Maroon Life — New Students' Guide to Aggieland 2023

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2 MAROON LIFE

04 || HOWDY TO HUDSON

By Caroline Wilburn 05 || NEW YEAR, NEW SPEAKER

16 || SAVE THE DATE

28 || TIPS FOR TRANSFERS

Events, deadlines, traditions for the 2023-24 school year

By Ishika Samant

Finding your place on a new campus

By Anna Deardorff

18 || THE REC CENTERS How to have fit fun on campus

By Kenzie Finch

30 || EXPECTATIONS A preview into your first year in Aggieland

By Diya Regi-Thomas

By Sneha Bhale 07 || UNOFFICIAL TRADITIONS

By John Chapa 08 || FIRST-YEAR ORGANIZATIONS

By Sydnei Miles

10 || WHEN TO Q-DROP Considerations for dropping a course

By Ruben Hernandez

20 || THE 12TH MAN EFFECT The unique Aggie home game experience

By Hunter Mitchell 22 || ACADEMIC OVERVIEW Colleges, schools, majors at A&M

By Jack Lee

25 || TRAFFIC & TRAINS How to survive and navigate traffic in Aggieland

By Ruben Hernandez

13 || NORTHGATE FOR ALL Spots for students of all ages

By John Chapa & Richa Shah

EDITORIAL STAFF Michaela Rush, Editor-in-Chief Kyle McClenagan, Managing Editor Ishika Samant, Photo Chief Kyle Heise, Asst. Photo Chief Ruben Hernandez, Life & Arts Editor Anna Deardorff, Asst. Life & Arts Editor Sydnei Miles, Asst. Life & Arts Editor Kenzie Finch, News Editor Caroline Wilburn, News Editor Ana Renfroe, Asst. News Editor Caleb Elizondo, Opinion Editor Zoe May, Page Designer and Sports Editor Megan Williams, Page Designer

26 || DATING Tips for finding romantic success in BCS

By Ana Renfroe Cover by Ishika Samant

NEW STUDENTS’ GUIDE 3

By Caroline Wilburn, Kenzie Finch, Ana Renfroe, Ruben Hernandez, Anna Deardorff & Sydnei Miles @carolinewilb, @Kenziefinch6, @ aeoenia, @battandmuse, @annardeardorff & @sydnei_M04 Howdy Ags! You may have heard from us back when we did our Housing Guide magazine, but we decided to briefly reintroduce ourselves. This package was led by News Editors Kenzie Finch and Caroline Wilburn, Assistant News Editor Ana Renfroe, Life & Arts Editor Ruben Hernandez and Assistant Life & Arts Editors Anna Deardorff and Sydnei Miles.

We are so excited to be presenting this year’s New Student Guide magazine for all of our first-year Aggies — whether you are a freshman or a transfer student. This magazine will walk you through what to expect as you navigate through your first year on campus.

As you enter your transition, you will begin to feel all the excitement that comes from being an Aggie, and we hope you try to embrace the rich campus traditions. Texas A&M is different from other schools in that it is truly rooted in its traditions. Having Yell Leaders lead the crowd instead of cheerleaders, honoring the fallen Aggies at Silver Taps and Muster and even getting your Aggie Ring all play a unique experience in your time here. Embrace it, and try new things.

Here are some words from each of us: Kenzie — This will be the last project I make for The Battalion before I graduate. I am so proud of the people that helped make this magazine what it is. These pages provide a ton of insight into Aggieland.

I’m super excited for Ruben who will be this summer’s editor-in-chief. He is going to do such a good job. I’m also super excited for Zoe May who will be the new editor-in-chief in the fall. These two have such a light about them that will push The Battalion to new heights, and I’m honored to call them my friends. To future Aggies who will read The Battalion long after I’m gone, I hope you enjoy reading these pages as much as I did. Thank you Michaela for your incredible leadership and handling ev-

ery struggle with such grace and compassion.

I’m grateful for my writers and getting to see Ana go from one of my writers at the desk to an editor has been such a privilege.

Ana — As I’m wrapping up the final days of my freshman year, I’ve been reminiscing about the amazing memories I’ve made since starting at A&M and joining The Battalion.

