A spirit renewed

Summer came, went and left somewhat of a bitter taste that I've endlessly tried to combat for the past few months. I worked over the summer out of need and my entire mindset changed. The bills were getting paid, I had money to play with, but nothing satisfied. I guess the whole "money can't buy happiness" became a reality for me.

School is in session at the moment and with the same drained mindset, I've not been happy...until today. I missed an important "retreat" that I was supposed to attend, but by default ran into something way better: an epiphany of peace when conducting, planning, and engaging in service work.

I've found that my peace is in helping others and my motivating factor to keep going, over achieve and be the best I can be, for the benefit of others. :)

Look for more info on service work, and grand opportunities in the near future.

Til then, ask not what others can do for you, but what can you do for others.

Peace, Love, and above all Joy!

-Jalisa

Water to Thrive Efforts on Campus

Student expresses TLU's interest in helping the cause. 

A Will for Water to Thrive

The Presidential Award for Leadership in Service, PALS, is an organization on campus complied of students who had shown leadership in community service, prior to attending TLU. As PALS recipients, we endeavor to be the leaders of service on campus actively involved in the community.

This semester the group separated into groups to do community service in a variety of different ways. One group helped with the Seguin community garden, which generated much positive feedback and future expansion of the project. Another group worked on My Father’s Farm, a non-profit organic farm that feeds orphans in Columbia. A recycling group endeavored to make recycling a convenience on campus, and then my group, Water to Thrive, hooked onto an organization that builds wells in Ethiopia to supply natives with clean water.

While the group didn’t get off the ground as early as we would have liked, we were able to meet with Christina Stade, Water to Thrive representative, who informed us of the realities that Ethiopians face simply trying to fill their jugs of water.

The goal for the group is to raise $3,500 to build one well in Ethiopia. We plan to do so by selling t-shirts, and accepting donations. Further extension of the project has yet to be determined, but the group looks forward to making a difference in a place where clean water is not readily available. 

The Harleys, a charitable event

The Harleys at Austin Street Live in December playing for charity

Left to Right: John Masterson, Greg Ronning and Mike McGrew

Four guys walked into a bar, threw back a few drinks and geared up to play requested tunes for the rest of the night. They sought no glory, no fans, just the genuine $5 donations to raise money for cancer research for leukemia and lymphoma. One of the band members is the father of someone running a marathon in support of the cause.

“We just love to get together and play rock-n-roll and make a difference in the community,” Greg Ronning, lead singer of the Harley’s, said. 

The Harleys are a well-know play-for-charity band in Seguin and are directly tied to the TLU community. All members of the band are either currently employed, or have been previously employed by TLU.

Since the band’s conception seven years ago, The Harleys have raised over $300,000 in donations to local and national cancer research foundations.

At local shows at bars, and charitable events on and off the TLU campus, a jar is set up in front of their set for donations. All proceeds are strictly for charity.

“We feel like this is kind of our ministry to give back to God for what he’s blessed us with for a little bit of musical ability, so we just get a chance to give back,” Mike McGrew, bass guitarist, said. 

Students Making a Difference: the little things that count

I have a knack for noticing little things that may sometimes be overlooked. Perhaps it’s the inner perfectionist shining through when I see minor changes that can be made in and around the community that motivate me to get involved and make a difference. Simple things such as restoring a shabby fence, helping serve refreshments to disabled veterans at a benefit, beautifying the garden surrounding around a building and playing music for elders at nursing homes are just a few things that SMAD, students making a difference, has done to improve the well-being the community, even in the slightest way.

In the past, SMAD has done several “odds and ends” jobs around TLU’s campus and has been the “glue” element in major events around Seguin; driving people to and from sites for a rodeo, for example helped make a difference.

The one thing that I especially love about the group, is it’s willingness to get out and into the community and sincerely be willing to help with anything that may come our way regardless of the amount of labor. What makes it better, is that all of it is voluntary. The most beautiful attribute in a person is a giving heart. SMAD has exceedingly shown a giving heart, in their work and work ethic.

Sometimes, to fix or perfect a broken entity, all you need is a little elbow grease, tape, glue, or staple. I find simple changes like this to be perfect.

Overall, this group has provided that for the university and community at large; the group embodies their name whether their work is publicly noticed or not. 

*above  photo, SMAD at the annual pumpkin patch at the United Methodist church on Austin Street. We helped unload pumpkins off trucks and set them up for public viewing, this past fall.  

Ronald McDonald House Charities event on campus hits home

Ronald McDonald paid a visit to TLU’s campus this past Saturday to visit Seguin residents hoping to help a charitable cause.

Beta Alpha Sigma sorority sponsored their annual philanthropy supporting the Ronald McDonald house. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. free BBQ, games and live music was available to the public. Throughout the event, coke tabs were collected to raise money for donations.

The event had many in attendance, and fun was had, but after visiting the event, I realized that I’d connected with it on much deeper terms.  

I’m the firstborn of a family with five children, and have been rewarded and entrusted to provide leadership for younger blood to follow. At times, however, I feel as though I learn more from my siblings.

I have a younger sister who has outlived specialists’ expectations for someone diagnosed with her conditions. By the grace of God she still lives, and is one of the most inspirational people that I know. Accompanying her to her weekly visits to a local hospital in Austin, I’d pass by the Ronald McDonald House. Every time I passed the house, I wondered if every child in similar or worse conditions as my sister had a spirit or character as she does to get them through. After learning about her friends who are physically ill, I learned that many children out there do find support, love and encouragement, thanks in part to others who love, help and support charities such as Ronald McDonald House Charities.

I sincerely appreciate awareness about these charities that make a difference in the lives of youth, especially those who are blamelessly ill. Thank you for your support, I’ve seen first hand in the eyes of a child, that these efforts are much appreciated. 

Frat says unzip, get a grip - News

Frat says unzip, get a grip - News