When thousands gathered at Reed Arena on May 8 at 2 p.m. to honor the graduating class of Texas A&M’s College of Arts and Sciences, two seniors led the procession with more than tradition in hand—they carried stories of grit, growth and generational change.
Stephanie Wiggins and Fryda Arguijo, both first-generation college students, were named gonfaloniers, the distinguished flag bearers who represent their college during the ceremony. Their selection reflects not only academic achievement and leadership, but a commitment to their communities—on campus and back home.
Wiggins received a Bachelor of Science in zoology and Arguijo received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.
From Intimidation to Inspiration: Stephanie Wiggins
For Wiggins, transferring to Texas A&M was daunting at first.
"I knew virtually no one when I came," she recalled. “It was really intimidating; however, it was the only college in Texas that I felt would give me the kind of zoological experience I wanted.”
That experience led her to explore the fascinating ways animals interact with their environment—and with people.
As a first-generation student, Wiggins takes pride in forging a path forward for her family.
"It means a lot to me, especially as someone who didn’t have much representation growing up,” she said. “I take pride in knowing I’m starting a new chapter for my family as someone who is pursuing higher education and a new path forward," she said.
One defining moment for her was receiving her Aggie Ring, a symbol of her perseverance.
“Getting my Aggie Ring and standing before my family as someone who went that far is what made me realize that I ‘made it’.”
A student leader and officer in the Council of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Wiggins cultivated community through creative events, such as the council’s Halloween social. Leadership, she said, taught her how to communicate effectively and build inclusive spaces.
“Personally, being a leader helped me learn to address a group of people in a respectable and understanding way.”
Carrying the gonfalon is more than ceremonial for Wiggins—it’s symbolic.
“It shows that I have finished my undergraduate journey in a good place where I can proudly be part of this ceremony with no regrets. It marks the end of an era for me,” she said.
After graduation, Wiggins hopes to work in falconry and support conservation efforts for large birds.
Her message to other first-generation students is to actively seek out opportunities that are not always obvious.
“We’re a unit, and we’re capable of more than we realize,” she said. “There are hidden opportunities out there. Look for them to make the most out of your college experience.”
A Flag for the Family: Fryda Arguijo
Arguijo’s story begins in the small border town of Donna, Texas, in a graduating class of just 60 students. Inspired by her counselors—who greeted her with a spirited “Howdy” years before she ever stepped foot in College Station—Arguijo came to Texas A&M already intrigued by its traditions. Witnessing a proposal under the Century Tree on her campus tour sealed the deal.
Also a first-generation student—and the first in her family to live in the United States—Arguijo carries deep pride in representing her community.
“It means being an inspiration, not just to my little brothers, but to other families around me,” she said. “Everywhere I go on campus, I’m carrying more than just the first-generation title—I’m carrying my whole community with me.”
As president of the Council of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Arguijo’s leadership revitalized student engagement.
“We started off really small, and I think that bringing in all the new members we have now has been my biggest accomplishment,” she said. “Last year, when I first joined, our biggest challenge was keeping people involved.”
Her role gave her insights into college operations, curriculum decisions and a network that will help her as she prepares for law school after a gap year.
When Arguijo learned she was selected as gonfalonier, she said, “The first thing that hit me was pride. It is a tangible sign that I’ve made the most of my time in college.”
She hopes her story inspires other students to step up and get involved.
“If you don’t make space for yourself in these spots or these places, no one else will.”
A Shared Legacy
Though they come from diverse backgrounds and academic paths, both Wiggins and Arguijo share a common mission—to uplift others, build community and leave a mark on Texas A&M. Both hope to be remembered not just for their titles, but for the people with whom they connected and uplifted.
“I hope to be known as a personable student who was able to connect to a lot of other students,” Wiggins said. “I hope I am remembered through fond stories as a person who anyone could talk to and make them feel welcomed.”
For Arguijo, it’s about more than her peers—it’s about family and future generations.
“I hope my little cousins and my brothers carry this with them wherever they go—the belief that they can create space for themselves,” she said.
Their leadership in the Council of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and dedication to serving others highlight the importance of student involvement, especially for those who don’t always see themselves represented in higher education. As they carried the gonfalon for the College of Arts and Sciences, they carried with it the stories of family, community, growth and ambition.