I highly recommend all new students to read through our guide — you’re almost guaranteed to find an article to help you. I remember how nervous I was before my first fall semester and the overwhelming amount of unanswered questions I had about starting college. Through my role in helping create this magazine for students like you, I wanted to ensure that all students can enter college with a relatable source of information and peer-written help. Our newsroom has worked hard to put together comprehensive guides and articles to bring you peace of mind and clarity. Beyond the printed characters of these pages, The Battalion has served as the catalyst of my personal success during my freshman year. Joining an organization bigger than myself led me to discover my love for journalism and further my passion for writing. I’m a product of those who support me and my work, and I’m proud of the amazing relationships I’ve formed since starting college. To all of my Battalion mentors, friends and skilled writers — know that I am so incredibly grateful to have you in my life, and you have made tirelessly working be worthwhile. Michaela, Kyle, Caroline, Kenzie, Ruben, Zoe, Ishika, Caleb, Cameron, Bobby, Megan and my beloved Hunter — thank you for helping build me up as a journalist and making The Battalion feel like home.

Ruben — As the year starts wrapping up and my position as summer editor-in-chief approaches, I can’t help but thank everyone who helped me to get here on the way.

Sticking to the theme, I started my freshman year with prospects of graduating with a chemical engineering major under my belt, but life had other plans for me. Once I finally landed on the path to be a journalist and came to Aggieland, I was intimidated to join The Battalion, since I had no journalistic experience and knew of their grand reputation.

I’ll never forget sitting in the student radio lounge and seeing the now editor-in-chief

EDITORS

LETTER FROM THE Michaela Rush walk in to interview the radio officers at their upcoming concert event.

We talked and Michaela was able to convince me to join for the 2022 spring semester. Fast-forward to now, being lead editor for the Life & Arts desk and taking hold of the reigns during the summer term.

I would like to thank, first and foremost, my family for understanding and nurturing my career path and being there all the time for me. I wouldn’t be writing this without them. I then want to thank Michaela for opening a path for me and being my friend and mentor during my journalistic journey.

My first editors Caroline Wilburn and Kathryn Miller encouraged me to apply to become an editor and saw potential in me. My professors Tom Burton, Dale Rice and Larry Lemmons who polished my interest and pushed me to go further. To my Life & Arts desk for giving me their best this semester as lead editor of the desk. To Cameron, Kyle, Megan, Bobby, Zoe, Caleb, Ana, Kenzie, Ish, Luke, Grant, Anna and Sydnei, and everyone else I forgot to mention due to word count limit, thank you so much for being there for me and the paper. T’s and G’s!

Anna — My first step into the newsroom just last year left me with an overwhelming sense of belonging. Everything about working at The Battalion makes me smile, and often the best parts are ones that readers never get to see. Plastered walls with cut out newspapers and quotes of phrases that make no sense perfectly explains what it’s like working here. My high school self — the girl who loved writing at the school newspaper but never thought it would amount to much — would not believe that I get to call this place my office. Getting to write for the Life & Arts desk and contribute pieces I am passionate about means so much, but having the opportunity to become assistant editor these past couple months means so much more. You can’t truly understand the dedication these writers and editors have for this publication until you’ve witnessed it yourself. Late-night proofs and desk meetings shouldn’t be fun, but they are with these people. I feel grateful for this experience and can’t wait for one more year of memories I get to make at this newspaper before I graduate.

4 MAROON LIFE

Jonathan Taffet — THE BATTALION

HOWDY TO HUDSON 2023-24 student body president aims to improve campus experience

By Caroline Wilburn @carolinewilb With the goal of making distinct changes for students’ benefit, finance junior Hudson Kraus will serve as Texas A&M’s student body president for the 76th Session of the Student Government Association, or SGA. During the announcement of the 202324 A&M student body election results on March 3, Kraus said hearing his name called was a surreal experience. As a second-generation Aggie who grew up in College Station, Kraus said he was excited to serve his community.

“I obviously ran against an incredible group of candidates, and so I wasn’t really expecting for my name to be called,” Kraus said. “After the initial moment of shock and excitement, obviously, [I] definitely knew

that I’m confident in the fact that I can do the job and will be able to affect students’ lives for the better.”

