Trying to find a place where you fit in can be daunting, but Texas A&M’s size and diversity in population prove there’s a place for everyone. Kenya is a Junior Recreation Park and Tourism Sciences major. Kenya, tell us how you found your home in Aggieland.
Thank you, Alex. Howdy y’all. As a first generation college student, applying for colleges was an extreme challenge, and I spent the majority of my time worrying about leaving my family behind, but when I came to Texas A&M, I found a home away from home, and over time I grew and discovered more about myself. Starting my freshman year, I was blown away by the welcoming environment and friendly Aggies. I immediately knew that Texas A&M was where I belonged. Growing up in South Texas, or rather known as the Valley and coming from a predominantly Mexican area, my culture, family, and heritage have an extreme importance and significance to me. During my second semester of college, I came across Balley Folkorico Celestial, a Mexican dance group on campus. This organization has helped me connect, represent, and express my beautiful Mexican heritage. I met the most amazing people who shared that same love for our culture, and some were even from the Valley. We perform at school events, local communities, and strive to cherrish Texas A&M’s hidden treasure. We are affiliated with the Department of Multicultural Services, which helps Aggies from all walks of life find their place and promotes inclusive culture on campus. This year, Texas A&M officially became a Hispanic serving institution. This past September, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime performing on stage with Pierce Deville, a famous Mexican alternative rock band. Representing my culture, organization and university was an absolute honor, and showed me exactly what it means to be an Aggie. Wearing the beautiful dresses and performing with so much pride gives me a feelings that words can’t explain. My experience at Texas A&M has shaped me into the person that I am today, and has given me so many amazing opportunities that I would never imagine were possible. Back to you, Alex.
Kenya, thank you for sharing your passion for Balley Folkorico! Texas A&M is recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, meaning a large portion of its student body identifies as Hispanic. In fact, A&M ranks within the top 10 in most enrolled students identifying as Hispanic, Latinx. Thanks again, Kenya.
Let’s meet Jacob, a senior business honor student who is here to tell us about his Aggie ring. More than 520,000 former students make up the Aggie network, and these Aggies are spread out all over the world. Students say when you see someone wearing an Aggie ring, you know you met someone with shared experiences and values. Go for it, Jacob.
Thank you and howdy y’all. Texas A&M is filled with a rich and vibrant culture, it is phenomenal. You’ll never find a university that has so many traditions and connections between people. One of my favorite Aggie traditions is Ring Day. Unlike any other university, nearly every student at Texas A&M will buy their class ring and wear that ring for life. The ring serves as an indication of trust and always starts a conversation. I’ve created friendships with Aggies in California, South America, and even the Middle East because I know that when I see an Aggie ring, I can trust whoever’s wearing it. I bet you didn’t know that A&M has a branch campus in Doha, Qatar, our Aggie culture is so welcoming that a fellow student invited me to go live with him and his family in Doha, Qatar for a week without even knowing me prior to asking. It’s stories like these that represent the welcoming atmosphere, even though the university is so massive. Growing up, football was always important to me, so when it’s finally time for game day here, it is incredible to be immersed in the experience with a 100,000 other fans. On game day’s campus and the surrounding community focused all of their attention on Kyle Field. Standing throughout the entire football game is a student section and watching the Yell Leaders who keep us pumped throughout the game, we create one of the most intimidating atmospheres in all of college football. From Midnight Yell on Friday nights to kick off and singing the war hymn, it is so much fun to know that I’m a part of something way bigger than myself. Texas A&M has molded my characters and values along with giving me a phenomenal degree in business honors. Because of this, I’m confident that any Aggie will be successful in whatever they choose to do. After graduating, I’ll be moving to Los Angeles, California to work a corporate job while also pursuing my passion of acting. Brother Alex, it’s back to you.
Jacob, how cool is it that your time in Aggieland took you across the world to Doha because of the connections you made right here? Thanks for sharing and thanks for elaborating on some of the other amazing traditions at Texas A&M.
Texas A&M tries to ease the transition to college for every student by offering many different support systems. Lindsay, a junior studying biomedical sciences and Spanish is taking advantage a few of these resources during her time in Aggieland. Lindsay, talk to us about how you felt supported here.
Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. The thought of attending Texas A&M University as a first-generation college student was a dream come true as it represented so much hard work from both myself and my family. However, it came with a lot of pressure of trying to ensure I was doing everything correctly, as well as understanding the unwritten rules of college. Thanks to the academic support provided during my freshman year to help navigate college, I can now give back to the amazing faculty that allowed me to embrace with being first gen is. I now help mentor for the Ruth First Generation Center where I cofacilitate a class of first generation students and I’ll provide them with all the resources on campus. We build a sense of belonging to ensure their success, not only through their first year, but throughout their entire academic journey at A&M. This is all possible thanks to the Office for Students Success created in 2019 to help retain more students and increase graduation rates. Some of their programs include academic advising, the Ruth First Gen Center, and the Transfer Student Program. I’m actually studying biomedical sciences because their academic staff was so welcoming and so knowledgeable about the program. I want to go into healthcare because I have such a passion for helping others and I feel like the same spirit is reflected in so many others at Texas A&M. No matter what you end up doing, know that there will always be someone on campus to help you. If it weren’t for their special programming, I would’ve never achieved the dream of receiving my Aggie ring, as well as receiving a competitive advantage for my career. That’s all for me, now back to you, Alex.
Thank you, Lindsay. Resources like the Ruth First Gen Center, the Veteran Resource and Support Center, and the Department of Multicultural Services are here to help Aggies get from their first day to their Aggie ring day, to graduation and beyond.
Texas A&M prides itself on its unique traditions. A few of these center around Aggie athletics. Kenner is a student athlete on the Aggie tennis team, one of the 20 NCAA varsity sports, and he’s studying business and finance. He’ll coach us through some of the exciting traditions dating back to the early 1900s. Kenner, the ball is in your court.
Thanks Alex, and howdy everyone. From the moment I stepped on campus and put on the maroon and white for the very first time, I felt honored to continue the legacy of excellence carried by so many athletes before me. Since I was 10 years old, I always felt like I belonged here. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline in the locker room before a big match or the excitement as you’re standing next to some of your best friends and teammates before the national anthem. My biggest draw as a student and as an athlete is the traditions at Aggieland. I’ll never forget the first time I walked into Kyle Field for midnight Yell. Midnight Yell is a tradition where Aggie’s gather the night before a home game for songs and fables. Seeing this made me realize every time I compete in, I had one of the largest student bodies in the nation behind me. Another name for the student body, “The 12th Man” with 11 players on the football field, all Aggies in the crowd will stand through the duration of an entire game showing their support as the 12th man ready to fill in for a player at any time. As an athlete here, you’re provided with everything you need to succeed. Here at A&M, we have some of the best training facilities, coaching staff, and nutrition centers in the nation. It’s honestly hard to beat being an athlete here at Texas A&M. Balancing my schoolwork with practice, competition and everything else that comes with being a student athlete is tough, but I honestly wouldn’t change any of it. As I put on my Aggie ring every morning, I get opportunities to represent the university both on and off the tennis court, I realize how truly special a place like A&M is. I hope to see your next home match, Alex, thanks and gig ’em.
Thanks, Kenner. Aggieland seems like a fun place to be a student athlete with phenomenal training facilities, excellent staff and loyal fans. The 12th Man tradition dates back a 100 years and it’s amazing to see a tradition continue to live on in its current and former Aggies. That was great.
Texas A&M knows that its students might have interests that spam beyond their career field. Reham is about to graduate with her degree in industrial distribution and has passions beyond just that. Organizations and different student services equip students to explore these passions outside of their degree plans. Tell us more, Reham.
Thank you, Alex. Howdy. I’m gonna miss saying that when I graduate. Growing up, I moved around a lot. I spent my childhood traveling overseas due to my dad’s job in the oil business, which gave me my love for engineering. As a kid, I used to do soccer camps at Texas A&M University, and I knew I always wanted to be an Aggie. Being here was a huge culture shift for me. Now as a senior, I’m so grateful to be here. Back in my home country, in Egypt, there would be a crowd full of students at each lab station. At A&M, it’s very hands-on and personal. It’s so crazy to think how far I’ve come. Being a first generation student opened up so many doors for my future. I’ve made connections between my academic interests, studying industrial distribution, a combination of business and STEM, and my love for entrepreneurship with the McFerrin Center. The Texas A&M University McFerrin Center of Entrepreneurship offers many organizations and lecture series like Entrepreneurs Exposed, where Aggie entrepreneurs answer questions about business creation and processes with current students. They also offer events that we can attend to see alumni who started their own businesses. Whatever major you choose, you won’t just learn about it at Texas A&M University, you can explore interests outside your field of study that inspire you to pursue passions. Pairing our Aggie core values and the invaluable professional skills I’m learning, I feel prepared for my career after graduation. I wake up every day wanting to be my best version of myself. Like the McFerrin Center motto states, “We are what we think, therefore think excellence.” That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
Thank you, Reham. It’s so interesting that you were able to pursue business and engineering during your time at Texas A&M. I love the McFerrin Center motto, “We are what we think, therefore think excellence.” Feel like a lot of Aggies practice that philosophy.
