School Spirit & Supporting a Cause

Transcript

Kim is a senior studying management, public health and entrepreneurship and leader of Maroon Out, one of the many traditions at Texas A&M. The student body and football fans take their loyalty and dedication to a whole new level by decking the entire football stadium, Kyle Field in maroon. Tell us more about it, Kim, take it away.

Thanks, Alex, and howdy everyone. I always knew I wanted to attend Texas A&M, but I’m not gonna lie, I was pretty nervous about how successful I was gonna be at such a big university. I knew I wanted to get involved and I knew I wanted to give back, but how could I, a first generation student do that? The moment I stepped on campus, all those nerves disappeared. Texas A&M prides itself on our 1100 student organizations. In my freshman year, I joined Maroon Out and applied for the leadership role. I served that year and have been blessed to continue to serve every year since. Maroon Out started in 1998 when A&M won against number two Nebraska. Junior class president at the time, Kyle Valentine wants give the Aggies an extra boost of spirit by matching Nebraska’s famous sea of red with an even bigger sea of maroon. Leading up to the game, 31,000 Maroon Out shirts were sold leading to a national shortage in maroon shirts. Every year since Maroon Out has created a shirt and proceeds have gone back to traditions and supporting student organizations at Texas A&M. Student organizations provided me with more resources I never even knew existed and helped me build my Aggie network. Every chance I get, I will always advocate for involvement on campus because it will provide you an opportunity to serve others and give back in a way like no other. Looking back, I’d be a completely different person had I not joined student organizations, I probably wouldn’t even have the confidence to be on the show. It’s hard, but once you take a chance on yourself, you will make an impact, you will help others and you might even inspire someone else. Do you wanna get involved Alex?

Kim, thanks for explaining how getting involved can enhance someone’s college experience. We’re so happy Texas A&M’s traditions empowered you to share your leadership story, and to think it all started as one student’s initiative that turned into an annual display of school pride. Keep up the great work.