With the goal of connecting to culture, creating opportunities for students and cultivating the Aggie Spirit, Kraus’ campaign platform focused on making evident and effective changes for the student body.

“I just wanted to make sure that the majority of the student body knew about the good things that student government was doing, and continue to enable our student government to be able to make tangible impacts in the daily lives of students,” Kraus said.

Before taking on the role of student body president, Kraus served as the head of the Interfraternity Council where he said he shaped the strategic vision of the organization to have a positive influence on students involved.

“It’s been super impactful for me to be able to see how we can actually use student leadership and transform the lives of students,” Kraus said. “Because of that, after

leading that 1,800-person organization, I felt like I’d be more than equipped to step up and take on the role of being student body president.”

Kraus said he hopes to implement free scantrons, academic rest days and virtual student IDs and sports passes. Kraus said he plans to collaborate with A&M administration to achieve these goals.

“I think that’s just been the biggest thing that I’ve seen right now is through that collaboration, we’re able to get these things, be able to talk about these things, able to get them obviously at the forefront of people’s minds and then from that, create a specific and tangible plan in order to try and enact these solutions,” Kraus said.

After serving as the 2022-23 student body president, Case Harris said he encourages Kraus to set big goals at the beginning of his term.

“When you’re in a role like student body president, there’s so much you can do and so much impact you can have,” Harris said.

“I just encouraged him that any idea, any

vision, any dream you have, shoot for trying to accomplish it. You’ll see if it’s attainable or not, but there’s no reason to put limits on yourself at the beginning of the year.”

Harris said his goals and priorities as student body president align with Kraus’ and hopes to see him build off of what the 75th Session achieved.

“I think he’s going to do a great job of continuing what we started this year of really making sure Student Government doesn’t just feel like a student organization in its own little bubble, but that it is truly serving students and reaching out to students and representing students,” Harris said.

Kraus said he hopes to look back on his term as student body president and see the positive change he made.

“I’m most excited about being able to look back next year and knowing that our administration did a really awesome job in connecting with the student body specifically,” Kraus said. “As I said, there’s tangible solutions that hopefully can serve students in the best way possible.”

NEW STUDENTS’ GUIDE 5

New year, new speaker

Ishika Samant — THE BATTALION

Applewhite aims to improve senate, mental health outreach

By Sneha Bhale @SnehaBhale The 76th Session of the Student Senate began with electing political science sophomore Andrew Applewhite as speaker of the senate.

Applewhite is a political science sophomore from Dallas. He shares the first-generation Aggie title with his twin sister and hopes to be a lawyer to carry on his grandfather’s legacy.

Applewhite began his journey in Student Government as a freshman senator in the off-campus caucus. He was also part of the student services committee and was recently elected as the student services chair in the 75th Session. He led committee meetings and oversaw projects related to mental health, transportation and other services available to students. He is in the process of

handing off that title to petroleum engineering junior Ava Blackburn.

“Everyone who lives off-campus got to vote for me and it is a great caucus that represents a huge percentage of the population here at Texas A&M,” Applewhite said. “As the speaker, I do get the opportunity to represent every single student at A&M, and I am blessed to have that opportunity.”

Applewhite said the previous speaker, then-agricultural economics senior Tyler Tyler Smith, reached out to him earlier in the year about running for speaker.

Applewhite said he hardly knew anything about the senate when he first joined, and now wants to positively influence students and change the culture of the senate.

“There is so much more that the senate can accomplish with separating the ideas from the person,” Applewhite said.

Applewhite said he wants to see more ongoing projects and talks with the administration.

“As speaker, I don’t see it as my role to want to push a specific agenda,” Applewhite said. “I want to support a couple rule chang-

es. One is that the university role states that you have to be a senior graduating that semester in order to gain a posthumous degree.

We saw that and there was a tragic incident where there was a senior who had their ring but did not qualify for this degree. We think — as the senate body — that once you qualify for that ring, and if a tragedy were to occur, your family would be able to have that degree as a statement of being part of the Aggie family.”

