Many students choose to attend Texas A&M because of a family connection to the university. However, 25% of aggies on campus are first generation college students. Javier is a mechanical engineering major from Mexico. He’s gonna talk to us about how A&M resources helped him find academic and personal success as a first generation college student.
Thanks Alex. Howdy everyone. As the first in my family to go to college, choosing a right place for my education was a decision I didn’t make lightly. I wanted wanted somewhere my voice would be heard and my studies would be both enriching and challenging. Texas A&M embodies these characteristics I desperately long for. First year student experience and success are some of Texas A&M’s priorities, ensuring all their first year students enroll in an introductory course called Hullabaloo U. Hullabaloo U is designed to help first year students achieve their goals, encourage a sense of belonging, learn about and utilize campus resources. I was able to be a part of a class with other first generation college students, which allowed me to connect with those from similar backgrounds to mine and discover a multitude of resources and opportunities throughout campus. My experience during Hullabaloo U was so enjoyable, I decided to become a peer mentor for the course as an upperclassman and help guide future freshmen as they begin their college education. As part of a rigorous academic experience, I was admitted to the university’s engineering honors program. This program challenged me in my courses by assigning me additional projects that expand on class material and topics, helping me better understand what I learned throughout the semester. I immersed myself in these organizations and found diverse opportunities to engage in academia, ultimately helping me obtain an internship this past summer with HEB, one of Texas largest grocery companies. Texas A&M has prepared me to be successful in and out of the classroom in manners I could have never expected. I plan on gaining more valuable workforce experience before graduation to be better prepared for the challenges that are yet to come after my time at Texas A&M. Thanks and gig ’em.
Thanks, Javier. It sounds like you’re getting a tailormade experience at A&M with resources like Hullabaloo U, the Math Learning Center, the LGBTQ plus Pride Center, and others across campus. Texas A&M is committed to ensuring every student is successful and has a meaningful college experience.
With more than 400 study abroad programs in 110 different countries, Texas A&M students can explore the world and receive college credit for it. Kaitlyn is a senior studying architecture, global arts, planning, design and construction. When she chose her hometown school, she had no idea her Aggie journey would take her abroad. Kaitlyn, tell us about your adventures.
Thanks for the intro, Alex. I was born and raised in college stations surrounded by the devoted culture and traditions of Aggieland along with the amazing community. Many of my family are also former students, what we call our alumni, which inspired my dream of becoming an Aggie too. Little did I know my Aggie experience would take me across the world. I studied sustainable architecture and urban development through a Texas A&M program in Bonn, Germany. I stayed with the host family, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the German culture. I traveled with faculty and other students for five weeks participating in many excursions, including to Marksburg Castle, the Cologne Cathedral, and several locations in Munich. We also went to the Netherlands where we learned about their water barrier systems, participated in a cycling tour and explored a rooftop exhibit showcasing sustainability. Overall, I traveled to five countries earned credit for courses relevant to my major and gained knowledge and sustainable practices, architecture and transportation that will stay with me forever. Before going abroad, I took a semester long study abroad preparation seminar. A&M advisors walked us through the study abroad timeline, telling us about program options, funding opportunities, and even the passport application process. They were there to guide me through each step and help determine what would be best for me. These new cultural perspectives allowed me to develop personally and professionally and inspire me to stay in Europe after my program ended to explore more sustainable communities. I know I’ll be able to use what I learned to benefit communities in my future career. I’m very thankful A&M gave me the push I needed to step outside of my comfort zone and study abroad. That’s all from me, back to you, Alex.
Thank you so much for telling us about your journey to Europe Kaitlyn. What an interesting way to learn about sustainable development and earn college credit. It sounds like you were set up for success with the way your advisors help prepare you for international travel.
Texas A&M offers multiple types of orientations for students. Here to tell us about her orientation experience is Zoe. Zoe is a sophomore studying forensic and investigative sciences, one of 45 degree programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which focuses on high impact learning experiences. Zoe, please take it away.
