Programs allow for cultural expansion
by Tiffany Davis, south news editor

     Cultural performances, field trips to four-year colleges and universities, academic support and counseling services are only a few of the many opportunities offered to South Campus students by two programs.

     The Students Targeting and Reaching Success (STARS) program and the African American Student Organization (AASO) both offer a variety of services to students.

     A student support service, STARS is funded by Trio, a group of federally funded programs that seek to provide an increase in educational opportunities for a certain population of students, according to information from the Web site.

     “Interested currently enrolled TCC students must first fill out an application. An eligible applicant should be currently enrolled or at least enrolled as a part-time student for the next academic term,” Katheryn Omarkhail, tutor coordinator, said.

     “A student must be a first generation college student, have a documented disability or meet the low income requirement by the U.S. Department of Education,” she explained.

     Applicants should be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or meet the requirements for federal financial aid.

     The STARS program at TCC works with other campus support services to provide participants additional academic support

     “We offer scholastic advisement and peer mentoring. We assist with individual/group tutoring, supplemental instruction, workshops and visits to four-year institutions in Texas,” Omarkhail said.

     “Here at the STARS program, we provide some cultural activities such as attending Bass Hall in Fort Worth or the Myerson Symphony in Dallas. We also visit historical museums such as Dallas Museum of Art and Houston Museum of Art,” she said.

     “The STARS program reaches out to the students. The members’ needs are fulfilled to the best of our ability, and they usually leave the office with a sense of confidence from the services that have been rendered to them,” Lyra Wynn, senior office assistant, said.

     “I am thankful for the STARS program. If it was not for the program, I wouldn’t have received all the information about the different universities,” Lavonna Jefferson, STARS member, said.

     Recently, STARS teamed with AASO for a field trip to Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University.

     “The trip to Prairie View was interesting because it not only taught us about the transition into a university, but about the history of the university as well,” Jefferson said.

     “Word of mouth is one thing, but actually seeing it [the college] and being able to ask questions directly to the staff and get your answer for yourself is rewarding. This service has helped me clearly decide what university would be best for me,” she said.

     “Each participant in STARS will meet individually with the STARS academic advisor, tutor coordinator or director,” Raphael Turner, academic advisor, said.

     “They will assist you with your academic goals. If your goal is to transfer to a four-year university, then the transfer component will assist you with the admission process,” Turner said.

     “We can assist you in devising a plan for your career goals and to cope with other challenges you may be facing as a college student,” he said.

     According to Brandon Reed, STARS member, “Raphael Turner is easy to talk to, and you never have to wait in line in the STARS office. STARS teaches leadership skills and provides insight on college issues and life situations.”

     AASO, like the STARS program, is designed to aid students.

     AASO provides students a forum for expressing their views and receiving information that will assist with accomplishing their goals.

     According to Annie Dobbins, South Campus counselor and founding sponsor of AASO, “Meetings are held every Monday at 12:30 p.m. in the Forum Room, SUB.

     “Meetings will consist of leadership development, academic support, guest speakers, discussions, problem-solving activities, community outreach and career guidance,” she said.

     “AASO members have attended leadership conferences, such as Annual Minority Leadership Conference at the University of Texas at Dallas, where they learn about developing and sharing enhanced leadership skills,” Dobbins said.

     Delorey Hill, AASO member, said, “I first learned of AASO from the students around the campus. However, I am pleased to have joined because it has given me the opportunity to meet other African American students on campus that face some of the same challenges in life as myself. AASO has helped me employ a deeper insight on my heritage and culture. It has also given me the chance to visit colleges that, otherwise, I might not have had the chance to visit.”

     “AASO meetings are open to everyone regardless of race. The focus is to instill knowledge, unity and power,” Dobbins said.

     For more information on AASO, contact Annie Dobbins 817-515-4745 or attend a meeting any Monday at 12:30 p.m.

     For more information on STARS, call 817-515-4260 or stop by SUB 202 on South Campus.