Applewhite said he is working on a mental health initiative. He said he wants to increase outreach to students for academic and mental health weeks. Applewhite said he wants to change the wording of a rule regarding teachers “may” reach out to students after long periods of unexcused absences to teachers “will” reach out. He said a teacher reaching out will make the student feel loved in the Aggie community.

As for next year, Applewhite said he is excited to have Jade Williams as the rules and regulations chair and Robert Hargrove as the speaker pro tempore. He has been speaking to both of them to increase communication

and accountability for the senators. He said they have the opportunity to work really well to make sure the senate moves smoothly.

Applewhite said the previous speaker, Smith, advised him to be himself.

“We got to work together really closely this past year and I got to know [Smith] a lot,” Applewhite said. “He saw how deeply I care for the people I work with and he says that continuing that through all the hard times of being the speaker is something that will help me this upcoming year.”

Applewhite is excited for the next year and said he has every intention to serve the student body and its best interests to the best of his abilities. He is looking forward to a great year with new legislation and projects.

Residence Life DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

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There’s very few places that offer that proximity. It’s been my happy place.”

- Mo Adesanmi

the GARDENS Apartments fully-furnished apartments conveniently located on campus near the Engineering complex and the Polo Road Rec Center next to the shops and restaurants of Century Square

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reslife.tamu.edu/gardens

If you know, you know

Aggieland is home to variety of unofficial, lesser-known traditions

By John Chapa @JDChapaBatt Traditions are a vital part of what makes Texas A&M unique. However, there are some traditions that our school hasn’t fully recognized, not officially at least.

If A&M won’t bring awareness to these traditions, then I will. It is the responsibility of our generation to ensure the continuation of these traditions continues as long as this university stands … and has Veo bikes.

Without further ado, here are, in my humble opinion and in no particular order, the five best unofficial traditions at A&M.

The Century Tree Friendship Branch Old traditions can create new traditions.

The Century Tree has withstood the test of time in Academic Plaza. Legend says a couple who walks under the tree’s low-hanging branch will marry each other in the future.

Any marriage proposal under this tree will result in the marriage lasting a lifetime.

A lesser-known tradition of the tree is the smaller branch opposite the main bough. This branch doesn’t witness the glory of a couple’s undying love. In fact, this little limb brings quite the opposite of luck. Two friends who walk under this branch together are said to become friends forever. In other words, this is a nice way to put someone down rather than ghosting them. Beware of accidentally walking under this branch alone, or you will go friendless for the rest of your life.

Ring by Spring There must be something in the College Station water. Ol’ and young Ags alike have found their lifelong partners at A&M for generations. Any A&M student has at least a friend of a friend of a friend who is planning on getting engaged, is engaged or is freshly married as a college student. Is this The Century Tree’s work? Is it the fact that married students can potentially receive additional aid and grants that cover their tuition?

I say it’s the unity of the Aggie Spirit. Aggies understand that the best partner is one who embodies the same values. What better place to find such a person than A&M? Aggies say, “Why wait when your better half is already standing right in front of you?” Plus, you can upgrade the wedding band once you get your tuition covered.

Boot Chasers A&M recognizes over 1,000 organizations on campus, including the university’s largest official organization, the Corps of Cadets.

However, its affiliate, the boot chasers, are not formally recognized for their contributions to the Corps.

Senior boots are one of the highest privileges in the Corps. The boot signifies status, dedication and commitment, which are important characteristics in a boyfriend. Of course, the physical moniker tells nothing of a cadet’s personality or temperament. Nevertheless, boot chasers deserve recognition for serving cadets as gameday and military ball dates.

Veo Vigilantism Veos are the teal, ride-share bikes and electric scooters provided by A&M as an additional way of transportation when we experience a recession in Aggie Spirit buses.

Veos can be found locked to bike racks, in trees or on top of the Zachry Engineering Building.

The ride-share app instructs users to lock Veos to a bike rack after using them, but Aggies will not confine themselves to this societal limit. Countless photos and videos have

NEW STUDENTS’ GUIDE 7

surfaced on social media of Veos placed in trees and hanging from the top of Kyle Field, the Academic Building and Zachry. These captured moments in time will preserve the growing tradition for as long as the internet exists. A&M students will participate in these clever hijinks for as long as A&M has Veos.