Thanks, Alex for that introduction. Howdy y’all? A&M is a welcoming environment, school spirit filled this tradition, a fantastic program for my major and an ROTC program that will prepare me to become an officer in the Air Force. A&A talks about traditional a lot, and we love to emphasize the fact that an Aggie’s first tradition is Fish Camp. Fish Camp is a three day, two night freshman orientation camp where incoming students can meet current students and learn all about the university traditions while developing friendships with their peers. Over those three days, I met my first friends in Aggieland. I went from knowing zero people to knowing over 150 people at camp. In Fish Camp, we offer presentations, funny skits, and group discussion time on traditions A&M has to offer. We also encourage friendships by giving the campers free time and throwing mixers. I had two discussion group leaders or mentors for all of my freshman year. These are people that I can wave at or say a hi to when I saw them on campus, and that made me wanna be that person for others. So in the spring, I decided to apply to be a Fish Camp counselor and got the job. Now, being on the other side of it as a counselor, I strive to give freshmen the resources they need to be successful. My counselors helped me navigate switching majors from something I thought I was supposed to go into to major that I’m actually passionate about. Now I can use my experience and help freshmen understand that they can do the same. I’ve met so many amazing people through this organization and I hope to be a part of it for as long as possible. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
Thank you Zoe. Texas A&M also offers Impact, a faith-based orientation venture camp for those who enjoy the outdoors or excel hosted by the Department of Multicultural Services. All Aggies are required to attend a new student conference, but these overnight camps are a fun way to make friends and learn more about Texas A&M.
At Texas A&M, more than 11,000 students live on campus. Kaiya is one of them. She’s a freshman engineering major from Houston, Texas. Living on campus, there’s plenty of amenities, like three campus recreation centers, a catch and release fishing lake, and even an artificial ski slope called “Mount Aggie.” Kaiya, walk us through living on campus.
What’s up, everyone? Choosing what college to attend is a major decision, that’s why I took my time to learn all about Texas A&M University before I decided that it was the perfect fit for me. I’ve always looked forward to being in an environment that pushed my academic goals, and Texas A&M has all the resources for me to achieve that. Living on campus surrounded by resources that can help me thrive in my classes and keep a healthy social life has been a significant part of my success here. I’ve made so many friends in Clement Hall. Studying together in the dorms and hanging out at the end of the day is the best part. With housing options, like living learning communities or apartment style housing, I found what I was looking for. I’m also close to so many on-campus dining options, including all you can eat at Sbisa Dining Hall, three Chick-fil-A’s and five Starbucks across campus where I love to grab coffee. Within a 15 minute walk from my dorm, I can find the student rec center, which has amazing facilities, like their 44 foot rock climbing wall and state-of-the-art gym. The Memorial Student Center, which has tons of meeting space for organizations and the campus living room called the Flag Room. In many of my academic buildings, being so close means it’s super easy to get involved on campus and stay active after class. I’ve learned how much of an advantage it is to live on campus, not only for my social wellbeing, but also by meeting my academic needs. I can only hope that having these resources in my reach proved to be beneficial as I continue my education here at A&M. Now back to you, Alex.
Kaiya, thank you for being our guide to on-campus living. You have really made the most of your first semester at Texas A&M. It’s great that the campus is starting to feel like home. With a variety of housing options, every student can find the right fit for them. That was great. Take care.
Parker is a senior mechanical engineering major here to tell us why traditions matter at Texas A&M, I’m here with Reveille, the Texas A&M mascot, and highest ranking member of the Core Cadets. Rev and I are excited to hear Parker tell us more about the traditions that make A&M so special.
Thank you so much, Alex, and howdy y’all. Now every Aggie here has their own Aggie story, and mine starts in Austin, Texas, where I was fully convinced I’d stay there for school, but that changed when I toured Texas A&M. From the second I stepped foot on campus, I knew there was something special about A&M’s culture that could not be matched. I heard about meaningful traditions on campus, but it wasn’t until I saw them for myself that I truly understood what it means to be an Aggie. Silver Taps and Muster are memorial services held on campus to honor Aggies who have passed away. The first time I experienced Silver Taps, I realized I was part of something way bigger than myself. I’m part of a student body that will honor my name and my family even if they never meet me. I’m also part of a student body that will light a candle in my name at Mustard when I pass, a student body that stands during the entirety of every football game, a student body that makes everyone feel at home regardless of any circumstance. It’s tradition that binds us into a family that honors and respects each member, their beliefs, background and values. We are bound by six simple core values, respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and self of service. Whether you’re a student, alumni, faculty, or staff here at Texas A&M, you take these values to heart and carry them them with you through life’s challenges and successes. My time at Texas A&M has been significantly shaped by traditions such as Silver Taps, the 12th Man, the Century Tree, and the Aggie Ring. Tradition is what makes this massive campus feel like a small home for each and every student that steps foot in Aggieland, tradition is what makes A&M unlike any other university. Back to you, Alex.
Wow, Parker, thanks for guiding us through these pass down activities and ceremonies. The Aggie spirit is more than just the name of the bus system on campus. It’s a reverence for traditions and upholding the Aggie core values.
Okay, let’s meet Megan. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree at UNLV and has been riding a wave of career success in the hospitality industry right here in the entertainment capital of the world. She’s gonna tell us how UNLV gave her opportunities that she could never have imagined and how she landed on the Las Vegas Strip. Take it away.
