June 2014 by The Special

The Special

June 2014

Texas A&M University - Commerce

Preparing Students Today for Success Tomorrow

The Special is an online magazine published by journalism students at Texas A&M University - Commerce.

Content and production are the responsibilities of the students. The Special is produced during the fall, spring and summer terms. Contact: The Special, Texas A&M University - Commerce, Box 4104, Commerce, Texas 75429.

Staff Bobbi Smith Morgan Gallant James LaJaunie Hunter Miche Aaron Hwang Fred Stewart, faculty adviser

Contents

Tommy Chalaire

University co-sponsored program - The Bill Ratliff Academy A look inside the Counseling Center

9 10

10 Tips for Success

Career Development Center

Dress for Success â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Career Closet

University Success Programs Open New Opportunities By James LaJaunie

ommy Chalaire is getting ready for a game. Twenty years ago, he might have been getting ready to coach a high school basketball or softball game but today, in his first year as Superintendent of Chisum Independent School District, he is prepping for the opening day of the little league baseball season, where he will coach his two oldest sons. “A lot has changed over the past 10-15 years,” Chalaire said. Born in McKinney, Texas in 1970, Chalaire said he spent his early years in Plano. Growing up with two brothers and a sister, he said there was always something to do, and he gravitated towards sports at an early age. “Some of my favorite memories from that time are playing baseball, and football with my brothers and friends in the empty field by our house,” Chalaire said. “Today, Collin Creek Mall is sitting on top of that field.” Chalaire said his family moved to the Paris area when he started junior high. He said he continued to pursue his love of sports, playing several varsity sports throughout his high school career. While he originally attended Roxton ISD schools after moving to the area, he said he ended up graduating from Paris High School in 1989. After graduating from Paris, Chalaire said he looked around at his options and decided to attend college at East Texas State University, now Texas A&M UniversityCommerce.

“I really liked the area, it was close to my family, and I liked the university,” Chalaire said. “From the minute I arrived, I felt like I fit in, I belonged.” Another benefit to attending East Texas State University, according to Chalaire, was the fact that he received a $1,500 per semester Leadership Scholarship after applying as a senior in high school. After applying, he said he had to undergo a rigorous interview process in front of a committee on campus. “I applied for the scholarship because $1,500 was a lot of money, and one of the stipulations of the scholarship was that I had to enroll in a freshman leadership class,” Chalaire said. “I thought the money was good, but being in a leadership class would help teach me important tools and skills to succeed in college. It was basically a class on how to be successful in college, and in life.” He said one of the prouder achievements of his college career was putting himself through school without any outside help. “I took advantage of grants, my scholarship,

and a job at the off-campus bookstore, which my uncle ran the entire time I was in school,” Chalaire said. “He didn’t give me any special treatment, but I was always assured of a job. I’m proud of the fact that I earned the money to put myself through school. That experience definitely taught me some great life lessons.” While he was attending school, he took advantage of several programs and opportunities designed to help students succeed. Chalaire said that the freshman leadership courses allowed him to develop a support system, and he continued to network with his friends and classmates that he met in the leadership classes. According to Chalaire, he also took advantage of the computer labs in the library, the English learning lab, math tutoring in Binnion Hall, and research help from the librarians. “All of the programs, the graduate assistants, the librarians, and the academic advisers were extremely helpful,” Chalaire said. Despite all of the academic support, he said if it wasn’t for some emotional

support from a close family member, he may not have made it to where he is today. “I was living in Hubble Hall, which is no longer there, as a freshman,” Chalaire said. “It was so old, it was basically falling down around us, we used to call it ‘Rubble Hubble’. I was feeling overwhelmed, and a little homesick. I called my grandma and told her I wanted to come home. She told me she loved me and missed me, but she wouldn’t let me quit. She said I needed to stay in school because if I quit, it would be one of those things you regret for a really long time. After that, I was committed.” Chalaire said he graduated with bachelor of science degree in political science in 1993. After graduating, he was immediately hired via emergency certification program by Chisum ISD to teach 8th grade geography and health. “I didn’t have my teaching degree so I was teaching during the day, and going to school and studying to get my teaching certificate the rest of the time.”

