11/28/2009
Getting Involved
As students and alumni of St Mary’s University, how much do we know about the programs that really make a difference around St. Mary’s University? The Service Learning Center has been making a difference in the St. Mary’s community for years. What do they do for the St. Mary’s community as well as the community that surrounds the campus, and how do we sign up for a feel good feeling like helping people thrive?
The Service Learning Center at St. Mary’s University is located behind the Louis J. Blume Library, and is attached to the Counseling and Testing Center. The Service Learning Center is dedicated to improving the community in and around St. Mary’s University, this is proven by their mission statement.
"The Service Learning Center (SLC) helps meet St. Mary's mission of 'extending itself in service to society.' Students respond to today's complex social reality by reaching out to the community, especially the poor, thus integrating the principles of justice and peace inspired by the Gospel values and Catholic social teaching in the Marianist tradition."
The Service Learning Center has many programs for students to get involved with and the first is the RSO or Registered Student Organization. The RSO program offers options on which type of service you feel best fits you. Your choices are, community service, civic engagement, and service learning.
Community service is done through helping the low income community, and trying to improve the quality of life that surrounds them.
Civic engagement entails volunteering, finding a problem with the community at hand, and setting up a panel and try and reach a solution through electoral participation.
Service learning involves students working with the surrounding schools in the community which includes elementary schools, secondary schools, or institution of higher education. Working with the community schools students will be able to enhance the curriculum, and gain a memory of a lifetime. Students who participate in this program are required to write a service reflection paper.
The second program that the Service Learning Center offers is the WINGS program, Workers Invested in kNowledge and Growth through Service (WINGS)
The WINGS program is a work study program that focuses in the areas of education, health care, and legal services in which the student is paired with a member from a non-profit organization. Students must have a 2.75 GPA, and commit to participating in the program for one full year to take part in this program.
Nicole Gilliam, an alumnus of St. Mary’s University, who was very active in the WINGS program reports, “it was the experience of a lifetime, and I gained many social skills that I still use today.”
As you can see, whether you end up participating in these program or not, they play a big role in the St. Mary’s University community.
If you are looking for a feel good project to participate in or donate money to, The St. Mary's University Service Learning Center is just the ticket to improve the quality of life not only in the community, but in yourself as well.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Travel Article [draft]
11/25/2009
Day at the Missions
As I sat at a red light lost on San José Drive, fanning myself because the air conditioner could not keep up with the 100+ degree heat, I looked to my left and saw a sign that read: San Antonio Mission National Historical Park 3 miles. Curious about something basically in the middle of no where, I turned left and proceeded down the road towards the Missions.
Coming up on Mission San Jose, which is not necessarily the first mission in the line of missions San Antonio has, my eyes were greeted with an astonishing piece of architecture. Once the shock of the panorama before you subsides, you realize it is not only an edifice, but a piece of history, and a huge part of the culture that makes San Antonio great.
Entering the park, you learn that this is one of four missions San Antonio has to offer. Each one located near the San Antonio River, and each providing a glimpse into the past and the rich Spanish influence that has had an unmistakable hold on this city for decades.
The main trail that links the missions, I realized does not begin on San Jose Drive, but on Mission Road, and is connected by a 12 mile trail which you can travel with your own two feet, vehicle, or bike, the choice is up to you. To make it easy For GPS Users plug in N 29° 23.283' W 098° 29.80' (WGS84/NAD83) (Courtesy of Jeeep.com) and you’ll be all set and ready to go!
Mission Concepción, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission Espada are 4 very different missions that inevitably serve the same purpose, to educate the public on San Antonio culture.
Sure, you have to resist the impulse to run up to the magical piece of work, but I highly recommend that you visit the visitor’s center before getting started at each Mission site.
Once in each one’s persona visitor’s center, you learn that San Antonio’s settlement goes back to the very early eighteenth century, and were settled by explorers with the intent to expand Spanish territory. These explorers also had the intent to spread Catholicism; now you can kind of take a guess that this is where the missions came into play.
The explorers would build a church inside of a massive wall, in fear of Indians, and the threat of a battle scene, which they were not prepared to conquer. In this wall, they had their crops, shelters, and animals. All mission sites were built close to water, and the San Antonio River was a hot commodity to the Spanish explores and their families because it was their main water source for food, bathing, and the washing of the garments. Eventually this tradition caught on and several more missions were built close by in the San Antonio area, and the missions turned in to communities that spread all over the city creating the society of San Antonio, Texas.
