Spring break can be a time to think about giving back.
Dear Students,
Yesterday was Explore UT, the biggest open house in the state of Texas. It is a celebration of all the spectacular ideas and talents of the University of Texas and an opportunity to share this special place with the 25 million people in the state who make it possible. I hope many of you participated, either through your student organizations, your departments, or just as an observer. It is a great opportunity to share some of the jewels on this campus, such as touring the replica of the Oval Office that is in the presidential library for former President Lyndon Johnson, or the collections of the Texas Memorial Museum, or taking a walking tour of the campus with docents. Many of our departments and student organizations showed off their wares at tables, lectures, and presentations along Speedway. Whether by pitching in or by just attending for our own curiosity and enjoyment, your participation was part of a greater goal sharing the excitement of this campus with the citizens of the state. You and I share a privilege to work and study at UT that many do not enjoy; together, we are stewards of one of the state's most significant investments in its future.
Spring break is coming up, and I will submit to you another opportunity to give a little back to the people who brought you here. Many of you will be going home over the break. Pay a visit to an old teacher. Let them know about the opportunities you are taking on each day and how their work with you years back helped get you to the place you're at now. If possible, offer to meet with one of their classes. Chances are, students there are debating right now about choices of college or university. Even beyond talking up UT, your visit will be a big help to a high schooler who can ask you lots of questions about college life, being successful, or choosing your major and career. Think of this as a small act of "paying forward" the many gifts you've received to come this far.
Best wishes for a restful and happy spring break,
Sacha Kopp
Associate Dean,
College of Natural Sciences
PS: Some items of note:
Health Professions Fair: Wed. March 6 10am-2:30pm in the Texas Union Ballroom. This is your opportunity to meet and talk with admissions representatives from practically every health professions school in the state and many from across the country. Business Casual attire is required.
Scholarships: The College of Natural Sciences provides numerous scholarships recognizing student excellence at all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior). The online application is here: https://www.utexas.edu/cns/scholap. The deadline is April 15, 2013. Please contact Adrianne Chacon at adrianne.chacon@cns.utexas.edu with questions.
ScienceWatch Online: The College and the UT Libraries join together to bring you a streaming broadcast of a conference on science communications. March 7 at 5:30pm in PAI 4.42. Food will be served. Learn about science communications, outreach, educating the public, and the complexities of the internet. For more information, see this link.
Comments