TAMIU esports athletes recently motivated Trautmann Elementary students, challenging them to master their reading skills and become better video game players while discussing their experiences as peer gamers in a live stream broadcast to their classrooms.
During the event, members of TAMIU’s esports team spoke with students and discussed esports, the accelerated reading program and the importance of reading and writing skills. The Dustdevils described how those same skills could eventually translate into possible college admission and opportunities as a collegiate esports athlete.
University students attending the live stream included Valorant esports coach Joseph Caminita, League of Legends esports coach Celeste Herrera, Rocket League esports coach Ethan García and Call of Duty esports coach Eric Rodriguez.
Sammy The House was also present and among other things he asked questions to the athletes to learn more about them and how they started developing their skills in the world of video games.
While many assume that playing video games has no direct connection to a future job or career, Sammy the House explained that, in fact, many professions can make money while doing what they love.
One of TAMIU’s athletes is Ethan Garcia, who acts as Rocket League coordinator and coach. Also known as “Drip” on Twitch, the player stated that video games are a great tool for kids to learn.
“It’s exciting to take that stigma away and get a positive message across to kids,” he said. “Mostly, video games are portrayed as negative towards academics, but in reality, the opposite is the case.”
Garcia shared that he has an associate degree in engineering, for which video games have helped him navigate this path. They gave Garcia a boost to develop critical thinking, while helping to develop English skills and understand many factors of life.
However, Garcia argues that it is important for esports athletes to continue doing other activities, such as exercising.
“I also exercise, go outside and try to do more activities,” he said.
Celeste Herrera is one of the leaders of esports as she coaches League of Legends in college. Herrera is the only female esports athlete in college and she encouraged girls to play if they find a fun hobby or career in video games.
“There are a lot of players in the program and I’m the only girl,” said Herrera, or “Kylo R3n” on Twitch. “So I also wanted to let other girls know that this isn’t just for guys. Why not us too? We can do it too.
“Playing video games is a better way for children to remember what they are learning so they can understand what they are processing. So it’s a better way to understand it. In video games you have to read some things and you have to read to learn.”
Sylvana Casso, librarian at Trautman Elementary School, said the students are very excited to begin a new advanced reading year. However, another goal is to show students the opportunities to participate in educational opportunities such as esports.
“I was inspired by the interest of many students, because there is a new team at TAMIU,” said Casso. “It’s their first year. They have been very successful and are ranked nationwide. … It’s something the students need to know about the community, that the university has the opportunity for students to become an athlete of esports.”
We are so excited to introduce this to our younger students so that they can envision and achieve that goal of attending a university of their interest. They can participate and we really encourage them to read, get good grades and never be absent so they don’t miss an opportunity to participate in fun events like these educational opportunities.”
Casso said he is grateful to TAMIU for sharing these experiences with students and networking with them to promote higher education opportunities for students, including new disciplines such as esports.
“It’s the wave of the future,” Casso said. “They’re already playing at home, so why not give them the tools and resources to continue at a higher level.”
karol.garcia@lmtonline.com
0 Comments