Posted inCommunity, School Pride, Education

Kayla De Leon Shares Her Experience on touring Washington University

Marissa L. by Marissa L.

Sophomore, Kayla De Leon, was invited to tour Washington University at St. Louis this past summer by Harvard alumnus and Jimmy Carter principal. Kayla was one out of two students in the entire Early College High School  that got to tour and visit universities, and travel outside the state of Texas. She was chosen by the freshman Algebra I teacher, Ms. Queen Martin, a recent graduate from Harvard University and by Ms. Claudia Gomez-Perez, Jimmy Carter’s very own principal because of her involvement in UIL Math and academic history. 

The Washington University at St. Louis is a diverse private research university most noted for their sub-schools dedicated to Medicine, Business, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences and more. 

”It was pretty cool, I had never traveled outside of Texas before and on a plane so I saw many new places and it was very interesting,” Kayla said. 

Posted inSchool Pride, Education, Community

 Overcoming the challenges of the future

Yuliana Robles by Yuliana Robles

       Jimmy Carter Early College High School seniors talk about their struggles in taking college classes. They talk about their motivation, and how they can improve on negative perceptions; to finish their associate’s degree.

        High School students look at College as an essential way. Each of these students has a type of sentiment towards taking a big step that will change their future.

        Anahi Polanco, a senior, said, “having college classes are challenging” She fears of being unsuccessful, but what motivates her to keep going is her family and friends.

        The various students involved around the ECHS programs realize the obstacles they have to overcome, throughout time.

        Jasmine Alcala, a senior, said, ” The worst fear of having college classes is not to pass them. When I’m taking college classes, I don’t have time to spend with my family because I’m just stuck in your room doing homework. The only reason why I keep on going is that I want to make my family proud.”

Posted inSchool Pride, Education, Community

Making the choice on early colleges

Itza R. by Itza R.

The school year 2019-2020, Carter welcomed 376 students alongside three transfer students from other Early Colleges in La Joya ISD, for more opportunities and advantages.

Joshua Cordonnier and Frida Beltran transferred over from Thelma Salinas STEM, and Valeria Lucio, a former student, returned from La Joya Early College.

Lucio transferred because La Joya Early College was not giving her the attention she needed, and they did not focus on her graduation plan, but Cordonnier moved for more diverse classes and opportunities.

“Jimmy offers different classes that STEM doesn’t have like Criminal Justice and Speech,” said Cordonnier.

According to these students, their previous Early Colleges lacked class options and attention on the students, but both students have different views on the associate degrees available. 

Carter does not offer an associate degree for Joshua Cordonnier’s field of study, but it does for Valeria’s. Carter offers 5-degree plans, STEM provides five as well, and La Joya Early only has one available.

Posted inSchool Pride, Education, Community

The Missing Class Shirts

Jorge J. by Jorge J.

Junior class shirts continue their hiatus. At the end of the school year, the sophomore class was unable to complete their class shirt project and decided to resume the process at the beginning of this term. 

Last year, the student council was collecting money for class shirts which never materialized. The project went uncompleted due to the inability of the student council to agree on a design and place the shirt order. Council discussion settled on resuming the project in the 2019-2020 school year. However, refunds were offered to some students who approached the class sponsor and council members. 

Posted inEducation, Culture

Student Union: New School Year New Look

Kenia M by Kenia M

Carter student union unveils a new look at the onset of the school year. Due to concerns over the use of the common area, the administration, changes were made to the union. Claudia Gomez-Perez, principal, said the idea behind the shared space was for students to have access to a study area and collaborative workspace; however, space was used differently.

 “We had students that were leaving trash. Who were moving tables around,” said Gomez, “students not respecting their surroundings.”

Posted inCommunity, Staff Profile, School Pride, Profiles

Carter’s AVID Teacher Shares Story About Her Profession and Immigration

Abril M. by Abril M.

 “While I was flying over to America from the Philippines, I was discombobulated. At some point, I wanted to go back home, but I thought of all the sacrifices that led me to where I stand. I just closed my weary eyes and prayed for the best of what’s waiting for me in the ‘Land of Milk and Honey,'” said Bangsalud.

Fel Bangsalud shares her story about her professional achievement and the transition from her Philippine to American citizenship. Bangsalud serves as Jimmy Carter Early College High School’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) teacher.

“AVID is a class that helps to close the achievement gap by preparing students for college readiness and be successful in society,” she said.

Bangsalud arrived in the United States in August 2002, hoping to become more professionally accomplished and earn more money.  However, it took a lot of relinquishing from her part to successfully come to America. 

“It was an extensive wait for the processing of papers, and it was also expensive. My mother had to lend me her retirement money, which I would later pay once I was stable, and my husband had to sell one of his properties,” she stated. “My family was not with me for nine months since they had to wait for their visas. It was burdensome, but the challenging part was leaving my young children behind.”