LSC-Tomball RSO and Student Spotlight
Recognize and learn about dedicated Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and students on campus that make a difference within the LSC-Tomball community. While the RSO and Student Spotlights are awarded by the office of LSC-Tomball Student Life, the nominations are submitted by students. The heart behind the Spotlight is to recognize clubs and students whose work and presence are making a positive impact on campus.
RSO Spotlight
LSC-Tomball’s RSO TRIO Elite is a consistent member of the campus community that oversees and maintains TRIO’s events and projects. These officers’ leadership impacts the guidance and support provided to TRIO’s first generation and low-income students.
Current TRIO Elite officers include Aaliyah Mendoza, Alexis Gonzalez, Ivory Aguilar, Jo Moreno, Kaden Rodriguez, Preston Rogue, and Vicky Doan, who collaboratively draw TRIO’s vision to reality.
“Each of us have our own individual strengths and weaknesses. We’re able to grow and learn from one another, and the things we create does not only serve TRIO Elite; it serves all TRIO,” stated Rogue.
When TRIO Elite hosts successful events, their passion and sincerity are infectious. Officers in TRIO Elite help craft experiences that leave students informed and recognized.
Rogue spoke about an event that TRIO Elite provided students the opportunity to get familiar with TRIO, where participants painted pet rocks that represented themselves. “No two rocks were the same. To see our partners create them and have it fit their personality reinstated that they are seen. It’s a way for TRIO to show we care about y’all.”
TRIO Elite is unanimous in their dedication to host environments where students from all backgrounds feel included.
“It is important to make space for everyone, I think that is what TRIO is all about,” claimed Moreno.
Each TRIO Elite officer must first be a member of TRIO, and show their determination throughout the program, which allows students to foster a sense of self.
“TRIO became a big resource for me to start branching out of my comfort zone and become more of who I truly am instead of hiding in my shell,” said Rodriguez.
“TRIO allows students to be themselves and strive for greatness.”
With every meeting adjourned the Elite officers take another step towards their true potential as they continue to grow. Their personal development impacts themselves but can also be seen sending ripples throughout the community.
“Through Elite I have grown as a leader, it has given me more direction figuring out what I want to do. It helped me navigate my sense of leadership I couldn’t see on my own,” said Mendoza.
Every member shared stories of fulfillment each recollecting on the person they used to be compared to how they evolved.
“I will endlessly be grateful for the opportunities that I have gotten here, being able to understand myself in depth. I apricate the space I’ve been given to understand myself in that capacity,” reflected Moreno.
TRIO Elite agreed their anthem is, “A Sky full of Stars” by Cold Play. “When you’re in TRIO, you’re amongst the stars. Everybody here is one of a kind, there is no star that’s the same.”
Student Spotlight
Andrea Castro-Mapula, president and co-founder of LSC-Tomball’s Discussion Club (DC) and Phi Theta Kappa’s College Project co-chair, speaks with vigor in her leadership positions as strength is laced in her words.
“I used to be not good at guiding, I was more into following, but now I am the one who takes the initiative,” Castro noted during a reflection of her first semester at LSC-Tomball.
Castro’s dream to create a space of her own to unleash thoughts over impactful topics such as morality, philosophy, and societal issues brought DC to life.
“Whoever comes to the DC meetings: if they’re having fun, if they like the conversation, or if they left thinking about something we said that’s great. That motivates me to keep going.”
Although tremendous dedication goes into preparing a successful club, Castro would have it no other way. Each task presented shaped Castro into the leader she is today.
“Being president comes with a lot of responsibilities; it is very rewarding but also a lot of work. My team and I have to come up with discussion topics, organize meetings, and research topics so we don’t discuss something we know nothing about.”
A woman of action, Castro has guided other students into crafting their own clubs dedicated to their passions. “Get involved, don’t go to your class and leave. Try to find something that resonates with you, and if there is not a thing you feel you can be involved with, create that thing.”
“That is an opportunity you can take advantage of. You meet friends, you make memories, and you meet yourself.”
The Discussion Club enriches student experience. “This is a different way of interacting with your friends, you’re together in something collaborative. You are making an impact, as small as it may seem, it truly made me feel like I belonged to the community.”
Castro is currently looking for members to hold DC positions to ensure the club’s success after her graduation.
“Launching DC is one of the things I am most proud of. It’s not only something for myself but it’s offered to the whole campus. It means a lot to me that I can bring something for other people to feel involved with.”