A Home for the Homeless

Texas Southern University students took a trip to a homeless shelter, “The Star of Hope”, to gain unknown knowledge and open minds towards homeless of Houston.

The Star of Hope is a ministry that offers wonderful services to those in need and looking for a change. Real people with real needs and real stories; being homeless and addiction follows as most backgrounds in some of these families.

There are three facilities Men’s Development Center, the Women and Family Emergency Shelter, and the Transitional Living Center for Women & Families are all shelters, in the downtown Houston area helping those in need.

The Star of Hope is dedicated to meet the necessities of homeless men, women, and their children in hopes of producing life changes that end with positive outcomes through programs which focus on spiritual growth, education, employment, life management and recovery from substance abuse.

Ted Johnson, Development Assistant of the Transitional Living center, served as a tour guide and shared detailed information about the shelter and his reason for the love of his job.

“Just being able to wake in the morning knowing that I’m helping someone, helps me to go through each day”, Johnson said.

The Star of Hope goes far beyond offering food and shelter for those members of society who have had some unfortunate setbacks, what these facilities offer are a way to rehabilitate and become a productive member of society.

Johnson discussed the various programs and requirements to be a member at the shelter, some of the programs include, a supportive environment, childcare facility, financial management, biblical counseling, also sobriety support.

“I feel like God chose me to be here, to help the people who come through these doors, we take pride in welcoming them into a supportive environment,” Tasha said, “we are genuine people and we work from our hearts”.

Tasha Lacy has been the computer instructor at the Star of Hope for over three years and says she wouldn’t trade her job for the world.

Some requirements for the shelter are being clean from substance abuse for a year, being able to follow rules given by the shelter and for each person to have a desire to improve their situation.

Being homeless is something unexpected for most and cannot be overcome without help. Either its personal or just knowing someone in the situation, Star of Hope offers programs and services to accommodate those needs by comforting, encouraging and showing great guidance.

While staying at the Star of Hope members are given the chance to learn skills that will prepare them for finding a job, or even attending college.

For those families who come with their children the Star of Hope has designed after school programs.

Day time instructor for children ages four to eleven gives her account of how working at the Star of Hope has changed her perspective on the education of homeless children.

“Before I began working with the Star of Hope children’s program I didn’t think much about the education of homeless children”, Sara Mclean said “but they need positive mentors who can encourage them to further their education, and that’s what keeps me coming in from day to day,” Mclean explained.

Being able to offer a second chance at life for the members of the Star of Hope is a goal that is carried out daily by the staff and volunteers of this ministry.

Their mission is to bring about positive life changes and encourage through spiritual growth, structured programs. And the moral of the center can be felt by anyone who entered those doors.

“I really enjoy volunteering, I feel inspired 2 help the homeless more and more each day that I come in and see a smile on at least on persons face,” said Ashlee Jones, a volunteer at the center. “I feel like every person should donate clothing, money, or their time to help Star of Hope help transition for their better good.”

This was an experience that allowed for TSU’s students to be open to a new perspective to value what they have.

“After this visit my views towards the homeless have changed a lot,” Ashlan Smith said, “this was not just a homeless shelter in my eyes this was a source of a giving a good deed.”

If you are anyone you know would be interested in giving to the Star of Hope any and all donations are welcome. You can give your time, your talent, or your treasure to help someone in need.

AKA Probate

Sixteen Texas Southern University female students officially became members of the Gamma Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha INC. sorority during their probate at the Sterling Life Student Center.

Several students crowded around the popular campus area known as the pit as each of the AKA pledges on line walked down the tiger walk singing I Wanted to be an AKA the traditional AKA pledge song.

As the pledges approach their spots, the president of the chapter, Noelle Sims, gave a definition of an AKA sorority woman.

“AkA is a service to all mankind and we are real big on community service and giving back to the community,” Sims said. “We also focus on womanhood how you carry yourself.”

The AKA pledges greeted all the sororities and fraternities by stating when and where they were founded, and the sororities and fraternities responded with the traditional Greek call.

The crowd cheered as the pledges unveiled themselves from the green scarves and sun glasses that withheld their identity until it was time to officially introduce themselves as sisters of the AKA sorority.

The pledges stepped forward one by one and stated their line name and number to the crowd of friends and family as a complimenting song played in the back ground.

