Members of the Texas State University panel of speakers who addressed Lehman High School students at the New Arrival Center include (far left) Dr. Octavio Pimentel, TSU biology major Carla Galvan (front, arm crossed), Dr. Jesus Jimenez (third from left), Dr. Sergio M. Martinez (center, jacket), and Melissa Jasso (center, right, scarf). The panelists mixed with their audience following the presentation, answering questions about their experiences. (Photo by Jim Cullen)
by JENNIFER HERNANDEZ
Special to the Hays Free Press
On a recent school day, the Lehman High School new Arrival Center and ESOL I and ESOL II (English Speakers of Other Languages) students had the opportunity to host guest speakers from Texas State University. They included instructors from the English, Spanish and Engineering departments, along with one of the university’s current biology students.
The presenters included Dr. Octavio Pimentel, Associate Professor of English, Dr. Jesus Jimenez, Assistant Professor of Engineering, Dr. Sergio M. Martinez, Associate Professor of Spanish, Melissa Jasso, Spanish lecturer, and biology major Carla Galvan. They presented information about college life, goal setting, Texas State’s Engineering Department, and information about their life as a second language learner.
Student interest peaked at different points throughout the session as they made funny – and emotional – connections to the life of each presenter. As students were winding down the week before a vacation, the session was a motivational reminder of how important learning the English language can be for their future.
