Students mobilize for Haiti

The devastating earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti has stirred major news coverage over the past two weeks.

The 7.3-magnitude earthquake days ago left the city in a state of shock and chaos, and the 6.1-magnitude aftershock that just occurred only continues to hamper relief efforts.

Images of the hurt and wounded, narratives from survivors, and reports on the news have helped everyone see the true catastrophe that this earthquake has caused.

Recent numbers show the initial 7.0 magnitude earthquake has claimed over 200,000 lives.

With the death toll rising, families left homeless, supplies and funds dwindling, many Americans have begun to extend their helping hand to aid the impoverished nation.

Texas A&M International University's Student Government Association (SGA) is joining the ranks, rallying students, its mission: to bring awareness to this cause by raising funds, and gathering supplies for the victims.

"It's human nature for one to feel a sense of compassion. Upon hearing about this travesty, I was completely astonished. Every member of SGA felt the way I felt, " said Christine Cortez, SGA President, "As a student from Texas A&M INTERNATIONAL University, I almost feel as though it's our duty and responsibility even more so because of our name."

The awareness campaign will focus on helping by means already used often by students, texting for the cause. As many may already be aware, The American Red Cross is accepting donations in the form of text messages. Students can text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the International Response Fund. The money will go directly to relief efforts in Haiti, addressing issues such as feeding and sheltering Haiti survivors.

SGA will also be placing buckets at major locations around campus to collect funds starting Friday, Jan. 22. Senate members stress that no donation is too small. These funds will be given on behalf of TAMIU SGA to quick relief organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and The American Red Cross.

For those living on campus, SGA will be visiting your doorstep soon, collecting everything from clothes to spare change. "We plan to go door to door Tuesday, Feb. 2 to collect donations for the Haiti disaster relief," said Mark Garner, Student Government COAS Senator, "I'm excited about the prospects of it all."The state that this small country is in has sent an immediate SOS to every country, every billionaire, every average individual, including students.

"Mostly, all I can do is pray," said TAMIU junior David Chapa. "I'm praying for the victims and the survivors, and raising awareness on such a horrible event." But, many students like David express they would like to do more to help out. "I think doing social work in Haiti would be a very rewarding experience, definitely one of a lifetime."

TAMIU graduate student, Sergio Ramirez, said that the news of the earthquake left him completely speechless. Sergio confessed, "I didn't quite know how to react. I guess it just leaves you thinking that tragedy can strike at any moment, at any time." Recently having returned from Africa, Ramirez explains that he saw a lot of poverty and destruction. He heard the news of the earthquake on his return trip to Laredo. "The earthquake helped me see that poverty and tragedy can exist pretty much anywhere in the world," stated Sergio.

Celebrities and movie stars have also lent their support and organized telethons and fundraisers to help with relief efforts. America's favorite bachelor, George Clooney, has used his status quo to round up a number of celebrities to donate money. Major sport corporations, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL all donated money from their huge piggy banks to help those who survived this terrible event.