UT Arlington: The Maverick Homecoming Experience

Every year UT Arlington has a homecoming game to celebrate and cheer on the Mavericks men's basketball team. This year’s game was extremely exciting because not only was it going to be my second basketball game but it was my last homecoming game as an undergraduate. UT Arlington celebrates homecoming by hosting events like The Distinguished Alumni Awards, The Step Show, The Bash, The Chili Cook off, Street Festival, Pep Rally, just to name a few. In addition to these events UT Arlington hosts other events to ensure that their students and attending alumni get a chance to show their “Maverick Pride”

School Spirit

UT Arlington Homecoming 2014, College Park Center

At UT Arlington to have “Maverick Pride” is more than just being a student of faculty member. It is supporting athletic events, wearing UT Arlington apparel and having a good time while you do it. Throughout the entire homecoming week students dress up in the orange and blue to show that we support of school and enjoy attending UT Arlington. I didn’t own a blue and orange shirt until I became a Maverick. To me UT Arlington is more than just a university because I have build value relationships, friendships and have shared in the “Maverick Pride” experience.

 The Experience

I spoke with several people leading up to the big Homecoming game against Houston Baptist because I wanted to see if others were just as excited as I was. Some said, “Yes I’m going I can’t wait.”While others showed very little excitement. I understood their logic that the men’s basketball team didn’t win last year which made them not want to go this year. Granted, they did indeed lose the homecoming game last year but I was willing to go and support the team. Whether or not they were going to win wasn’t a factor that was going to deter me from supporting my school. 

The Big Game

UT Arlington Homecoming Game, College Park Center 

When I woke up Saturday morning I found out that some events that I was looking forward to like the pep rally, street festival and parade had to be altered due to the extreme weather conditions. The pep rally and parade are crucial before the game because they prepare the players and audience for the game. I didn't think that it would have the same effect because it was moved inside but people still seemed to enjoy themselves. As I walked into the College Park Center there was such an excitement in the atmosphere.

Royal blue, orange and white colors were everywhere and if you didn't wear any of these colors you probably felt out of place. I was surrounded by all the UT Arlington student athletes and their energy added to my excitement.  The music was playing, neon blue and orange lights were flash as the announcer introduced the men’s basketball team. The crowd was so involved in singing the UT Arlington fight song and cheering on our men’s basketball team

Ultimately, the Mavericks men’s basketball team won by at least 20 points and I was very happy with the outcome. I look forward to coming back to the homecoming game and festivities as an alumnus. I am and will always be a UT Arlington Maverick. Mav up!

The Creative Arts Theatre & School in Arlington,Texas

Background

The Creative Arts Theatre & School (CATS) was started in the summer of 1978 under the direction Zachary and Kathey Ward who were both professional performers and educators at the time. Zachary and Kathey Ward started CATS with the desire to inspire and motivate youth who were interested in pursuing their passion for arts. This program provides more than just skills to pass an exam, it is a place where youth can discover their destiny. CATS is a non-profit organization that focuses on developing the potential of youth from diverse backgrounds through performing arts training and performance opportunities. Rather than a traditional classroom setting, CATS introduces a new dynamic way for youth to express themselves while learning.

Why CATS?

Think back to when you were in elementary or middle school. Did you enjoy your school? During this time parents made decisions for you. For many parents education is first and talents are secondary. When choosing a school for your child the curriculum is very important but sometimes the extracurricular activities are overlooked. Children not only need a strong educational foundation but also need to be stimulated in things such as theater. Often children that are in public schools aren't able to participate in things such as acting or theater unless it is within an after school program or in a private setting.

Let your child dream

Children like to dream. They dream about becoming the president of the United States of America, doctors, lawyers, actors and actress; they just like to dream. Dreaming is a great thing but your child's dream can actually come true one day with the help of CATS. For children that aren't from affluent background things such as taking acting classes or singing lessons may not be feasible. With the help of people like Heather Simmons, Executive Director of CATS, children don't have to feel restricted from doing what they enjoy while developing performance skills. CATS caters to but not limited to Arlington students who have the desire to excel in things such as ballet, music theater and dance; to name a few. With programs like this children are more likely to become excited about learning and in turn are more successful. Regardless of what your child has aspirations of becoming there are programs established to ensure there that goal is attainable.

What does your child aspire to be?