Heldenfels Hate There is not a current or former student that can say they enjoyed their time spent attending classes or labs at Heldenfels. Located on the same street as the Commons, Heldenfels boasts no amenities, only burdens. The building includes one elevator for no one to use and an awful odor similar to urine, if not actually urine.

The tradition in conjunction with Heldenfels hate would be the tradition of not improving the building in any way, shape or form. The building remains unchanged since it was built in 1977. Unaffiliated with A&M, Heldenfels has earned its own hate account on Instagram. Over 1,000 followers agree that Heldenfels is, and will continue to be, the least liked building on campus.

8 MAROON LIFE

FLO-ing into freshman year

A Nguyen — THE BATTALION

Members in Freshmen in Engineering, Science and Technology Jackson Ballew, Veronik Lisovaya and Yulia Lisovaya stand for a photo.

First-year organizations provide communities, leadership

By Sydnei Miles @Sydnei_M04 Freshman Leadership Organizations, or FLOs, help incoming freshmen establish a firm foundation and provide opportunities for connections. FLOs create an easy transition into college life for incoming freshmen, and there is a wide array that students can choose from to find the best fit.

As freshmen begin their first year of college, the size of the campus community can be intimidating and overwhelming. Sport management sophomore and zone leader of Freshman Leaders Establishing Excellence, or FLEX, Emma Tenbrink said FLOs are designed to help freshman students find a sense of belonging on campus their first year.

“I think the biggest part of a FLO is it really helps [high school] seniors transition into college their freshman year,” Tenbrink said. “It kind of gives freshmen a huge friend group right off the bat. Most FLOs pride themselves on just having casual hangouts

like Evans hangouts, MSC hangouts, it just allows freshmen to always have someone to be with because, especially [at] A&M, it can be very scary to come in alone … So it just gives freshmen someone to be with right off the bat.”

Statistics junior and FLEX head director Nick Johannessen said while every FLO aims at achieving the same goal of fostering a welcoming environment for freshmen, many are intimately different.

“There are some that are more major-specific and that can help if you’re worried about meeting people within your major or having people to study with,” Johannessen said. “Even though it sounds like they’re all the same and we have the same events throughout the year, each FLO is different in its own unique way.”

Students have the opportunity to explore every FLO, communications junior and FLEX communications executive Katie Cook said.

“We always ask freshmen to go to the All-FLO Informational that the Freshman Leadership Advisory Council offers because they kind of get to see a little glimpse of every single FLO,” Cook said. “They can see, you know, that they’re all kind of structured

similarly, but they all have different qualities and different philanthropies and you kind of get to see what the vibes are of each FLO.” Even after freshman year, students are able to hold positions in FLOs which helps them stay involved with new freshmen classes.

Johannessen said he has remained a part of FLEX because he wants to give back to other students.

“You don’t really see too many juniors still involved in [FLO],” Johannessen said.

“It’s just kind of wanting to pay it forward.

I know what being in a FLO and specifically FLEX my freshman year did for me, giving me so many great friends and amazing memories that I know I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. My college experience would be so much different without it and I just wanted to be able to provide that same positive experience to the freshman Class of 2025 and then also this year, 2026. Just ensuring that they could have as good of a freshman year as I did and helping them out with that transition because I know how difficult that can be.”

Cook said the most rewarding aspect of being involved in a FLO is the connections made throughout the year.

“You just make such unique relationships,” Cook said. “I think that FLEX really

plugs you into people that you would have never seen yourself being friends with. When you serve on leadership, you get partners and you get put in these groups with new people to work with … It paves the way for there to be such a good relationship with every single person in this organization. I think that the people that end up being in FLEX are just incredible, truly one-of-a-kind people.”

As students determine which FLO fits them best, Tenbrink said it’s important to understand what each group values. In order to do so, she said the best thing to do is be yourself, be as open to understanding other people’s values and take time to know what you will pour your attention to.