Mission San Jose was established in 1720, and had a more agriculture concentrated society within its walls. This was the first mission to develop an irrigation system inside its walls, with the water source being what folks? That’s right! The San Antonio River. This mission is definitely one of the more beautiful sights to see. When you step into this culture rigged heaven, you are invited to go inside the stone huts that the Spanish explorers shared with their families. Of course they have had to do some touching up since the 1720s, but the feel for how these people lived will leave a lasting impression. Mission San Jose’s church is still a very much active parish. When you push those huge wooden doors open in the building’s main tower, be careful not to be too loud, you may be disturbing those deep in prayer!
So backtracking through the mission trail, mission Espada is next on the plan. Mission Espada was established in 1690 near Augusta, Texas and was moved to San Antonio in 1731, and took Mission San Juan’s idea of an irrigation system to the next level. When you visit mission Espada, you must visit the aqueduct that was made by the Spanish explorers. The aqueduct was such a sight to see by tourists, the City of San Antonio made it into a National Landmark. While your there enjoying your historical venture, feel free to catch your breath on a comfortable shaded bench conveniently placed next to the San Antonio river.
Mission Concepción was first established in 1716 in East Texas, and did not get moved to San Antonio until 1731. Concepción is such a sight to see with its architecture relating to that of Mission San Jose. Mission Concepción has one of the most beautiful, unrestored stone churches of all the Missions. I’m not kidding, this thing is enormous, and if you are lucky enough to go on a day where an acoustic band is playing there, like a band was the day that I went, you will not be disappointed. The sounds that bounce off of the walls in that place are amazing. You can just imagine sitting in church back in the eighteenth century listening to your choir group sing, and play and rejoicing in the structure you are standing in.
Last but not least the end of our culture endeavor brings us to Mission San Juan Capistrano whose white stone walls look as if they want tell the tales of the spirits who inhabit its structure. Mission San Juan Capistrano has much in common with Mission Concepción. Mission San Juan Capistrano was also established in 1716 in East Texas and was moved to San Antonio in 1731. As you walk around this historic location, you will frequently greeted by the active parish members who are willing to share the history of the Mission site to anyone who will listen. Mission San Juan Capistrano has been restored due to the cracking in the white rock.
What makes these missions such a spectacular site to see, and why should we care about the lasting history each one has to offer? These missions are an institution to the San Antonio community; they represent how the city got started, and how much faith runs deep in this city’s veins. Oh yeah, and should I mention that the Alamo is string tying each mission together? That’s right, Mission San Antonio de Valero AKA the Alamo used to be a mission as well, how’s that for a history lesson?
If your looking for a fun, educational, culture immersion, come on down to San Antonio, Texas and visit the Mission National Historical Park. Open 7 days a week year-round (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day) from 9 AM to 5 PM. Did I mention there is no entrance fee to the park? How about that! You get the fun, the excitement, the aesthetically pleasing appearance of centuries old architecture for FREE! So what are you waiting for, stop reading me and get down here, you have nothing to lose, and an experience of a lifetime to gain!
Day at the Missions
As I sat at a red light lost on San José Drive, fanning myself because the air conditioner could not keep up with the 100+ degree heat, I looked to my left and saw a sign that read: San Antonio Mission National Historical Park 3 miles. Curious about something basically in the middle of no where, I turned left and proceeded down the road towards the Missions.
Coming up on Mission San Jose, which is not necessarily the first mission in the line of missions San Antonio has, my eyes were greeted with an astonishing piece of architecture. Once the shock of the panorama before you subsides, you realize it is not only an edifice, but a piece of history, and a huge part of the culture that makes San Antonio great.
Entering the park, you learn that this is one of four missions San Antonio has to offer. Each one located near the San Antonio River, and each providing a glimpse into the past and the rich Spanish influence that has had an unmistakable hold on this city for decades.
The main trail that links the missions, I realized does not begin on San Jose Drive, but on Mission Road, and is connected by a 12 mile trail which you can travel with your own two feet, vehicle, or bike, the choice is up to you. To make it easy For GPS Users plug in N 29° 23.283' W 098° 29.80' (WGS84/NAD83) (Courtesy of Jeeep.com) and you’ll be all set and ready to go!
Mission Concepción, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission Espada are 4 very different missions that inevitably serve the same purpose, to educate the public on San Antonio culture.
Sure, you have to resist the impulse to run up to the magical piece of work, but I highly recommend that you visit the visitor’s center before getting started at each Mission site.
Once in each one’s persona visitor’s center, you learn that San Antonio’s settlement goes back to the very early eighteenth century, and were settled by explorers with the intent to expand Spanish territory. These explorers also had the intent to spread Catholicism; now you can kind of take a guess that this is where the missions came into play.
