Kimberly Rivera
Editor-In-Chief
A Texas A&M University-San Antonio bilingual education major was killed in a tragic shooting at her home Monday, March 6.
University administration notified faculty, staff, and students announcing the death of Joyce Cassandra Medina on March 7. Medina was a College of Education and Human Development undergraduate student majoring in bilingual education. She was an active member of the Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO).
Medina aspired to be a bilingual teacher and planned on starting the Field Residency Pre-Service Teacher Program. She joined BESO at the beginning of last spring semester.
“She was always smiling and laughing,” said Monica Cortes, BESO president.
Classmates remember Medina as a positive person who always kept the organization motivated.
“During Fall Fest, we were all stressed out, but she kept her smile,” said Crystal Moya, BESO vice president.
“We are in shock,” said Dr. Myriam Guerra, faculty adviser for BESO. “It’s a very difficult time, but I’m sure the BESO family will honor her life and her time at TAMUSA.”
BESO will present Cassandra Medina’s family with a zarape, a traditional mexican textile for graduates representing cultura, identidad, y orgullo, or culture, identity, and pride.
“The zarape represents who we are and where we come from,” Cortes said.
BESO members will honor Medina at a candlelight vigil on 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. March 22 at the Healing Garden outside the Patriots’ Casa at One University Way.
Student Government President Erick de Luna provided a statement on behalf of the student body.
“It’s always the hardest when we lose a Jaguar. SGA sends their condolences to the family and friends of Joyce Medina,” De Luna said.
SGA and Alumni Affairs are collaborating to create a memorial, tentatively scheduled for April 21, to honor deceased students who were a part of the A&M-San Antonio community.
A GoFundMe site for funeral expenses filled quickly with anecdotes and well wishes for the family of Medina.
“Your laughter and beautiful smiles were contagious! It was impossible not to fall in love with your soul, ” Lana Marie Franceschini, former co-worker, said.
The staff in the Office of Counseling and Wellness will be available for any student who desires grief counseling, and can be contacted at (210) 784-1331. Employees may contact the Employee Assistance Program provider, Deer Oaks, for counseling referrals at http://www.deeroaks.com or by calling 866-EAP-2400.
Funeral arrangements for Medina are listed below.
Visitation
Today: Friday, March 10th 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Puente & Sons Funeral Chapels
3520 S. Flores
San Antonio, TX 78204
Rosary
Tomorrow: Friday, March 10th 6:30 p.m.
Puente & Sons Funeral Chapels
3520 S. Flores
San Antonio, TX 78204
Chapel Service
Saturday, March 11th at 3 p.m.
Puente & Sons Funeral Chapels
3520 S. Flores
San Antonio, TX 78204
Obituary: http://www.puenteandsons.com/obituaries/Joyce-Cassandra-Medina?obId=1408590#/obituaryInfo
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