“The biggest thing I love about FLO recruitment is how genuine it is compared to other recruitments that happen at A&M,” Tenbrink said. “So just really understanding what each FLO stands for and what they pride themselves on. I think it’s really important and just meeting people and putting yourself out there and being vulnerable and just being true to yourself is definitely the number one advice.”

Your Aggieland off-campus housing search starts here.

Find housing, roommates and resources.

AGGIESEARCH.TAMU.EDU AggieSearch is Texas A&M University’s only official off-campus housing search website.

WHERE CAN WORKING FOR THE BATTALION HELP TAKE YOU?

HOUSING GUIDE 2023

“Wouldn’t be where I am today without The Batt. I learned how to work on deadline, lay out a paper and delegate as an editor. Some of my favorite years in school.”

Jonathan Wall, ’07, English, Managing Editor, Golf Magazine/GOLF.com

MAROON LIFE

#WhereWillYouGo? APPLY TODAY Applications are available in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center or at tx.ag/applyBatt

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“Working at The Battalion gave me a career trajectory, taught me the value of deadlines and accurate communication and truly changed my life. Plus I made lifelong friends. That alone is worth it.”

Stacy Bertinelli, ’93, English & History, Manager of Community Accounts Market Enginuity

“Softly call the Muster”

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Opinion: It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a Veo!

VEOS ON PAGE 5

By Justin Chen @justin_chen

A&M SINCE 1893

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season.

BASEBALL ON PAGE 7

l: Aggies win All-SEC

awards

By Editorial Staff

Abbott visits BCS, discusses parental rights

By Kyle McClenagan @KMcclenagan

C 10 YEARS OF SE The Reveille statue

“My entire professional career has been shaped by my time spent working at @TheBattOnline as a student reporter and editor. I’m no longer in the J-biz, but make no mistake: I use elements of what I learned there every hour of every day. Can’t imagine my life without it!”

True Brown, ’04, Agricultural Journalism, Senior Director of Development, A&M Foundation

during its unveiling

ceremony in front

of Kyle Field on

Friday, March 3, 2023.

Former students commemor While two artists, ate Dawn Jimm Agnew-Mundell, were Scannell and a brighter future for Reveille with on-campus the university.” tasked with statue building the statue, Agnew-Mundell Eliana Voelkel, Tyson’s daughter said Ishika Samant —

THE BATTALION

design of the Reveille the and statue was a collabora- youngest donor to the Reveille statue, the tive process, with artists said tailoring the statue’s Reveille is more to her than just a appearance to the feedback mascot.

Eliana, sixteen, first involved herself with of alumni, donors and administration.

Reveille statue project the at After a nearly eight-year “I think we had about “I love her,” Eliana age eleven. process of planthirty versions, until ning, deliberation and said. “Reveille’s just we finally like a friend to me.

I of Aggieland’s queen construction, a statue dell said. landed on this one,” Agnew-Muna connection with her. feel like everyone has has in front of Kyle Field. finally been installed I don’t know how The statue, Scannell explain it.” to The statue, placed in represent a particular said, is not supposed to The statue’s unveiling Reveille, but of the past Reveilles, front of the gravesite to be a was attended by depiction of all Reveilles is supposed both Reveille IX and was group of former students commissioned by a Texas X. Reveille IX’s hanthroughout dler, A&M’s Caroline Sauter, a and their families. history.

Neal Adams, Class civil engineering se“It’s not nior, said the queen of and her predecessor ams led the process. 1968, and Sonja Ad- Scannell supposed to be any specific Rev,” close companions. are Neal said. the statue was to honor said the purpose of of collies.” “We based it off a wide range “They’re both the current and best friends,” former Reveilles and The Reveille statue display their likeness Student Body President Sauter said. was supported fiKyle Field visitors. to nancially Case Harris said he believes the Reveille by the A&M Foundation. statue will be a bright “This lady, those gals, Tyson spot in students’ Voelkel, president of the foundation, days as they walk past sented,” Neal said. “Now, need to be repre- foundation it.

“It means the world,” promoted a wide variety said the everybody’s gonna come by here and Harris of pro- eille just grams across A&M. know what’s buried brightens students’ day said. “Revthere is here.” any time they “We’ve got 17,000 see her, and now we have a statue, so faculty on fellowship,” scholarships [and] 500 can walk by students any time Tyson said. “We build great memories they and remember all the had with her.”

