THE BATTALION MAROON LIFE

Congratulations! After years of hearing your big sister gush about how much she loves A&M, you’ve made the smart decision to come to A&M, too, and will begin your time here in August. 

     As I write this with just a week left before I graduate, I can’t help but look back and reflect on my time in Aggieland and grow jealous that you have so much time ahead of you. You have so many football games to stand through, so many War Hymns to sing and sway to, so many ‘Whoops’ to shout. You’ve got a lot to look forward to, kid. 

     As a first generation Aggie, I knew next to nothing about the school. Up to the first few weeks of school I was convinced everyone here came from generations and generations of Aggies, rode horses and wore cowboy boots. And while that’s certainly fine for some people, I worried I wouldn’t fit in. 

     As the first few weeks passed, I began to find my place on campus, and experienced some of the traditions that make the school so hard to put into words. I attended my first Silver Taps, went to my first football game and stood with the 12th Man. 

     Through my time at The Battalion, I began to meet the people who make campus so unique. I wrote stories about Reginald Stuckey, (aka professor Reuben May) the rapping professor who you can catch dropping some sick beats on the benches around campus or on the street corners around town. I wrote stories about a student with a visual impairment who was teaming up with a student senator to put windchimes on campus to make the big school more navigable. 

     In short, before too long I was completely sucked in. There’s an expression that from the outside looking in you can’t understand it, and from the inside looking out you can’t explain it. And while that’s definitely true, I’m going to try and explain it nonetheless. 

     While A&M is certainly unique in its academic prowess, its popular football program and its beautiful campus, what makes A&M truly special are the Aggies. 

      I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen someone stop and offer to help someone carry a heavy load. How often I’ve seen complete strangers welcomed into a tight-knit group of friends just so they could have someone to sit next to. 

     I’ve lost my wallet and had it immediately returned, all the cash and cards still within it. I’ve had people go out of their way to make sure that I knew where I was going for my first day of classes.  I’ve seen people come together to support those who have lost, those who have been hurt and those who just needed a friend. 

     So Taylor, as you make your way around campus those first few days, don’t be afraid to say, “Howdy,” and ask for help. I guarantee you someone will be more than willing to assist you. 

     Don’t be afraid to get involved, to try something new. College is about trying new things and figuring out what you like. If you’re not feeling a little uncomfortable from time to time, you’re not growing.

     There’s so much opportunity at A&M to find out what you like and to make a few friends while you’re doing it. 

     Have fun and enjoy the best few years of your life so far, remembering that you’re carrying on a tradition of excellence. I am so proud of you and am so excited for you to begin your time at A&M. 

     Oh, and remember to pick up the phone and call me sometimes, too. 

     Love your big sister,

     Sam

Sam King is a communication graduate and was

the 2016-2017 editor-in-chief for The Battalion.