With more than 1100 on-campus student organizations, every student at Texas A&M has the opportunity to find their community. Isaiah is a junior double majoring in business and finance. He took steps to connect with other Aggies by joining a few clubs. Student organizations are founded on career interests, hobbies, service initiatives, cultural ties, social connections, and much more. Isaiah, please take it away.
Thanks Alex, and howdy y’all. When I was first choosing a college, I knew that Texas A&M was a great university academically, but it wasn’t until I got here in the fall that I really saw how this huge school could have such a strong community with a rich culture. Once I found which student organizations on campus were right for me, I was able to push myself outta my comfort zone to meet people and make friends. At A&M, there were 20 freshman leadership organizations where first year students can instantly find a community and develop skills that will prepare them for the rest of college and their career. I’ve also been heavily involved in the business honors community, and through that I’ve gotten the opportunity to go to different conferences and case competitions around the country. Innovation and creativity are encouraged students here, and even some of my good friends have started their own COVID-19 task force where they provided pro bono consulting services for small businesses reeling from the pandemic. In so many parts of Texas A&M’s culture, you see our core value of selfless service coming through. One huge way that we show that is by giving back to the community each year through The Big Event. Big Event is the largest one day student run community service project in the country. On a Saturday in March, you’ll see tens of thousands of students get together and paint houses, plant trees, build decks, or simply lend a hand to local residents. Projects like this have shown me what being an Ag is all about. Texas A&M has certainly got a place for everyone. I’ve been able to get plugged in and personally develop a ton throughout my time in college, all while building relationships that’ll last a lifetime. Back to you, Alex.
Thank you, Isaiah. It sounds like you’ve really found your people. This was the 40th anniversary of The Big Event, and other schools across the country have adopted it as well. Aggies really like to create things that make a positive impact on society and their communities. Thanks again.
Some students struggle with the expectations and workload of college coursework. Texas A&M wants to help students with these challenges. London is a senior studying biomedical sciences, creative studies and performance studies. London’s gonna elaborate on some of the resources she leaned on for freshman year. Go for it London.
Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Howdy. In my first year, I realized how challenging it can be to adjust to college level coursework from high school. I leaned on all of the academic support services Texas A&M has to offer you. My first year wasn’t what I expected and it wasn’t easy. I remember going to classes on my first day of college, I remember taking my first exam. It felt like there was a spotlight on me and my pencil. I was experiencing test anxiety. I had never experienced this in my life. I had to take acts of courage and step out and look for help. I learned that Texas A&M has resources to help me. First, I learned that counseling and psychological services offers test anxiety workshops. They provide templates and tell you about tools that are available. Second, the Academic Success Center helped me develop study techniques and habits that help me thrive in classes. Third, the disability resources here at Texas A&M are extensive, their office helped me find note takers for classes and accommodate my learning needs. For me, I found success through workshops in meeting one-on-one with my professors and in defining my learning style. I didn’t realize you can meet one-on-one with the Academic Success Center and visit about how to accomplish all of your academic goals for each week. This helped me discover my learning style, helped me go through a change of major and little did I know one day I would become a teaching assistant for an infectious disease course. I am so thankful for all the academic support services Texas A&M has offered me, because it has helped me earn my Aggie ring and continue my Aggie journey. Thanks and gig ’em.
Thank you for sharing your story, London. It’s wonderful that you found the support you needed to be successful and happy. Most of the campus resources for A&M students, including counseling and psychological services and the Academic Success Center are centrally located to be convenient for students. That was great, thanks a lot.
Lauren is a senior sports management major. During her time in Aggieland, she’s grown to love the Bryan and College station community. Bryan and College Station are two cities that function as one community, home to about 200,000 people. Lauren, show us around town.
Hi everyone, and thanks Alex. Only two weeks before the start of my freshman year, I spontaneously decided to come to Texas A&M. The kicker though, I had never stepped foot on campus, nor had I ever been to Bryan College Station, Texas, but what I found when I arrived is that the location is full of treasure to discover with so much to offer college students, whether you’re having a picnic at Lake Bryan in springtime, driving through Aggieland Safari on a fall day, visiting Santa’s Wonderland in December, or simply enjoying a meal at one of college station’s mini restaurants after class, there is always a new adventure to be had. Located about a 100 miles outside of both Austin and Houston, College Station has established its own distinctive homey community, but is still close enough to Texas’s major metropolitan cities for a weekend to get away. As a Texas A&M student, I love spending my mornings in Aggie Park next to Kyle Field. Tailgating concerts and ring day traditions take place here, which are great experiences to share with friends and family. After classes, I head across the street to Century Square to visit shops and restaurants. My recommendation is a crepe from Sweet Paris Cafe, and you can trust me, I recommended it to my parents who now insist on going every time they come to visit. The Bryan College Station area is the prime example of the perfect college shop. It continues to grow and thrive, which is owed to the Texas A&M community that enriches the culture of this cherish city. Thank you for letting me share this special location with you guys. Back to you, Alex.
