As the leaves start to change and the excitement of a new academic year fills the air, E4Texas has been buzzing with activity! With the Fall Semester in full swing at The University of Texas at Austin, our 13 students in the 2024-25 cohort are juggling classes, career certifications, volunteering, and community events. It’s a whirlwind of learning and growth!
Diving into UT Coursework
A cornerstone of the E4Texas experience is engaging with the vibrant academic offerings at UT. Each student is required to enroll in at least one UT class this fall, and the variety is truly impressive! From Intro to Western Music to Cultural Anthropology and Contemporary Moral Problems, there’s something for everyone.
During the first week, our students met with their professors to outline goals for their audit classes, challenging themselves both academically and socially. They’re now diving into weekly classes and discussion sections, and many have already tackled their first exams or major assignments. To help them stay on track, students meet every Monday in small groups with E4Texas staff to discuss assignments, readings, and time management strategies.
Giving Back Through Volunteering
Fridays at E4Texas are all about giving back! Each student takes on the responsibility of finding and applying for volunteer opportunities that support individuals with disabilities in our community.
Some are making a difference with On the Moov, a program designed to assist disabled students in navigating campus life. Others are volunteering at the Lorraine “Grandma” Camacho Activity Center, providing outdoor recreation and cultural art programs for youth and adults in Austin.
Our students are also lending their hands to organizations like Meals on Wheels, Lifelong Learning with Friends, and Special Olympics, truly embodying the spirit of community service and mentorship.
Balancing Social Life and Studies
Even with their busy schedules, our students know how to have fun! From concerts at the Butler School of Music to thrilling UT football and soccer games, the social scene is vibrant. They’ve also enjoyed free film screenings and participated in outings like the ADAPT voter registration event, promoting disability voting rights.
For those looking to meet like-minded friends, there are clubs galore! Whether it’s the Anime Club, pick-up basketball at Gregory Gym, or adapted blazer tag and rock climbing in the Austin area, there’s always something happening.
Stay Connected with E4Texas
With so much going on, it’s an exciting time to be part of E4Texas! We’ll be sharing more updates in our newsletter and blog posts, so be sure to follow us on Instagram @E4Texas to keep up with all the incredible things our students are doing!
Here’s to a fantastic fall semester filled with learning, service, and unforgettable experiences!