Political science freshman Yamileth Uribe learned about different Spring Break safety precautions and student organizations during “Party Safe! Party Smart!”
“I think that this event is a great opportunity because we can be aware of different organizations throughout UTRGV,” Uribe said during Monday’s event on the Brownsville campus. “They advised me tips to take on Spring Break. For example, do not drink and drive, do not accept someone else’s drink and be aware of your surroundings.
“I hope UTRGV keeps promoting healthy tips and I also want them to showcase the organizations on campus so freshman students, like me, know where and how to get involved.”
More than 30 students attended the Brownsville event hosted by the UTRGV Superhero Project on the Student Union lawn.
On the Edinburg campus, a similar event took place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Student Union.
The Campus Programming Board is an organization that provides a sense of belonging, cultural activities and school spirit through a variety of campus events including “Party Safe! Party Smart!”
Xochitl Estrada, culture committee chair for the Campus Programming Board, mentioned some advice for students who are going to South Padre Island during Spring Break.
“Be safe, have a designated driver, don’t drink anything that someone gives you, always go with a group, never stay with someone you don’t know and call 911 if you see a problem,” Estrada said.
Besides the Campus Programming Board, representatives from about nine organizations and departments, including UTRGV Career Center, UTRGV Student Health Services, Military and Veteran Success Center, recruited and spoke to students about their organization.
“Throughout Spring Break, since you are not going to have classes, it is a great opportunity to start with your résumé; whenever your résumé is ready, you can always email it to us,” said Mariana Davila, a student assistant at the Career Center. “We will work during Spring Break, so we will be able to respond to you throughout that week.”
The UTRGV Career Center provides assistance to undergraduates, graduate students and alumni who seek help in formulating and implementing career plans. It is located in Cortez Hall 129 on the Brownsville campus and Student Services Building 2.101 in Edinburg.
To contact the Career Center, email careercenter@utrgv.edu or call 882-5627 in Brownsville and 665-2243 in Edinburg.
UTRGV Health Services Clinics offers general medical care for students as well as women’s wellness and screening for sexually transmitted diseases.
“We are with the clinic and we advocate, inform and do outreach for students so they can go to the clinic,” said Rosa Fortuna, a volunteer at UTRGV Health Services. “We tell people that the consultations are free.”
The department now offers Pap smears, as well as free pregnancy and HIV testing in Brownsville.
For more information about the clinic, call 882-3896 in Brownsville and 665-2511 in Edinburg.
The Superhero Project, a program under the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, is a universitywide initiative to promote the idea that students have the power to prevent high-risk behavior and harm, according to the UTRGV website.
April Garcia, a peer educator at the Superhero Project, said the program advises students how to be active bystanders at the university.
“So, if you see a couple fighting on campus, or you know someone who is depressed or suicidal, there is things that you can do to be an active bystander at the university,” Garcia said.
For more information on the Superhero Project, call 882-5141 in Brownsville and 665-5375 in Edinburg.
