The Collegian Online

Students from the School of Education’s Curriculum and Instruction Department had a successful book fair Oct. 23-26. Their sales in books topped last year’s two book sales combined.

Winners of the seven doors prizes were: Evelyn Esparza, $35 Sunrise Mall gift certificate; Maria Trevino, $35 Target gift certificate; Cindy Cho, Barrera free eye exam; Laura Belmares and David Tregs, two months free at Curves; Gaurango Banerjee, a basket of cookbooks; and Monica Peña, an MP3 player.

The Curriculum and Instruction students want to thank all who visited and bought books.

I wish to express my most sincere congratulations to Irma Eugene Pacheco for another outstanding theatrical production of “Ropa Usada.”

Our very own talented actors shined under her acclaimed direction. Additionally, I wish to thank the Dean of Students Office for its unconditional support.

We do hope more productions of this caliber continue to flourish on our campus for our enlightenment and enjoyment.

Thelma González-Sullivan
Coordinator, International/Multicultural Student Services

Every year across the United States, citizens are asked to take a few minutes out of their daily lives to do what is considered a birthright, the right to vote.

Voting is one of many important duties a U.S. citizen can perform. In addition to having the right to vote we are able to vote early. With early voting available at the university, this gives students the opportunity to vote with ease. On Oct. 23, I did just that at Mary Rose Cardenas Hall North, just 16 days prior to Election Day on Nov. 7.

Students make up a large amount of the voting pie and in recent years have become a target market for candidates running for office. Unfortunately, the lack of interest among students creates a gap between what students and our elected officials want. Young Americans’ primary issue is that the government is corrupt, that politicians could care less about students needs and believe their vote won’t make a difference.

I disagree. By not voting, we allow corruption to take place. We need to get the facts, learn what the issues are, know what the candidates’ platforms are, and watch the debates on TV or at the universities. It is the lack of awareness and involvement that makes the government fail us. Students would much rather vote on their next American Idol, music video on MTV, or even for our Bougainvillea king and queen than on our next governor, president, or any other political leaders.

Although about 10,000 students registered to vote, only 348 voted in last March’s primary election. As a concerned citizen and fellow student, I am asking each and every one of you to cast your vote to increase our voter turnout and let our elected officials know that we will no longer ignore them. Next time you go out and vote, hopefully it will be to vote for your future. I know I did.