An Aggie’s First Tradition

Transcript

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.