I never wanted to believe people when they said that college would be the fastest four years of your life … But here I am, in May 2017, wondering where the heck the time has gone. It feels like just yesterday that I was a terrified freshman at my NSC, lost and looking for the Student Computing Center so I could register for PSYC 107 and MATH 141!
The Class of 2017 has experienced a lot of change in our time in Aggieland. We were the last class to experience football in “old” Kyle Field, we visited the bookstore in G Rollie White during our campus tours, we saw Johnny Football play, we experienced three consecutive years of the largest classes to come through Texas A&M, and saw a host of new developments in the city of College Station. And while many things changed during our time, just as much stayed the same — and that is something to be cherished. We stood proud and took part in traditions that are decades old. We fought for what is good and what is right, and what makes Texas A&M what it is. For the classes that continue on now — it is your duty and responsibility to do the same.
Above most anything else, I am thankful for my time in Aggieland. I am thankful for Texas A&M sports for being the most thrilling way to take years off my life, I am thankful for College Station’s seemingly endless options for fantastic tacos, I am thankful for the consistent reminders to all on Twitter that yes, you do have a protected turn lane off  University onto Texas Avenue. But, most importantly, I am thankful for the people that make this place what it is. The students that fill this campus every day with passion, enthusiasm and a lot of Good Bull. The Former students that support our university, are always willing to share an Old Army story or two, and that ultimately remind us to never forget where we came from. The professors and teaching assistants that challenged us to be, think and do more. These people, and many more, have enriched and forever changed my collegiate experience. Each and every one of us is better because of these people that have graced our lives — Aggies.
To those that are fortunate enough to have more time in Aggieland: Cherish it. Invest in the people around you. Go to that organization’s event, and meet new people. Try new things — really. Eat at that restaurant you drive past every day but have never thought to stop at (but always remember that Layne’s, Cane’s and Fuego will be there for you, too). Attend every single tradition that you possibly can and, yes, you can make time for them in the midst of your busy life. Send a thank-you note to the people that have impacted you the most in college. Take in those beautiful College Station sunsets that we all love. Above all, remember just how lucky you are to be an Aggie. Take pride in Texas A&M and all that it stands for, and do everything that you can to leave this place better than when you found it — it is truly the least we can do for the place that has given us so very much.
Thank you, Aggieland.
Hannah Wimberly is a human resource development senior and 2016-2017 student body president