thi

s campaign helps San Marcos families, but also Kyle, Buda and Martindale. Families who are in need of food sign up with the food bank starting in October. The poverty level has been on the rise all over America and it's effects have been seen in San Marcos and neighboring areas.

Donations

Since only a $20 donation buys an entire Thanksgiving dinner for a family, the food bank has also been publicizing to the college community.

"You never know who might want to do it," said Roman Asper, an Texas State student and employee for the school's Campus Activities and Student Organization. Asper thinks that the students could be very receptive to the flyers around campus.

"All we have to do is split the cost between me and my roommates and that feeds an entire family. We can do that," said Robert Gutierrez, a senior at Texas State.

Donations can be given online at the food bank website or in person at the Food Bank in San Marcos.

Goals

“We are definitely in

need of more donations this year,”

said Pat Tessaro, Public Relations Coordinator for the food bank. “The number of families in need that have signed up is already higher than the total for last year

and it’s only October.”

According to Tessaro, last year there were a total of 1400 people signed up and

now, in the middle of October, 1700 families have already signed up.

“We have been publicizing the campaign better this year, getting the word out earlier and faster, we have no reason to believe that it won’t be just as successful,” said Tessar

o.

Tessaro said last year the campaign raised above their goal and $52,000 was donated. This year, their goal is $70,000 and they’re hoping this goal is blown out too.

Food Bank Flyer Photo By Victoria Ontiveros. Family Photo by University of Wisconconsin-Madison News

Austin Takes Action Against Coal

by: Kaitlin Heaney



At a rally against coal on Sunday Greenpeace Field Organizer Zack Waterman said he chose Austin to host the rally because it is a strong, green city that is filled with people who can help raise awareness of clean energy to Texas officials and other Texans.

“Now is the time for the new generation to stand up and take action,”

said guest musician Bill Oliver.

Waterman said it doesn’t take a lot of people to get the word out.

Waterman said more than 7000 events in 188 countries are scheduled for today which is the largest environmental movement in history accomplished by 350 and many other partner organizations. Waterman said this years global theme was: Get To Work.

Flavia de la Fuente said she was glad Greenpeace chose to rally in Austin because the Austin City Limits crowd will provide more signatures for the petition for clean energy.

Waterman said he was proud to have the Director of Public Citizens Texas Office Tom Smith be a guest speaker at the event because it raises even more awareness of coal burning.

Why people care
“Texas is the energy state. It has a lot of potential to have a great impact, but it’s being left behind,” said Fuente.

“It’s an important issue for health and environmental reasons,” said Cisco Johnson. Johnson said many people don’t realize the full effects humans have on Earth.

“Thirty-five states have mercury in their water, and 70% of mercury pollution comes from coal. The Environmental Protection Agency has to listen at some point,” said Waterman.

Johnson said he doesn’t think people know about the full issue.

“I don’t feel like it’s a big issue. The city has other issues to focus on,” said Chelsea Gibson. Gibson said everyone uses coal products, and they need to realize coal helps us in everyday life.

Waterman said the organization is taking a picture at the end of the rally to show Texas officials how many people care about coal burning regulations.

Podium Training Prepares U.S. Gymnastics Team for 2010 World Championships

U.S. Gymnastics Team started their podium training at the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam, Netherlands for the 2010 World Championships due to take place from Oct. 16 to the 24.

Martha Karolyi, women's national team coordinator, said that there were some high and low points but after a few adjustments, they will be ready.

The seven girls set to compete for the United States include: Rebecca Bross, Mackenzie Caquatto, Chelsea Davis, Mattie Larson, Alexandra Raisman, Alicia Sacramone and Bridget Sloan.

Erin Williamson, President of the Texas State Gymnastics Club, said she is looking forward to seeing how the third gymnast from WOGA Gymnastics Club in Plano, Texas, Rebecca Bross, will do "in comparison to Olympic gold medalists Carly Patterson and Nastia Liukin."

Alicia Sacramone, seven-time-world-medalist, gave some advice to her fellow teammates competing in their first world championships. Sacramone said to be confident in their abilities and to stay calm, not letting nerves get the best of them.

Lauren Metcalfe said, "I am excited to see Alicia in action again after her devastating fall in the 2008 Olympics."

"I am looking forward to seeing how well the newbie girls do in comparison to the veterans Sacramone and Sloan," said Josh Higgins.

Starting with qualification rounds (women's on Oct. 16 and 17, men's onOct. 18 and 19) in team, all-around and individual event competitions; the top 8 teams compete on Oct. 20 (women) and Oct. 21 (men). The top 24 individuals will compete for the all-around title the 22nd (men and women) and finally, the top 8 will compete for individual events Oct. 23 and 24.

Nick Hunter said, "I love watching the worlds; its a glimpse into what to look forward to at the upcoming Olympics. It will be very exciting."

The 2010 World Championships also determine which 24 countries will advance to the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. This gives countries two opportunities to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games, either being one of the top 8 teams at the 2011 World Championships, or one of the top 4 at the 2012 Olympic Test Event in London, England.

A live webcast will be broadcast on Universal Sports and NBC Sports will broadcast coverage of the 2010 World Championships on Oct. 23 and 24.

