More than 12,000 Texas A&M University students will receive their degrees this week at spring commencement ceremonies in Reed Arena. In addition to remarks from Texas A&M President Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III and other campus leaders, each ceremony will feature a speech from an outstanding member of this year’s graduating class, reflecting on their unique experiences in Aggieland and imparting words of inspiration for their fellow graduates.
Before taking the stage, a few of these notable Aggies — including Department of Physics and Astronomy senior physics major Jordan Bass '23 — spoke with Texas A&M Today to share advice and perspectives for students at each phase of their academic journey. From incoming freshmen to members of next year’s graduating class, it’s crucial for all Aggies to take full advantage of the boundless opportunities available to them, the student speakers said.
"For freshmen, I would encourage you to keep your minds truly open," Bass said. "Texas A&M is a big place with a lot of opportunities and a lot of places to stand out. Use this year to take some risks, make new connections and friendships, and try a lot of new things while you’re discovering your long-term goals. This is the year you will have the least pressure and the easiest classes, so be sure to take advantage of that and discover who you are and what you love.
"To the sophomores, spend this year setting your goals. Figure out what kind of leader you want to be and where you want to really invest your time in the Bryan-College Station community. Whether it’s on campus, off campus, Greek life, whatever, use this year to figure out how you want to leave this place better than you found it, and what issues you’ll be able to have a unique impact on.
"For juniors, take this year to step up and start being a proactive leader. Set your plans in motion, make your impacts and help others around you. This year is important for defining your character and starting to fortify the skills and values that will carry you beyond A&M’s campus and into the real world.
"For seniors, take this time to have fun. Push hard toward the finish line, of course, but also appreciate the little things like the memories and friendships and impacts that you’ve made along the way. Truly try to make every moment of this year memorable, and realize that you’re about to leave the safety and familiarity that you’ve grown accustomed to and start once again as a “freshman” at the school of life. Be humble, be grateful and be happy that you’ve had the time you’ve had here, and make the most of the little time that you have left."
Read additional advice from two other 2024 Aggie graduates via the link below.
This story was originally published by Texas A&M Today.