Receiving my Aggie Ring means a lot to me.

I remember sitting down freshman year on a bus and seeing someone put his hand on his books directly in front of me wearing the Aggie Ring. It was the first time I had seen one in person. I remember staring at it in awe — it was so shiny and just showed the work the person had put in to earn it and wear it. Seeing the 1876 inscription on it gave me chills because I realized I was at a place so rich in history and tradition. I thought to myself, ‘Man I still have 75 more hours to go’ which sounded like an eternity.

Yet here I am, about to receive my ring.

For me, the ring stands for hard work and a tough journey in school, but most of all it represents this university and all the friendly and great people that make it function. When I look at the ring, I’m going to think of all the times I said “Howdy” to someone or was told “Howdy” by a complete stranger. Or attending events when everyone gathered together to sing the War Hymn not knowing the person next to them.

Just about every time that I walk through campus I see people doing something nice for one another regardless of who it is, and it makes me feel incredibly privileged and proud to say that I attend this wonderful institution.

I reminisce about the helpful professors who took me under their wing or study sessions with friends at the library when I see the A&M logo. Even buying food at the MSC and hearing the cashier genuinely tell me with a smile to have a great day.

When I put my Aggie Ring on today for the first time and read “Texas A&M” engraved on it, I’m going to smile and proudly represent Texas A&M for the rest of my life and continue its tradition of being a friendly, “feels like home” university.