Chalaire said that that kind of sealed the deal. in July of 2004. One year during his first year teaching My former superintendent later, Chalaire said he was in the district, he was was actually the one promoted to fill the vacant presented the opportunity to that encouraged me to Chisum High School continue his love of sports pursue a career in school principal position. Even and begin coaching. administration.” though he enjoyed his job “That first year Pursuing his master as a principal, he decided to I coached football, of education degree in pursue a career as a school basketball, and baseball,” administration, Chalaire said district superintendent. he said “During my time he earned his degree from “I decided to go coaching, I coached every Texas A&M Universityback to the Bill Ratliff sport the district offered, Commerce through the Academy to pursue both boys and girls, except Bill Ratliff Academy at the my Superintendent’s for cross country.” Region 8 Education Service Certification because I He said some of Center. felt like I could make a his favorite coaching “Over the course of difference at that level.” moments involved serving two years I took classes Shorty after receiving as the head Lady Mustangs at night and during the his certification, he was basketball and softball summers at the Region named Chisum ISD coach, coaching the golf 8 headquarters in Mount assistant superintendent in and tennis teams, and Pleasant. July of 2007, a capacity in serving as which he served the defensive until last year. After “I couldn’t have done it without the coordinator being named as for the football support of the success programs, the the lone finalist team. staff, my family, and my friends.” for the position While he of superintendent loved teaching by the Chisum and coaching ISD School Board he said after getting married “It was the most last February, Chalaire and starting a family he and convenient option for me was named Chisum and my family, and it allowed Independent School District his wife Tricia, who teaches me to get my degree from at Chisum High School, Superintendent in July. decided going back to school a place I knew and was While he isn’t teaching comfortable with, Texas to get his master’s degree in the classroom or on the A&M-Commerce.” would be worth the effort. sidelines anymore, Chalaire After earning his “I think it was always said he hasn’t experienced master’s degree, he was my plan to go back to any extra free time. named as the Chisum High school,” he said. “When I School assistant principal got married and had kids,

After earning a bachelor of science degree in political science from East Texas State University in 1993, Chalaire earned his superintendent certification from the Bill Ratliff Academy, a joint education program between Texas A&M UniversityCommerce and the Region 8 Education Service Center in Mount Pleasant, Texas.

In addition to his duties as a superintendent, Chalaire said as a father to four boys, Grant, 14, Luke, 13, Case, 7, and Hayes, 4, he is kept busy making sure all the kids stay out of trouble and are where they need to be. “It seems like a never-ending task,” he said, “between getting all of them to school, baseball games, football games, basketball games, parties and other events, my wife and I stay busy almost constantly.” While he said he missed teaching and

coaching, he said he was enjoying his life and career as it stands today. He said when he isn’t busy chauffeuring his children around, he enjoys just spending time with his family. He now gets to attend school sponsored events as a parent and fan, something he said he might not have been able to do if he was still coaching and teaching. “Going back to school certainly opened up new opportunities and possibilities that I might not have had otherwise,” he said. Looking back, Chalaire said East Texas

State University would always be a special place for him. “I absolutely loved living on campus and attending school in Commerce,” Chalaire said. “I loved the college life and the atmosphere. I have got some great memories. I’m happy I could put myself through school and get a great education. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the success programs, the staff, my family, and my friends.” •

The Bill Ratliff Academy A university co-sponsored education program specializing in school administration and superintendent certification is making it easier for people to further their careers in the field of education.

hat is the Bill Ratliff Executive Academy? According to the Region 8 Education Center website, “The Bill Ratliff School Executive Academy is a State Board of Education approved superintendent preparation program sponsored by Texas A&M University - Commerce, Region 8 Education Service Center, and Region 8 Public School superintendents.” The Bill Ratliff School Executive Academy program was developed by Texas A&M University - Commerce, Region 8 Education Service Center, in concert with Region 8 public school superintendents. The program focuses on leadership, school law, school finance, school facilities, planning and conducting

board meetings, policy making, communicating with the public, school climate inventories, conflict management, sharing resources among community agencies, and the the role of the superintendent, according to the Academy’s website. The Bill Ratliff School Executive Academy is a program designed to help current professionals get their superintendent certifications, while also working towards graduate degrees in the field of education. The Academy is designed to work with attendees current schedules, providing class hours at nights, weekends, and summers. The program is taught by current professionals in

the field of school district leadership, including current or retired superintendents, assistant superintendents, attorneys, finance consultants, construction experts, foundation directors, Certified Public Accountants and Region 8 specialists. Upon graduating from the Bill Ratliff School Executive Academy, graduates will also have 12 hours of graduate credit to apply to a doctoral degree program from Texas A&M UniversityCommerce in addition to their superintendent certification, according to the official website. The program, which has been around for 11 years, has over 300 graduates with many of them serving as superintendents in Northeast Texas. •

