At a quick glance, Ana Renfroe '26 is a first-generation college student from Bryan, Texas, in her sophomore year as an English major with a minor in journalism. But like any Aggie, Renfroe’s journey at Texas A&M University is one of excellence and determination.
As her career flourishes alongside the new College of Arts and Sciences. Renfroe, who is serving as head news editor in her second year with the student newspaper The Battalion, is an exemplary member of a talented student body that chooses to “Be Here.”
“The students, staff and faculty here are amazing, and we all share such immense pride in our institution,” Renfroe said. “Texas A&M offered me everything I need. Along with my financial aid awards, I became a Regents' Scholar. I'm so proud to be a first-generation Aggie now.”
Renfroe’s ties to Aggieland began before she even registered for her first class. Her mother, Maritza, worked at Texas A&M for 16 years as a custodian, becoming a lead custodian along the way. Renfroe credits her mother as an inspiring figure to pursue higher education.
“Growing up, college wasn't a promised option for me, but a hopeful dream,” Renfroe said. “I grew up low-income, and I had never counted on attending college due to the costs. Despite my odds, I was always in love with learning, and I was very grateful to have my mom and multiple supportive role models in my life who pushed me to apply for college. Her involvement on campus helped foster my love for Texas A&M.”
Perhaps, then, it was no surprise that Renfroe burst onto the Texas A&M scene with her involvement in the student newspaper The Battalion her freshman year. She published her first front-page story less than a month into her academic career. Since then, Renfroe has published more than 50 pieces in the paper, been promoted to its head news editor as of summer 2023 and elected as the student vice president of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) executive committee at their 2023 convention.
At that same convention, TIPA hosted a live print news writing competition wherein contestants are taken to a news scenario with minimal information. The scenario then develops with breaking-news events, forcing contestants to adapt their coverage and research strategies. When the scenario is completed, contestants have one hour to write a news story about it. Renfroe received first place out of more than 40 possible contestants.
“As an English major, I knew I loved reading and writing, so joining the student newspaper made sense to me,” Renfroe said. “Although I had no prior experience, I absolutely fell in love with journalism. It completely changed my first year, and without it, I seriously don't know where I would be. I've spent so much time in the newsroom, but I've learned so many practical skills, made so many memories and found some of my closest friends.”
Renfroe acknowledges that, although her many successes and involvements came because of her hard work, it was a sense of community that made her wins consistent.
Follow your passions, seriously. Whether that be through your studies or by getting involved in student organizations, don't undervalue what you love so much. It's not always going to come easy, and you're going to have to put the work in before your progress will show. But when it does, it's going to feel amazing, but just keep going. Good things will come.
“As a first-generation student, I didn't always know who to turn to for advice, and overthinking naturally overcomplicated my thoughts,” Renfroe said. “Growing up locally, I thought I understood the culture, but after becoming an Aggie, I've learned so much about our traditions, values and everything Aggieland. There's no place like home, and I know I belong. When people want to be somewhere, it shows. There are Aggies everywhere, and our alumni network is unparalleled. Texas A&M stands for so much, and to me, it's the start of a new life.”
Renfroe’s continued dedication to and growth at Texas A&M has earned her such clarity as a sophomore journalist. She intends to graduate early and is currently pursuing media internships and fellowships. Renfroe hopes to use her writing skills to make a lasting impact in her community. After graduation, she would love to write at a major outlet and continue working her way up in the journalism community. As a result of her journey thus far, Renfroe has advice for her fellow students.
“Follow your passions, seriously,” she shared. “Whether that be through your studies or by getting involved in student organizations, don't undervalue what you love so much. It's not always going to come easy, and you're going to have to put the work in before your progress will show. But when it does, it's going to feel amazing, but just keep going. Good things will come.”