“I am so very happy to see my daughter go through this process,” Tanielle Jackson said, “I am an AKA myself and so is my mother so the legacy continues to trickle down generation after generation, and we all know everybody wants to be an A-k-A.”

Officially sworn in as members of the AKA Gamma Psi Chapter sorority, several of the AKA sisters expressed how they were feeling.

“I have wanted to become an AKA since I was in middle school and this was one of the goals I wanted to achieve,” Ashlee Jones said. “I am blessed that I was chosen because there was 80 girls that were at the rush and only 16 were chosen,” Jones explained.

Senior Dior Gardner explains how significant pledging was for her as a graduating senior.

“It is a honor and a privilege to finally be a member of such a distinguished organization,” Dior said, “ I have waited a long time for this and to be able to add the pink and green sash as part of my graduation outfit means the world to me,” Gardner said.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. sorority was founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University. The organization now has more than 950 chapters worldwide, though are mostly prominent at historically black colleges and universities.

Brittaney Norflis Professional Resume

BRITTANEY NORFLIS
Email: BNorflis@gmail.com

Objective Seeking a position in Public Relations which will allow me to apply my administrative, communication and Organizational skills while providing superior customer service.

Education___________________________________________
Texas Southern University Houston, TX
Bachelor of Arts Expected Graduation August 2011
Mass Communication
Major- Journalism (Public Relations and Advertising)
Minor- Radio, Television, Film


Eastern Hill High School Fort Worth, Texas
Diploma: General Studies Graduate 2005

Awards _____________________________________________
Honor Roll Fall/Spring 2010
Texas Southern University

Professional
Experience_____________________________________________
Visual Merchandiser Costco Wholesale November 2009- Present

§ Verify incoming shipments of clothing
§ Set plan sheets for clothing section layout
§ Assist customers at time of checkout as cashier
§ Assist in membership sales and upgrades


Teller Manager Wells Fargo February 2009- December 2009

Store opening procedures which included opening and balancing the vault, ordering cash twice a week, verifying all incoming and outgoing shipments to Brinks, set the schedule for the week and lastly processing night deposits.
Perform monthly and daily task such as auditing tellers, set sales goals and assist in performance reviews, working a teller draw and processing consumer and commercial transactions.
Store closing procedures were to ensure all tellers balanced, all vaults are secured, print daily reports, close and secure the bank.

Personal Financial Representative Washington Mutual September 2008- December 2008

§ Open quality consumer and business accounts that are suitable to customers’ needs,
Assist Senior Personal Financial Rep on bringing new money to the institution
Work on the teller line assisting with referrals and cold calling

Retail Banker, Woodforest National Bank May 2006 – July 2008
Efficiently work a teller draw doing withdrawals, deposits, and commercial transactions
In addition work as a personal banker opening checking and savings accounts as well as CD’s and business accounts

Sales Associate, JCPenney November 2005 – May 2006
Assist customers in outfitting and coordinating, sale store products such as credit cards
Work at the cash register ringing customers and delivering great customer service with a smile

Cashier Sears April 2004- November 2005
Assist customer with purchase, work the cash register and ensure that area was presentable at all times
Assist floor manager in scheduling and processing shipping and receiving

Skills________________________________________________
Data Entry
Ten Key Touch Calculator
Windows XP
Micro Soft Excel

References____________________________________________
Available upon request

Current Event Quiz

1) Who does President Obama plan to nominate for Defense Secretary?
(CIA Director Leon Panetta)

2) Nine Americans were killed by a pilot. Where was the pilot from and how did he kill the Americans? ( Afgan pilot opened fire on U.S. forces)

3) There was a recent international bombing that put navy employees to work. Where was it and were there any victims? ( Bombing happened in Pakistan, two people were killed)

4) What state is now starting to accept Medicaid as part of the HMO plan?
(Florida)

5) Gahdafi’s forces have seized new territory, what area did they take over?
(the Dehiba border)

6) USDA approved a settlement for farmers, how much was the settlement?
($680 million)

7) Tornado’s flattened homes and caused several fatalities across a southern state, which state was recently hit and how many deaths? (Alabama, approximately 251 deaths)

8) Which company recently paid back over 7 million for government bailout?
( Chrysler)

9) Who did the TSU lady softball team defeat for the SWACC championship?
(grambling)

10) What movie topped box office charts this past weekend?
(Rio)

