Growing up, my sister and I always questioned what we would do with our lives after we graduated from High School. We didn’t have an interest in anything except making money, and we also did not have any experience or connections for any fields of study we were looking at, since all the women in our life studied in the medical field to become a nurse, dentist assistant, etc. If someone asked I or my sister what we wanted to be when we grew up, we would say “I want to be a doctor.” It wasn’t my cup of tea to see blood or insides, so we had to search for our passion. Since I was young, our parents encouraged us to participate in STEM, tech, and sports. Even though we were successful in all of them, we never explored the activity on a personal level. During the summer of 2019, our parents signed me and my sister up for the Glenn Miller Ag Conservation Camp, which we didn’t want to attend because watching TV and relaxing all day was comfortable, but our parents had different plans.
The following month we were sent to camp and the instructors taught students about fish anatomy, water habitat, fishing, and conservation principles and more. The amount of opportunities I saw fascinated both of us, and it was the first activity that caught our attention. In the end, we felt like we were experts with our knowledge and skills. Attending camp made us realize that caring for the environment, protecting our earth, and educating others on how to have the same experience as we did was our passion and drive to do more. During the past four years, we have served as junior camp counselors at Glenn Miller Ag Conservation Camp. We both realized that just attending a camp wasn’t enough; we wanted to be more involved. Attending this camp was the foundation for my journey with Texas Brigades.
Texas Brigades is a nonprofit just like Glenn Miller, with the mission to educate and empower adolescents with leadership skills and knowledge in wildlife, fisheries, and land stewardship to become conservation ambassadors for a sustained natural resource legacy.
Texas Brigades host eight camps across Texas and teach about wildlife and natural resources. During the five-day camp, we have been taught various principles of wildlife habitat and land management to leadership and public speaking.
For the past two years, we’ve attended different camps and participated as an assistant leader at North Buckskin, Costal, and Bobwhite Brigades. To become an assistant leader, we were required to complete a BOA (Book of Accomplishments), which includes a series of events cadets have completed after the camp to return the following year and have a chance to receive an Assistant Leader position and college scholarships. Some of the events we either hosted, created, or attended would be the Texas Brigade anniversary events, beach cleanup days, or hosting our own workshop where we presented to the community at the Glenn Miller Conservation camp of 2022. Whatever the activity may be, you can always get something good like connections with ranch owners and professionals in agriculture who could be potential job opportunities in the future.
We absolutely loved attending the camp and have found our passion for conservation for marine and land wildlife. My sister has decided to pursue environmental science next year when she starts college, and I am interested in the field of Environmental Studies and Land Management. I would love to share my experience and tell others how the Glenn Miller Camp and Texas Brigades are a wonderful opportunity to take the next step into your career. Since then, we’ve met wonderful people passionate about wildlife conservation and developed excellent connections with people who can advance us in our interests. Nevertheless, we still want to learn more about the conservation world that awaits us.
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.