Advice from an Aggie

I recently received the opportunity to be a Campfire Speaker for Aggie Transition Camps. It wasn’t until after I graduated that I realized what I wanted to talk to them about. I'm an encourager, so that's what I wanted to do for the time I was allotted. Having been a transfer student and now being a Former Student, I thought it would be best that I speak from experience and encourage the students through an acrostic poem using the word A-G-G-I-E-S! 

Avoid settling.

Don’t settle for a major you hate or an unhealthy friendship/relationship that does more harm than good. Life is too short to be miserable. Recognize your self-worth and know what you deserve. Your happiness IS important, despite what others may say. What do you dream of doing? What is God calling you to do? You may not finish college with the same major and friends you started with, and that's okay. It's not the end of the world; it's for the best. Respect those around you, but don't disrespect and neglect yourself and your needs in the process. It's OKAY to be selfish at times if you're doing it for the right reasons.

Get involved doing what you love!

There are hundreds of organizations to get involved with on campus. Don’t join something just because your friends are doing it. It's important to devote your time to the things you're passionate about. If something is going to take up (even more) space in your calendar, it might as well be something you love! Not to mention, there are just as many lessons to be learned outside of the classroom! Don't be afraid to join an organization where you don't know a soul. Why? Because it's in those organizations you often find the rest of your bridesmaids or groomsmen. 

Go to class.

Not everyone is blessed with the opportunity to go to the college of their dreams. In fact, not everyone gets to go to college! Recognize that and don’t take for granted the time you've been given. Try to avoid skipping class because there are people out there who would give anything to be where you are and to have what you have. Remember, you’re here to get an education! Focus on that. You don't have to make straight A's (C's get degrees), but don't fail a class simply because you didn't go. I promise it won't be any better the second time around. 

Invest in yourself.

College is where you find out who you truly are. Make sure you take time to do just that. Figure out the type of person you want to be and plan accordingly. If you don’t like something, change it. Do what makes you happy! Discover your strengths and weaknesses. Explore new things. Find what makes you come alive. 

Endure the hardships.

I'm not going to lie, college is hard. You will fail tests, you will lose friends, and I hate to break it to you, but you will most likely have to be tutored in at least one class or another (Hello, MATH 141). You will be challenged. Your BELIEFS, and everything you stand for, will be challenged. Welcome those challenges with open arms. Learn from the hardships. They will ultimately shape the person you are becoming! 

Serve those around you.

E. King Gill “stood by in case his team needed him." In the same way, we should stand by, eagerly ready to serve whoever is in need, Aggie or not, with an enthusiastic smile and helping hand. Representing the 12^th Man is an honor and we should devote our lives to reaching out and serving others until we take our last breath.

Texas A&M University changed my life and I know it will change yours, too…if you let it! It is my prayer that you “bloom where you are planted” and make the most of every opportunity you’re given so that you can look back as a Former Student with confidence, knowing, without a doubt, you gave it everything you had and can enter the next chapter of your life without any regrets.