Thanks, Alex. Hi everyone, and welcome to fabulous Las Vegas. I’m a Las Vegas native and a career strip restaurant manager. Although I grew up under the neon lights, I had no idea my career would take me to so many wonderful places in my hometown. I began as a business major at UNLV with several elective classes left to take before graduation. I tried my hand at a cooking class where I found this deep well of passion for my school and my career. From there, I changed my major and met my lifelong friends. I enrolled in the Harrah College of Hospitality and also became a sister in the Delta Zeta sorority. Each week became more exciting than the last. It was an endless calendar of events, like participating in the UNLVino Wine Tasting event and attending Greek life socials. At the time, I didn’t realize I was actually networking with my future coworkers and interviewing for my new career in food and beverage. The people I networked with became my bosses and my friends became my professional peers. Looking back, I had no idea that UNLV was my springboard and the Las Vegas Strip was my playground. The connections between UNLV and the Las Vegas community are solid gold and the students have the rarest, most wonderful opportunities available to us. For me, these golden opportunities have included opening restaurants for Guy Fieri, Giada De Laurentiis, and now for Martha Stewart. I will always cherish my time at UNLV, truly a Rebel forever, and I can’t wait for you to come and check it out. That’s my story. Alex, let me know when I can make you a reservation.
Thanks, Megan. I will be in touch and I can see why you are a Rebel forever. You’ve had some amazing opportunities and experiences that were only possible at UNLV. It’s clear why the Harrah College of Hospitality is one of the top ranked hospitality programs in the entire country. Congrats on your many successes.
I’d like you to meet Carl who’s earning his masters in early childhood special education. He didn’t know what he wanted to study when he first started at college, but UNLV provided the support and opportunities he needed to discover his path. Now he’s teaching special education and giving back to the Las Vegas community. So Carl, tell us your story.
Thank you, Alex, for that introduction. It took me until my sophomore year of college for me to truly find my passion, teaching. Coming from a lineage of teachers, I never thought the teacher bug would get to me. I always knew I wanted to help, but I didn’t know how. UNLV supplied me with ample opportunities to find the best fit for me. With caring advisors, professors, and an influential talk with my mom, I set my eyes on studying early childhood education. UNLV places a big emphasis on inclusion, and that aligns perfectly with the world of early childhood education. I learned about UNLV’s Project F.O.C.U.S. group and how they help college age students with intellectual disabilities learn job skills and be ready for independent living, and that’s where I knew it was the perfect match for me as I intertwined that program with my study as I’m currently working on my master’s in Early Childhood Special Education. At UNLV, I had the opportunity to teach general education at the preschool here on campus and apply what I learned from academics. I discovered the importance of flexibility, empathy, and understanding that not all children learn in the same way. I was able to transfer those skills into a full-time special education pre-K teacher job here in our Clark County school district. I’m very proud of the fact that UNLV sent me on the path of making a difference in my community and I was recently honored as a 2022 Early Childhood Educator of the Year. I love what I do and it gives me great feeling knowing that what I do matters to the children, their families, and that I’m making a difference. Back to you, Alex.
Congratulations on being named the 2022 Early Childhood Educator of the Year. Carl, it must be gratifying to know that the work you’re doing is appreciated in the community. Keep up the great work.
Here to share her graduate student experience is Sonia. She’s pursuing her master’s degree in Hispanic studies and chose to study at UNLV because of the impressive graduate and professional programs. Working as a graduate assistant, she’s been mentored by faculty and getting hands-on work experience. Sonia, tell us what it’s like to be part of the graduate college.
Thank you, Alex. Hey, everybody, what’s up? I am an international student from Spain. I always knew that I wanted to study abroad, leave my hometown, and see where life takes me. So after getting my undergrad in Spain and the UK, I started to look for grad schools abroad, which led me here, UNLV. I learned about various grad school programs from my university in Spain and the USAC study book program. UNLV stood out because they offered more than 175 graduate and professional programs. It’s a really cool experience because I’ll be getting my graduate degree while also gaining teaching experience as a graduate assistant. On top of that, the opportunity to live in the entertainment capital of the world cannot be beat. There’s always events and concerts going on. Plus, to be able to live in such a diverse community, not only UNLV, but Las Vegas as well has been amazing. As a grad assistant, I assist with teaching and helping Spanish students meet their goals. It is an incredible opportunity to interact directly with the students and be mentored by faculty while in grad school. This has given me invaluable work experience and also it has taught me to be prepared for absolutely anything. The grad academy, part of the graduate college, has been important for my professional and career development. They offer workshops and events to widen my expertise, improve my leadership skills, and also provide me with networking opportunities. Right now, I’m going to career events and talking to future employers. I plan to keep building on my education and use all the skills that UNLV has taught me. I’ve made amazing connections with people here and not only career and business-wise. The grad college and UNLV has given me amazing experiences that I’ll carry with me wherever I go. So that’s my story. Take it away, Alex.