How are you helping him/her reach that goal?

My Experience:Mary McCleary's Work

Mary McCleary’s Biblical Collection 

Before I visited the UT Arlington art gallery last week I wasn’t familiar with the works of Mary McCleary. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I went to the gallery but I went in with an open mind. I remember walking in looking at the white walls filled with colorful paintings. I didn’t really stop and take the time to look at the details because I had to go to class but I remember thinking “this stuff looks cool.” It wasn’t until I went back later that week that I saw something so different. Granted the same paintings were there both times but my perception changed. I went in with the mindset that I wanted to learn all that I could about this particular artist. I found out that she had to read and study the Holy Bible so that she would be able to deliver a message to her audience.  She then had to take her time to modernize what she read and capture those moments. She started working on this collection in 1986 with various works like The Martyrdom of Stephen and Lazarus the Beggar, to name a few. The process was delayed because in addition to her studying the bible she was also a professor at Stephen F. Austin State University from 1975 to 2005. 

Another artist that was being featured was an abstract artist named Andrea Rosenberg. Although I enjoyed her work as well I couldn’t steer away from Mary McCleary’s work. I grew up in church so the fact that I could relate to her works on a personal level was amazing. She took biblical historical stories and turned them into visual remarkable art. Even if you aren’t knowledge in the stories in the Bible she gives you visual aids to help you understand. I look forward to seeing more of her work. 

Are you familiar with Mary McCleary and her work?

Art in Arlington

Mary McCleary. UT Arlington Art Exhibition on September 25,2014

My Art Experience

As a college student I sometimes go to the gym or take walks to clear my mind from all of the responsibilities that I have. So far I have saw results but I wanted to do something different today so I visited the art gallery. I have a great appreciation for art; whether it is music, literature, comedy or paintings. I am very drawn to art, although I can't draw at all! UT Arlington's Art Gallery opened last week so I decided to check it out.

Mary McCleary

When I walked in I immediately was impressed by the work of Mary McCleary. Mary is a contemporary artist and some of her pieces are based on stories from the Bible. I was told by the UT Arlington Art facilator that Mary began this collection in 1986. Mary had to read and study the Bible to get more perspective of what it was she wanted to capture. Her work is traditional but with a contemporary twist making it easier for the modern day person to relate.

Mary McCleary. UT Arlington Art Exhibition on September 25,2014

  Abraham sacrifices Issac

This particular portrait is based on the story of Abraham found in Genesis 22, when Abraham was about to sacrifice is own son but a angel came to stop him. Of all the pieces that I saw I was most interested in this one because it really "speaks" to me. I can relate to this story because I have heard it several times but to visually see it made me appreciate the Bible even more.

A personal touch 

In addition to the various spiritual factors that she has, she also captures her family within her work. I really enjoyed her work and look forward to seeing more of it in the near future.

Mary McCleary. UT Arlington Art Exhibition September 25,2014

How do you show your appreciation for art?

Music is beneficial

Upon viewing over my daily route I found that typically if I am not in class, work or in a business setting I am listening to music. Why is this? Well I love music but that isn't the sole reason why I am always tuned in. There is a certain serenity, energy and calmness that music brings me. When you think about it music is everywhere and in a lot of things. There is music in majority of commercials; it's in our cars, in the convenient store. If you haven't stopped to take a few minutes and think about the benefits of music let me give you a few reasons why you should.

 

Music in the Morning

I recently started a new career and I have to wake up around 5:45 am. I’ve never been the type of person that wakes up that early but now I have to. My alarm clock goes and there I am dragging to get out of bed. After a few minutes of listening to Pandora I am ready to take on the day because the music motivates me.The upbeat and inspiration stations remind me that I can handle anything that comes my way.

Music on your lunch break

After hours of either being in class or in the workplace you are most likely ready for a nap. With the help of upbeat music or classical whatever your genre preference may be, music can help energize you. Based on studies, it was been proved that music powerfully influences emotional ratings. 

Music before going to bed

photo courtesy of Casie D photography

I listen to music before I go to bed to help relax me. Usually I listen to gospel before bed. Gospel music helps keep me grounded after a tense day and it allows me to unwind. According to the American Music Therapy Association music can be therapeutic. It doesn’t matter what time of day you listen to music, what type of music you choose it can help you. Music can  restore you strength and help you relax. 

How has music helped you?