Islanders Night Out Promotes Student Success
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The initial weeks of college are critical for new students. Many are away from home for the first time and need help transitioning to the university environment. This is why Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi hosts events like Islanders Night Out – to introduce new students and re-acquaint returning students to resources available to the Islander community.
“It’s important for college students to be aware that, when we’re away from home and parental guidance, we’re responsible for ourselves,” said Cynthia Quiroga, a senior Islander student majoring in history. “If a campus representative can tell us information that we might not get from anyone else, we can prevent certain incidents and gain knowledge to help a friend or even a stranger.”
Hosted by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s Division of Student Engagement and Success, in collaboration with the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health and Mrs. Gloria Hicks, local philanthropist, Islanders Night Out welcomed nearly 500 Islander students for an evening of open dialogue and inspiration.
“We’re proud to host the fourth annual Islanders Night Out,” said Ann DeGaish, Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Success. “It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to hear an inspiring message.”
During the Sept. 5 event, students engaged in an energetic talk by Justin Jones-Fosu, an international expert in Leadership and Organizational Change. His message encouraged students to create their best college experience, reach success, and prepare to make an Islander Impact.
“College students need to fight for their why and their now,” said Jones-Fosu. “As someone who’s been bullied, who grew up without money, and who at times didn’t feel valued, I want students to know they can overcome the difficulties they may face as they transition to adulthood. In this moment, they should execute the habits of living their passion because that will propel them to success.”
Throughout the evening, representatives from campus resources, like the University Health Center, Recreational Sports, University Counseling Center, University Police Department, and I-TEAM, connected with Islander students to promote services focused on success and wellness.
“Reaching out to other campus communities is extremely important to us,” said Angela Knapp Eggers, senior director of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health. “We love collaborating with the Island University to uplift and inform students so they can build confidence to take care of themselves and stick up for their friends.”