The explorers would build a church inside of a massive wall, in fear of Indians, and the threat of a battle scene, which they were not prepared to conquer. In this wall, they had their crops, shelters, and animals. All mission sites were built close to water, and the San Antonio River was a hot commodity to the Spanish explores and their families because it was their main water source for food, bathing, and the washing of the garments. Eventually this tradition caught on and several more missions were built close by in the San Antonio area, and the missions turned in to communities that spread all over the city creating the society of San Antonio, Texas.
Mission San Jose was established in 1720, and had a more agriculture concentrated society within its walls. This was the first mission to develop an irrigation system inside its walls, with the water source being what folks? That’s right! The San Antonio River. This mission is definitely one of the more beautiful sights to see. When you step into this culture rigged heaven, you are invited to go inside the stone huts that the Spanish explorers shared with their families. Of course they have had to do some touching up since the 1720s, but the feel for how these people lived will leave a lasting impression. Mission San Jose’s church is still a very much active parish. When you push those huge wooden doors open in the building’s main tower, be careful not to be too loud, you may be disturbing those deep in prayer!
So backtracking through the mission trail, mission Espada is next on the plan. Mission Espada was established in 1690 near Augusta, Texas and was moved to San Antonio in 1731, and took Mission San Juan’s idea of an irrigation system to the next level. When you visit mission Espada, you must visit the aqueduct that was made by the Spanish explorers. The aqueduct was such a sight to see by tourists, the City of San Antonio made it into a National Landmark. While your there enjoying your historical venture, feel free to catch your breath on a comfortable shaded bench conveniently placed next to the San Antonio river.
Mission Concepción was first established in 1716 in East Texas, and did not get moved to San Antonio until 1731. Concepción is such a sight to see with its architecture relating to that of Mission San Jose. Mission Concepción has one of the most beautiful, unrestored stone churches of all the Missions. I’m not kidding, this thing is enormous, and if you are lucky enough to go on a day where an acoustic band is playing there, like a band was the day that I went, you will not be disappointed. The sounds that bounce off of the walls in that place are amazing. You can just imagine sitting in church back in the eighteenth century listening to your choir group sing, and play and rejoicing in the structure you are standing in.
Last but not least the end of our culture endeavor brings us to Mission San Juan Capistrano whose white stone walls look as if they want tell the tales of the spirits who inhabit its structure. Mission San Juan Capistrano has much in common with Mission Concepción. Mission San Juan Capistrano was also established in 1716 in East Texas and was moved to San Antonio in 1731. As you walk around this historic location, you will frequently greeted by the active parish members who are willing to share the history of the Mission site to anyone who will listen. Mission San Juan Capistrano has been restored due to the cracking in the white rock.
What makes these missions such a spectacular site to see, and why should we care about the lasting history each one has to offer? These missions are an institution to the San Antonio community; they represent how the city got started, and how much faith runs deep in this city’s veins. Oh yeah, and should I mention that the Alamo is string tying each mission together? That’s right, Mission San Antonio de Valero AKA the Alamo used to be a mission as well, how’s that for a history lesson?
If your looking for a fun, educational, culture immersion, come on down to San Antonio, Texas and visit the Mission National Historical Park. Open 7 days a week year-round (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day) from 9 AM to 5 PM. Did I mention there is no entrance fee to the park? How about that! You get the fun, the excitement, the aesthetically pleasing appearance of centuries old architecture for FREE! So what are you waiting for, stop reading me and get down here, you have nothing to lose, and an experience of a lifetime to gain!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Profiles Query
11/23/2009
Candy Kuebker, Editor
Gold & Blue Magazine
One Camino Santa Maria
San Antonio, Texas 78228
Dear Ms. Kuebker,
I would like to propose a different kind of article for the Gold & Blue, this article would be a Profile on St. Mary’s University’s Service Learning Center we like the alumni are students here but how much do we really know about the school we are attending? My lead would go something like this:
As students and alumni of St Mary’s University, how much do we know about the programs that really make a difference around St. Mary’s University? The Service Learning Center has been making a difference in the St. Mary’s community for years. How do student’s who have participated in the program feel?
The article would be tailored to fit into your magazine and would be about 500 words.
I think it would be interesting to give a little background information on St. Mary’s Service Learning Center to see how much it really makes a difference to the community that surrounds St. Mary’s
I very much look forward to hearing from you. I can have the article ready within two weeks of your response.