11) What was the Dow at any part during the day?
(12691)

12) Who did the Astros play recently? Did they win?
(Cardinals, the Astros lost)

13) Which two family members are not invited to the Royal Wedding?
(Kate’s uncle who was on drugs and cousin who is an exotic dancer)

14) What’s the latest update on google? ( they are deleting their video archive)

15) Which motor company reported its largest first quarter profit in 13 years? ( Ford)

How have these names faired in the news lately

· Jessica Alba- recently turned thirty
· Kathleen Turner- has a new Broadway play after eight years of recovering from drugs and alcohol.
· Katie Holmes - settled her lawsuit with the publishers of Star magazine over a cover story that insinuated she was a drug addict
· Kate Hudson is engaged to Matthew Bellamy, she announced Wednesday morning

I am Graduating Now What?

Three representatives from Comerica Bank visited the campus of Texas Southern University in a panel to give upcoming graduates a few tips and guidelines on how to transition into the adult life and how to handle all that comes along after graduation.

For lots of graduates it is time to step into another realm of life. Time to begin updating resumes, applying for a career and most dreadful paying back the student loans.

Now grads don't have to feel as if they are alone in this process. Comerica Bank knows how difficult this can be.

“Attending the seminar was very informative for me,” Shenai Limbrick said, “I know a lot of people who graduate and have their degrees but don’t know how to market them, this was very insightful.”

The seminar titled "I am graduating now what" was held in the student life center and touched on topics like how to efficiently update your resume, and financial guidelines for repaying student loans.

“I see a lot of recent graduates whose main focus is to get a job making a substantial amount of money, but don’t have a strategic plan to efficiently execute,” Brenda Johnson said, “So we at Comerica put together a plan to help graduates out.

There are five key points to getting to that dream job and having the life you have planned for after graduation.

1) Know what it is you really want. Although it is nice if you will tell an employer that you are willing to learn or do anything, most employers will interpret this as being desperate. Therefore, after your graduation, make sure you identify what you really want and focus on this.

(2) Your Experience. After graduation, experience such as one you have through internship, volunteering, co-ops or part time jobs is very important – this will prove that you have an experience in the field you have chosen.

(3) Be familiar with your special field. After graduation, you really need to study and know everything there is to know in that chosen field of yours as potential employers might ask you about it also study the company through visiting their websites, reading industry journals, attending their seminars and conferences, etc.

(4) Prepare a strong but factual resume. Market yourself by making an effective resume after graduation - style it according to the particular job or position you are pursuing; make certain that it looks just as good as when it is being read. There are plenty of websites that offer help, so check them out.

(5) Make certain you are able to support the claims made in your resume. Note that employers during interviews have already encountered all types of candidates including those who have lied or exaggerated their accomplishments and experiences. That is why employers are sometimes doubtful and that is why you need to support your claims effectively with detailed examples.

There are several other tips that are helpful to each individual situation. And if you have questions visit your local school advisor or someone close and remember each day is only one step away.

“I wish they would have seminars like this every year,” Danelle Jordan said, “It is good to see people who graduated from this university return back and give advice to start our careers.”

The Road to Success

Free lance writer, graphic artist, website developer, animator and editor of MovieHouston.com Eric Harrison shared his experiences of highs and lows of his quest for success with a group of student advanced reporters at Texas Southern University.

Harrison reflected over his career and the adjustments that it took to achieve the level of success he has today.

While Harrison has achieved many accolades and accomplished many things throughout his career, there was no story book beginning.

In high school Harrison considered himself to be an intelligent young man who had a lot of things going for him. Some may argue that he was a little overly confident.

“My teacher took me out of one of my advanced classes and placed me in a remedial course,” said Harrison as he recounts the story, “She said I was not applying myself and acted as if I was entitled and things should be given to me,” Harrison Said.

After high school Harrison attended the University of Texas in Austin. There, Harrison was one of the first interns to be selected for an internship at Austin American Statesman in a number of years.

Though he was dedicated to his field he did not get the job with Austin American Statesmen at the completion of his internship.

“Maybe I did not learn my lesson the first time in high school, because I did the exact same thing during college,” Harrison Said.

Looking back Harrison admits not getting the job after the internship may have been one of the best things that ever happen to him. “My attitude completely changed,” Harrison said.