Wow, Sonia. Your graduate college experience sounds terrific. It’s great that UNLV provides its students with experiential learning and professional development opportunities. They’re so important when you’re setting your sights on the future. There’s no doubt you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.
Teneka is a swimmer from Australia and is majoring in film. UNLV has 17 NCAA Division I sports programs, and students get a free ticket to all regular season home games. How great is that? But have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a student athlete? Well, let’s have Teneka tell us all about it. Teneka, let’s dive right in.
Thanks, Alex. Good day everyone. Never in my wildest dreams did I think my love for swimming would take me all the way from Australia to the US. After high school, I was contacted by Division I college swimming coaches, including the coaches here at UNLV. Shortly afterwards, I committed to UNLV and becoming a Rebel was one of the best decisions I ever made. There are 17 NCAA Division I programs at UNLV. During my time as a Rebel, I’ve seen both the caliber and the camaraderie of the athletic body grow. It is a privilege to attend all sporting home games for free and cheering on the football team at Allegiant Stadium is one of the most unreal experiences. Another really cool thing about UNLV athletics is the Rebel training table facility. Every weekday morning, student athletes are able to sit and eat together. This custom has enabled connections between teams and I’ve made friends with UNLV athletes from all across the world. It fuels our community and allows us to support and celebrate each other. I attribute my academic and athletic success to the support staff we have here at UNLV. Student athletes must maintain a certain GPA for NCAA eligibility and the student athlete academic services staff make sure that we get the help we need to excel academically so that we can continue to do what we love athletically. The UNLV athletic staff go above and beyond. I will always remember the moments at UNLV that help me to grow the most, when the time spent in hard practices or waking up at 5:00 a.m. became worth it, when the hours poured into study helped me obtain my degree, or when my voice screaming for the Rebels at a home game became a part of something much bigger than myself. Rebels help turn small opportunities into larger successes and humble dreams into greater realities. Thank you for coming along on this journey with me. Back to you, Alex.
Thanks, Teneka. Your team experience seems amazing. UNLV fosters an environment of success for its student athletes, from the exceptional facilities and academic services to the team camaraderie and community support, and let’s not forget the breakfasts. Thanks again for sharing, Teneka. That was fantastic.
It is time to meet Hieu. His love for hospitality brought him to UNLV all the way from Vietnam. Did you know that UNLV has students from more than 90 countries and from every state in the nation? And the experience they get from learning in the global city of Las Vegas is like no other. Take it away, Hieu.
Thanks, Alex. Future Rebel. I am a living example of a Rebel. I am from Hanoi, the exciting capital city of Vietnam, and I am a first generation and non-traditional honors student. UNLV is my beloved home where I enrich my passion for hospitality, entrepreneurship, management, and research. UNLV hosts a special place in my heart. It satisfies my curiosity and lets me grow holistically. Along with my world-class hospitality curriculum, I am exploring research in service recovery and actively learning from mentors who are industry professionals. The faculty and staff here are truly friendly and supportive. They have provided me with scholarships, networking opportunities with hospitality recruiters, and a never-ending source of knowledge and inspirations. There’s never a dull moment living it up here. I enjoy property tours around Las Vegas and art installations in UNLV Barrick Museum. I have felt the excitement of joining conferences, student organizations, and starting my own hospitality book club and podcast, all inspired by the interactions with my professors and friends. I have been on numerous hiking trips and love restaurant hopping around Las Vegas. Living in the international city of Las Vegas, I have experienced diverse cultures both on campus and around town. The opportunity to connect with people from around the world has made me more aware and understanding of traditions and ways of life. Being culturally intelligent is especially beneficial in the hospitality industry. It helps create trust and bonds with guests. From there, I feel more equipped and motivated to make someone’s day by creating meaningful and transformational experiences. This sustains my love for hospitality and I’m truly proud to be a Rebel. UNLV has taught me to never play it safe, to never stop going the extra mile, to dare to take the risk and be a true Rebel. Back to you, Alex.
Wow, Hieu. What an amazing journey. Rebels really do get to experience the world right here at UNLV, and if you’re ready to expand your horizons, UNLV offers students affordable study abroad programs in over 45 locations in 25 countries. Thanks for sharing, Hieu.