Thank you,
Emily Duque
P.O Box 624
Pearsall, TX 78061
Candy Kuebker, Editor
Gold & Blue Magazine
One Camino Santa Maria
San Antonio, Texas 78228
Dear Ms. Kuebker,
I would like to propose a different kind of article for the Gold & Blue, this article would be a Profile on St. Mary’s University’s Service Learning Center we like the alumni are students here but how much do we really know about the school we are attending? My lead would go something like this:
As students and alumni of St Mary’s University, how much do we know about the programs that really make a difference around St. Mary’s University? The Service Learning Center has been making a difference in the St. Mary’s community for years. How do student’s who have participated in the program feel?
The article would be tailored to fit into your magazine and would be about 500 words.
I think it would be interesting to give a little background information on St. Mary’s Service Learning Center to see how much it really makes a difference to the community that surrounds St. Mary’s
I very much look forward to hearing from you. I can have the article ready within two weeks of your response.
Thank you,
Emily Duque
P.O Box 624
Pearsall, TX 78061
Query Letter For Travel Article
11/16/2009
Nancy Novogrod, Editor-in-ChiefTravel + Leisure
1120 Avenue of the Americas, 10th FloorNew York, NY 10036
Dear Ms. Novogrod,
I would like to propose and article submission to Travel + Leisure, on one of the many things that make San Antonio great, and that is the missions. This summer I was given the opportunity to get a taste of the San Antonio culture. Many people do not know about this hidden gem, mainly because if you aren’t looking for it, you wouldn’t even know it was there! So the lead to my article would go something like this
As I sat at a red light lost on San José Drive, fanning myself because the air conditioner could not keep up with the 100+ degree heat, I looked to my left and saw a sign that read: San Antonio Mission National Historical Park 3 miles. Curious about something basically in the middle of no where, I turned left and proceeded down the road towards the Missions.
The article would be about 1250 words, and give your readers a taste of San Antonio culture and history that they may not have known existed. I will also supply an array of pictures. The Alamo isn’t the only thing that makes this city great, & I will prove it.
I very much look forward to hearing from you. I can have the article ready within two weeks of your response.
Thank you,
Emily Duque
P.O Box 624
Pearsall, TX 78061
Nancy Novogrod, Editor-in-ChiefTravel + Leisure
1120 Avenue of the Americas, 10th FloorNew York, NY 10036
Dear Ms. Novogrod,
I would like to propose and article submission to Travel + Leisure, on one of the many things that make San Antonio great, and that is the missions. This summer I was given the opportunity to get a taste of the San Antonio culture. Many people do not know about this hidden gem, mainly because if you aren’t looking for it, you wouldn’t even know it was there! So the lead to my article would go something like this
As I sat at a red light lost on San José Drive, fanning myself because the air conditioner could not keep up with the 100+ degree heat, I looked to my left and saw a sign that read: San Antonio Mission National Historical Park 3 miles. Curious about something basically in the middle of no where, I turned left and proceeded down the road towards the Missions.
The article would be about 1250 words, and give your readers a taste of San Antonio culture and history that they may not have known existed. I will also supply an array of pictures. The Alamo isn’t the only thing that makes this city great, & I will prove it.
I very much look forward to hearing from you. I can have the article ready within two weeks of your response.
Thank you,
Emily Duque
P.O Box 624
Pearsall, TX 78061
Monday, October 19, 2009
October Group Lead
Poverty, starvation, and homelessness; these are three of the nation’s biggest problems. Britney Spears, Kanye West, and Jennifer Aniston; these are three names that everyone in America knows, no matter who or where you are. The difference in the two very different subjects is the fact that the nation focuses on the second more than the first.
Chistine's Query
10/18/2009
Christine Le, Editor
Preface
One Camino Santa Maria
San Antonio, TX 78228
Dear Ms. Le,
I would like to propose a World News Section to your magazine. The lead would go something like this:
Poverty, starvation, and homelessness; these are three of the nation’s biggest problems. Britney Spears, Kanye West, and Jennifer Aniston; these are three names that everyone in America knows, no matter who or where you are. The difference in the two very different subjects is the fact that the nation focuses on the second more than the first.
I would like to offer to Preface a different kind of celebrity article. I think this would be an article that most of your readers would be very interested in. The purpose is to educate the readers on something other than celebrities. I would provide pictures, and a college student’s take on things. The article would be tailored to fit into your “World News” section and would be 300-400 words.
I very much look forward to hearing from you. I can have the article ready within two weeks of your response.