It was at this point that Harrison realized the importance of making a lasting impression from your fist day on the job.

"You will be judged from day one, and how you perform in your first days on the job may determine your future," Harrison said.

Disappointed, but not defeated Harrison began his job search and was able to find a home in Fort Worth, Texas as a writer for the Star Telegram.

Upon arriving at the Star Telegram Harrison recognized one of their more distinguished writers, Lena Williams, and began to study her work.

"As a journalist I would identify the best writers at every newspaper where I worked and then learn from them at the same time that I competed with them," Harrison said. "You need to learn to recognize talent so that you can learn from it."

Harrison also emphasizes the importance of exceeding expectations and how going a step further can aid in enhancing your career.

"Exceed expectations," Harrison said, "do more than the minimum, just meeting expectations means you’re adequate and being merely adequate won’t help you get ahead in the job."

Harrison did just that. His first story at the Star Telegram was a piece about Valentine’s Day.

determined to do well, Harrison began to do in depth research on the history of Valentine's Day. In his story he mention facts that are usually left out about the origin of Valentine's Day.

The story was a success and allowed Harrison to gain popularity within the department.

“When I walked in that morning Lena Williams said there he is,” Harrison said, “and she and the editor applauded me for my fist story about Valentine’s Day.

Harrison had finally began to feel like he belonged, and his gift and skill were being put to good use. Harrison continued to work diligently in hopes of continuing on this road to success.

After three years as a metro reporter for the Star Telegram Harrison joined the staff of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

All the hard work paid off for Harrison. His second story was featured on the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Eric Harrison had begun to make his mark and let readers know who he was.

Harrison was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a movie critic when the L.A. Times offered him a position. In executing his duties as a critic Harrison was allowed the opportunity to visit film sets, sit in on editing sessions and interview a multitude of editors, producers, and artist.

"It does not matter how brilliant you think you are, nobody will recognize it unless you demonstrate it," Harrison said, "you demonstrate it through the quality of your work, you can’t be complacent."

All of these accomplishments would not have been achievable had it not been for the tenacity, and passion Harrison had for his field. Through hard work and dedication it is possible to achieve a level of professionalism that will carried throughout your career.

Captured Moments

What started as an iconic antiwar chant for demonstrators at a Democratic convention in 1968 now serves as the title of a collection of photographs reflecting the conditions during a movement in the civil rights era.

“The Whole World was Watching” is a collection of photos that capture each intricate moment of the protesters lives as they faced adversities in an attempt to advocate change.

Curator for the Menil Collection, Michelle White, explained just what the chant meant and the significance it holds.

“It was not just African Americans, it was the Feminist movement, it was everything happening at one time," White said, "and the chant the whole world was watching gave testament that the idea of change could no longer be ignored.”

Six Photographers Dan Budnik, Bruce Davidson, Leonard Freed, Danny Lyon, Bob Adelman and Elliot Erwitt all made a courageous decision to travel to the heart of the protest and expose to the rest of the world, through photos, what had been kept undisclosed for so long.

“These photographers were all putting themselves in extremely vulnerable situations,” White said.

Photographer Danny Lyon was a 20 year old student from Chicago at the time of the civil rights-era, but felt he was an agent for change. He was down for the cause and understood the impact his photos would have.

In a photo captured by Lyon is fellow photographer Clifford Voss. The black and white photo captivates the revulsion of the protesters as four Guardsmen hall Voss away from holding him by his hands and feet after he was accused of initiating a riot.

“The images were so critical, they were being distributed in newspapers and magazines in the north such as Times, so the people in the north could really see that the south was severally racially segregated,” White said.

In another photo by Bob Adelman protesters are being knocked off their feet as they are sprayed by police with water hose. A water hose at full capacity can remove the bark from a tree; one can only imagine what that much power could do to a human’s skin.

“Behind these photos are complicated and amazing stories,” White said, “we wanted to bring them out because we wanted people to know, we wanted people like classes, and schools, and scholars to come and look at the work and be inspired.”

It is White’s belief that museums play a vital role in the development of society as they present a perspective that insights a change of consciousness and allows people to see and view images in a different light.

The Menil Collection is home of approximately 36 photos for the Whole World was Watching exhibition and has joined with The Gregory School, an African-American archive, to host more photographs making it one exhibition in two locations.

“The Whole World was watching will be on exhibit through September 1, 2011.