Thanks, Lauren. Bryan and College Station are a great place for students to explore between classes. How convenient is it to be within a two hour drive from Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio? You can spend your weekends exploring eclectic downtown Bryan, attending a professional sporting event, or singing along at ACL. That was great, thanks again.
Texas A&M is a tier one research institution with state-of-the-art resources and world renowned faculty. Something unique to Texas A&M is their undergraduate research opportunities for students. Harrison, a senior from San Antonio, Texas has experienced this firsthand. He’s studying industrial and systems engineering, engineering project management, safety engineering, and applied ethical leadership. His research is helping create a safer world. Take it away, Harrison.
Thank you, Alex. Howdy. Entering college, I made it my mission to improve transportation safety. I had recently lost a high school classmate to a car accident and I didn’t want anyone else to go through a similar experience. Undergraduate research at Texas A&M empowered me to make steps towards creating safer roads for everyone. My research mainly focuses on driver emotional states, such as road rage, which can have severe consequences on the road. Developing an experiment to test methods of lowering emotional states was a long and challenging process filled with a lot of multidisciplinary learning and work between my lab and professional research institutions. But each challenge brought my research team closer to finding answers. I’m glad I got involved early with research at Texas A&M, it can be as simple as reaching out to your favorite professor. I’m also working to aid in the development of the next generation of aerospace safety instruments melding my academic knowledge with my personal experiences as a pilot. Over four years, I’ve learned a wide variety of skills such as physiological testing and programming for virtual reality, skills which have already landed me consecutive internships and yield promising prospects for my future career in the many realms of safety. But research at Texas A&M goes far beyond the field of safety or even STEM focuses. Over $1 billion in annual research funding contributes to advancements in social sciences, multicultural studies, business, public policy, as well as leading research, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Regardless of what you choose to pursue at Texas A&M, you have the opportunity to be on the cutting edge with undergraduate research, so give yourself the challenge of developing the future as an Aggie researcher. Thanks Alex, back to you.
Harrison, thanks for giving us a sneak peek at the research you are doing. As Harrison said, there are research opportunities for students on campus regardless of their major and classification. Imagine what you could discover with the guidance of acclaimed professors and elite resources, including two Nobel Prize winners. Absolutely incredible.
Sima is a sophomore majoring in biomedical engineering and she’s gonna tell us about some of the best spots in Aggieland. Texas A&M is a massive campus, 5,200 acres big enough big enough to accommodate a large student body, plus the faculty and staff that supports the university. Sima, we can’t wait, will you tell us more?
Thanks Alex. Howdy everybody. When I first came to Texas A&M, I did not expect to fall in love with the campus as much as I did. This 5,200 acre college campus has stunning landscapes with something for everyone. One of my favorites is The Gardens, a live classroom and laboratory setting for students and visitors alike showcasing various horticulture disciplines to connect with the outdoors. It is the perfect place for busy students to study . The gardens also connect main campus to the George H.W Bush Presidential Library, the 41st President’s final resting place. This library is a museum that preserves and displays the records of the president’s life. Although not an Aggie himself, president Bush fell in love with the spirit of Aggieland. When touring, I walk through all exhibits of President Bush’s life, from childhood until retirement. Pushing library and archives has exclusive collections from historical artifacts and primary sources, to the “Game of Thrones” sword collection. There’s even an on-campus ice cream parlor. What more could you ask for? The beauty of Texas A&M’s campus contributes to a sense of community and belonging. These attractions allow for students to always have new places to discover on campus. This provides me with various environments to study, mingle and exercise, which positively impacts my academics and social life. I hope to continue exploring campus and growing my connection to my university. Texas A&M is not just a place I go to class, it is somewhere I call home. That’s all for me. Alex, back to you.
Sima, thanks for identifying those great spaces across campus. There’s so much to explore here and so many amenities that students can utilize and enjoy. I’m personally enjoying the ice cream shop in the middle of Aggie Park. Just make sure when you’re on campus to swing by and ask for extra sprinkles.