Thank you,
Emily Duque
P.O Box 624
Pearsall, TX 78061
Christine Le, Editor
Preface
One Camino Santa Maria
San Antonio, TX 78228
Dear Ms. Le,
I would like to propose a World News Section to your magazine. The lead would go something like this:
Poverty, starvation, and homelessness; these are three of the nation’s biggest problems. Britney Spears, Kanye West, and Jennifer Aniston; these are three names that everyone in America knows, no matter who or where you are. The difference in the two very different subjects is the fact that the nation focuses on the second more than the first.
I would like to offer to Preface a different kind of celebrity article. I think this would be an article that most of your readers would be very interested in. The purpose is to educate the readers on something other than celebrities. I would provide pictures, and a college student’s take on things. The article would be tailored to fit into your “World News” section and would be 300-400 words.
I very much look forward to hearing from you. I can have the article ready within two weeks of your response.
Thank you,
Emily Duque
P.O Box 624
Pearsall, TX 78061
Monday, October 5, 2009
Finished Article
Poverty, starvation, and homelessness; these are three of the nation’s biggest problems. Britney Spears, Kanye West, and Jennifer Aniston; these are three names that everyone in America knows, no matter who or where you are. The difference in the two very different subjects is the fact that the nation focuses on the second more than the first.
Monday morning, day after Video Music Awards. “Oh my god, did you hear about Kanye West and Taylor Swift?” A reply from somewhere across the way. “No, what happened?” My head is ringing with immature freshman babble as I make my way through the café, pondering a quick fix for breakfast. As I fight my way through the crowd to snatch a booth seat close to the window, I over hear another pointless conversation. “Beyonce’s dress sucked last night!” “I know right, it could have been a different color or something.” Disgusted, I throw my half eaten cereal bowl away, and set out to class. With my head, still ringing.
It is just so ridiculous the way we pine over celebrities, and what they are doing. Shouldn’t we as Americans know what [else] is going on in the world?
Right now, as we speak the war is being fought in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, etc. People are losing lives everyday in the name of religion, and in the fight for our country. And what is it that we are focused on; what Kanye West did at the Video Music Awards to Taylor Swift. Seriously…am I the only one who is seeing the bigger picture here? Instead of fighting hunger, we are fighting over a Hannah Montana concert ticket.
After saying that the Sudan region is no longer at war, the UN Commander announced that the militia government fighting broke out again in Darfur on September 21, 2009.
The free healthcare program for all Americans as promised by Obama and his administration, is in shambles.
New Orleans is STILL being rebuilt due to Hurricane Katrina, many are still left homeless.
Carbon cutting measures are being taken to curb global warming. The United States and China have stepped up to fighting climate change.
These are not even half of the things plaguing our nation at this very moment in time. Should we know about them all? No. Should we care about them all? Yes. We should care about the Planet and its many issues because it and always changing everyday.
All I’m saying is there are bigger issues going on in the world that is affecting all of our lives that we should concern us more than what Beyonce wore to the VMA's.
What we have to do is get educated on these things so we are aware!
Monday morning, day after Video Music Awards. “Oh my god, did you hear about Kanye West and Taylor Swift?” A reply from somewhere across the way. “No, what happened?” My head is ringing with immature freshman babble as I make my way through the café, pondering a quick fix for breakfast. As I fight my way through the crowd to snatch a booth seat close to the window, I over hear another pointless conversation. “Beyonce’s dress sucked last night!” “I know right, it could have been a different color or something.” Disgusted, I throw my half eaten cereal bowl away, and set out to class. With my head, still ringing.
It is just so ridiculous the way we pine over celebrities, and what they are doing. Shouldn’t we as Americans know what [else] is going on in the world?
Right now, as we speak the war is being fought in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, etc. People are losing lives everyday in the name of religion, and in the fight for our country. And what is it that we are focused on; what Kanye West did at the Video Music Awards to Taylor Swift. Seriously…am I the only one who is seeing the bigger picture here? Instead of fighting hunger, we are fighting over a Hannah Montana concert ticket.
After saying that the Sudan region is no longer at war, the UN Commander announced that the militia government fighting broke out again in Darfur on September 21, 2009.
The free healthcare program for all Americans as promised by Obama and his administration, is in shambles.
New Orleans is STILL being rebuilt due to Hurricane Katrina, many are still left homeless.
Carbon cutting measures are being taken to curb global warming. The United States and China have stepped up to fighting climate change.
These are not even half of the things plaguing our nation at this very moment in time. Should we know about them all? No. Should we care about them all? Yes. We should care about the Planet and its many issues because it and always changing everyday.
All I’m saying is there are bigger issues going on in the world that is affecting all of our lives that we should concern us more than what Beyonce wore to the VMA's.
What we have to do is get educated on these things so we are aware!
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