More information on the event and photos of the gymnasts in action can be seen on the official USA Gymnastics website.

Austin City Limits: More Than a Music Festival

By: Randall Robinson

Oct. 8-10 marked Austin City Limits’ 9th music fest. Austin City Limits, ACL for short, is a music festival held at Zilker Park with around 130 bands each year on 8 different stages. For some people going every year is a tradition, like local Austinite known as Batman.

“I honestly don’t go for the music. I love the people, the atmosphere, the overall experience, and to keep Austin weird!” said Austin local known as Batman. ACL provides more than just music. They have a homeground HOPE Farmers Market, an Art Market, and a place for children called Austin Kiddie Limits. Other people go to see their favorite bands.

“I’m a huge Muse fan… I go where they go,” said Daniel Culwell. Culwell said he didn’t care for the other bands, but seeing his favorite band was worth the money. ACL also gives some of the newer bands a chance to get their name out.

“I’ve been to a Blink-182 concert, but this was better because there were more bands; it helped me find new bands that I’ve never heard of,” Said Michelle Lynn. “I went to ACL for The Eagles, but now I’m in love with several bands like Miike Snow,” Lynn said. While there are more bands at ACL, some say there are more people than at a traditional concert, too many people.

“Too many people brought chairs, set up camp, and then they didn’t even stay there. It was definitely over crowded because of this,” said Courtney Conner. Chairs are permitted at ACL, but some people believe this can make the park too crowded. Others say chairs are completely necessary.

“I’m not sure why people are always getting mad at us for bringing our chairs. Not everyone can stand for hours on end. I’m not as young as I use to be,” said Warren Damron.


Although ACL is over for this year, people can buy their tickets for next year as early as the week. Also, they have provided a way for people to stay connected with ACL until the next music festival through Facebook and Twitter.

Photos by Randall Robinson

Environment

The environment has been a topic on Texas State campus this year because of this year’s common experience theme.

International business major Adeline Fresch said she recycles every now and then, on and off campus and rides the bus to school because she is very concerned about the environment.

“It’s shocking and scary how much trash there is, and it’ll be there for thousands and thousands of years,” Fresch said.

Audrey McKinney a Texas State University professor is concerned about the environment. She recycles, takes the Austin tram and shops at the farmers market because she is concerned about her health and the health of the world.

McKinney teaches a class called Environmental Topics speaking on how recycling can help people spend less money by using smaller trash cans. McKinney said using less total or things that naturally compost and don’t need to be recycled is better than recycling.

Tammy Erwin ,a French major, rides her bike everywhere in order to reduce pollution. She said she recycles in order to use fewer resources in the hopes that one day recycled products will be cheaper.

“I recycle because it’s cool. I hope that things made from recycled products will become cheaper,” said Erwin. She said she continues to recycle but hasn’t talked about the environment in any of her classes.

Jules, a philosophy major, between the ages of 18-25 is a vegetarian, and said he recycles because he believes without people there would be no pollution.

“I recycle as much I can without killing myself,” said Jules. He said recycling to him is a simple thing to do and environmentally friendly.

Others had a different point of view.

Senior philosophy and finance double major Russell Booth said he rides the bus to campus and picks up trash if he sees it on the ground. Even though he said he is not greatly concerned about the environment because it doesn’t affect him directly. He said he doesn’t recycle at home, but he recycles on campus because it’s convenient.

“We talk about the environment a lot in my philosophy technology and philosophy dialogues class,” Booth said.

Freshman nursing major Lyndsey Futrell is not really concerned about the environment. She recycles water bottles because her dorm brought containers in telling them they had to it, but she doesn’t really pay attention to environmental topics. Although Futrell is not into saving the environment, she said she has heard about it in her University Seminar class having online forum discussions.

Texas State University: The Maroon, Gold, and GREEN

Students at Texas State University are discussing environmental concern in class and it may be effecting the movement towards going green.

Most freshmen at Texas State are taking University Seminar; the class’s subject is focusing on sustainability this year and is encouraging students to be more considerate about the environment. It’s not just University Seminar but many students have credited other courses for having discussion on the environment also.

“Yes, in my organization behavior class. About how companies can help be environmentally friendly,” replied Andrea Ray, 21-year-old Management major, when asked whether environment or sustainability had been a topic in any classes.

After asking students around campus the same question, most answers were similar.

“Yes, seminar and political science,” answered Jesus Garcia.

“Yes, Biotry and Evolution,” answered Tracy Shumard

Not all students were enthusiastic about the attention toward environmental awareness though.

“Unfortunately yes. We talk about this a lot in my Philosophy Technology and Philosophy Dialogues,” Senior Russel Booth stated.

Although, Booth admitted to being “not greatly” concerned about the environment he still tries to avoid littering and rides the bus.

Despite some student apathy towards sustainability, most students said they were concerned and did their part to help.

“It’s shocking and scary how much trash there is, and it’ll be there for thousands and thousands of years,” Senior Business Major Adeline Fresch expressed her concern.

Students around Texas State are doing their part to contribute.

Junior Tammy Erwin rides her bike everywhere to reduce pollution because shes is concerned about the worlds resouces.

The campus will continue to encourage sustainability in hopes of influencing the students to "go green."