The Counseling Center The Counseling Center is on campus to help students handle the issues they are going through. Issues among students can range from stress, academic difficulties, relationships with family and friends, and numerous other things that they may need help getting through. The Counseling Center’s mission is to support, encourage, teach and counsel university students as well as promote a healthy campus environment. They are there to help make students successful. They offer 10 different services that can help students with what they are going through. Services include: • • • • • • •

Academic Skills Assistance Assessment and Screening Consultation and Referral Crisis Intervention Educational Outreach Faculty and Staff Resources Group Counseling (Group Schedule) • Individual Counseling • Legal Advising • Relaxation and Biofeedback

Typical concerns for college students are issues with anxiety, stress or depression. Dealing with these issues can affect students academically, with work performance, lead to financial concerns, or impact personal and family relationships. While individuals cope successfully most of the time, there are times they can benefit from the expertise of the Counseling Center’s staff. There is confidentiality between the counselor and the student, and the counseling records are not included on students academic records.

To make an appointment or talk to a counselor, call 903-886-5145 or stop by their offices, located at the Halladay Student Services Building, Room 204.

10 TIPS

For Success

James Champion gives 10 ways to help someone become successful.

1. Teach them what you know. 2. Tell them about your mistakes. 3. Introduce them to people in your network that can help them. 4. Tell them the truth. 5. Encourage them to “know thyself.” 6. Help them get an education. 7. Empower them to make decisions - and allow them to make their own mistakes. 8. Tell them to believe in people. 9. Believe this: “That which is easy is rarely excellent.” 10. “Stick-ability” - or Perseverance - is the greater part of courage. 10

Career Development

VISION â&#x20AC;&#x153;Career Development will be known by students, faculty, staff, alumni and employers for providing opportunities and enhancing the professional skills necessary to develop confident, productive and successful citizens.â&#x20AC;?

Some of the resources include - the Career Closet, which provides an outfit to students in need of attire for things such as an interview or the attending of a career fair; InterviewStream, which allows students to perform online mock interviews where employers, recruiters and Career Development staff critique students in order to provide feedback; a Lion Job Shadow which is an annual event that allows students to network with mentors in fields which they are interested; business etiquette dinners, career fairs, job search and workshops as well as resume/cover letter consultations. 11

Hours: M - F/8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone: 903-886-5108

Director: Tina Boitnott (Tina.Boitnott@tamuc.edu)

www.tamuc.edu/careerdevelopment

Dress for sucess By Bobbi Smith Ashley Ortiz assistant director of Career Development at Texas A&M University-Commerce

he Career Development Office at Texas A&M University-Commerce offers assistance program to students who are in need of professional attire for events such as interviews and job fairs. This program began in the Spring of 2014 and is known as the Career Closet. Tina Boitnott, director of the Career Development office, says all of the clothing donations

they have received so far have been from faculty and staff members of A&M-Commerce. Boitnott says there has not been any advertisement of this closet due to lack of manpower, but hopes that will not be permanent. Enterprise Rent-A-Car and the Calico Cat have sponsored the Career Closet, funding them with things they need such as racks to hang the clothes on.

“Great idea in theory; as long as that’s what the clothes are being used for,” Gray said. A&M-Commerce is not the only university providing business attire for career advancement reasons. The University of Kansas, Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, Pittsburg State University and the University of Texas at San Antonio offer a program like this. Although A&M-Commerce currently does not have much manpower behind theirs, many of these other colleges have student organizations or citizens from the community in charge of the program. In the future, A&M-Commerce’s Boitnott hopes to have the same. According to a study by associate professor of psychology at Oregon State University, Frank Bernieri, Ph.D., it is within the first 10 seconds on meeting someone that an interviewer decides if he or she is right for the job, and believes that those who come across as polished and pulled together are more likely to

be hired. Commerce resident Josh Benson does not fully agree. “Though I believe that a small percentage of people can benefit from it, I personally don’t look for a handout, and that’s exactly what it is.” “Though I think the proper attire helps during an interview, it isn’t essential. Attitude, demeanor and other traits are what impress people to be hired, not a suit,” Benson added. Boitnott said that there has been about 15 students accept clothing from the Career Closet so far. Donations can be brought to the Student Access and Success Center in Room 181 Wednesday-Friday from 8 a.m.12 p.m. and from 1-5 p.m. Students who wish to schedule an appointment to receive an outfit need to schedule an appointment with the Career Development Center, and pickup is in Room 213 of Prairie Crossing.