What is your Aggie story?
I'm a first-generation Aggie. I came from San Antonio, Texas. I have a twin sister, and some amazing parents. … Didn't know anything about coming to Texas A&M, but I quickly got involved in the traditions and culture. During my high school years, my dad passed away from esophageal cancer, but he really just encouraged my sister and I about what it means to be an Aggie, even though he wasn't one. He saw what it meant to be. And, after my dad's passing, there was a really, really cool man and his name was Michael Parkman. He took my sister and I up, and my family, paid for our hotel and everything. His excitement and joy to show us what Aggieland represented. It was truly special, and I've seen that through the alumni before coming to A&M. I've been super blessed. My time here at A&M, getting involved in traditions, whether it be in the Corps or a fraternity. I've just seen what makes A&M so special. So it's super awesome to be here and I'm glad I chose Texas A&M.
What organizations are you involved with?
So currently I'm a member of the Corps of Cadets and Company E-1. I'm also a member of the Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity. I used to be on the Corps soccer team, but not anymore, was too busy. I served as a Junior Yell Leader this past year. Also just got into The Maroon Coats here at A&M.
Why are you running for Yell Leader?
I'm running to be a Yell Leader because it stems from my mission. My mission is to humbly serve others. Coming to college, I saw an opportunity with these four years I had. I remember my first New Student Conference I was like, who are these Yell Leaders? Like, what are these goofy hand motions they're doing? But I quickly realized that the position of Yell Leader is a heart of service. And that's where my heart stands. I want to serve others. I want to give back to this incredible university. And I believe I'm qualified. Not only because I've been involved here at Texas A&M and I've gained unique perspectives, but I believe at the heart of being a Yell Leader is one's values. And I believe the values that I hold align with that of Texas A&M. And more than that, I mean, a Yell Leader has to be enthusiastic whether in Kyle Field, sold out game days or in Reed Arena. I mean, you got to get the 12th man hyped up for the game. I believe that through my actions as a junior leader, I just may be able to show just my love and commitment to the 12th Man and to show what Texas A&M represents, to Aggies and people who don't go here. For those reasons, I believe I'm qualified to be a senior leader.
What is your favorite tradition?
My favorite tradition is the same as last year. But I love Midnight Yell. Not biased at all, but really, what it comes down to is Muster for me. I think it's part of my story. Even though my dad didn't go here just to think that if he had gone here, his name would have been remembered, and called for at Muster is really special. I truly believe Silver Taps and Muster, that's truly what sets Texas A&M apart. Most universities, their culture is built around athletics. But I believe our university is built on traditions, whether in Kyle Field or saying “here” for Aggies that have passed. That's what makes A&M unique and different from every other university. That's my favorite tradition.
What is your favorite yell?
So before becoming a Yell Leader, it's probably “Beat the hell.” But now being a Yell Leader, doing “Locomotive” in Kyle Field with 70,000 people on the side — it's just really, really cool. Everybody really gets into it. That's definitely my favorite, but “Beat the hell” is definitely up there as well.
If you could hang out with any former student who would it be and why?
James Rudder. I'm really big into history. I love World War II. I just like to hear his story. And just to think that, the Rudder Tower is the exact same height as Pointe du Hoc. The cliffs that the Rudder Rangers scaled during their time World War II to, during Normandy is just truly fascinating. So I've actually spoken to some former Ags who knew him and have told some of his stories, and they're truly incredible. So to be able to meet in person, if he were still alive today, that'd be really special.