By Jack Lee @JackTheBatt

State bill restricts trans

healthcare

Gov. Greg Abbott made a visit to the Brazos Christian School in Parent Empowerment Bryan as part of the Tour.

On Tuesday, March 7, parents and locals filed into the Brazos Christian School gym listen to several speakers to proposed school choice promote the newly voucher program, or “education savings accounts” as currently described in Texas Senate bill 176. If passed, the bill would allow families to receive state funding that could be used to attend a private school. According to the bill, the amount each family receives would average cost of attending be based on the a Before Abbott spoke, public school.

Texas House District 14 Rep. John Raney introduced Abbott as a governor who has always fought for children.

“Gov. Abbott understands the value of a good education and the parents control over importance of giving their children’s education,” Raney said.

“Under Gov. Abbott’s leadership, public schools and teacher’s salaries have received more funding than any governor in our state.”

Upon reaching the podium, Abbott said parents deserve to choose where their children attend school.

“There are a lot of parents who are rightfully happy with their children being in public school,” Abbott said. there are parents who “At the same time, periences they’ve had are angry about exin school … Parents are angry about the woke forced on their children agenda that’s being in their schools.”

ABBOTT ON PG.

SB 1029 aims to limit practice claims or additional expenses in- ment curred post-treatment. reads. gender-affirming treatment vasectomies The bill includes Applied mathematical and hysterectomies, sciences sophbut allows exceptions for for Texans those with “medical- omore Mars Hartweg, a transgender ly verifiable man

By Kenzie Finch @KenzieFinch6

genetic disorder of sex development,” such as

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“As a reporter and editor at The Batt, I learned real-time lessons: how to live the ethics of journalism; skills that made success as an entrepreneur publisher possible; and the conviction that journalism matters.”

Angelique Gammon, ’81, Journalism, Professor, Texas A&M, former owner & publisher of Insite Magazine

3

PUBLICATION NOTICE The Battalion will not be published in print during spring break, March 13-19. The Battalion will return with regular online content on Monday, March 20, and in print on Thursday, March 23. Have a great spring break!

and associate officer a student organization for Transcend,

23 years later....

We remember.

intersex individuals. and nonbinary students, for transgender In an email to The Battalion, Hall’s said if the bill Chief of Staff Amy Lane sent a statement is passed, people would be emboldened Recently proposed to disparage the transgender bills in Texas and saying transgender healthcare Florida aim to place community. facilities restrictions are “exploding” across “People are seeing, ance coverage of reassignment on insur‘oh the governthe state, and ment says it’s OK to hate treatment reassignment treatments are and procedures, and trans increasing, so I’m especially among minors. would going to be more violentpeople, tals liable for malpractice make hospiThe statement than I says although initial lawsuits. treatments and pro- was before,’” Hartweg said.

Texas Sen. Bob Hall cedures are typically Proponents of the as Senate bill 1029 introduced Texcovered to the state’s 88th ances, on-going treatments by insur- nomics senior Rachelbill, such as ecoLegislative Session Sweeney, presior detransi- dent on Feb. 17. The bill tioning surgeries are of Texas A&M Young not. would inhibit government Americans for Freedom, said this “This bill makes private entities from funding “gender modification proposal was a step health ben- in the efit plans strictly liable right surgerdirection ies,” as well as make for Texas by not for the lifetime allowing hospitals and private care of the patient government for insurance companies liable for any mal- gender modification consequences of ward these treatments. funding to go totreatment or procedures covered by the plan,” the stateBILL ON PG. 3

Kaili Gaston — THE Kinesiology sophomore BATTALION Matthew Klement St. Joseph’s Health stands outside of Regional Hospital on Feb. 26, 2023.

With 8-Week Cour

* Available online Classes

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begin March 20 blinnbound@bli

1 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2022 STUDENT MEDIA

DEAD “I wouldn’t be anywhere without The Battalion!” PRINT IS NOT As it happened: P C. Morgan Engel, ’18, Telecommunication Media Studies, Photographer, Clarkson Creative formerly with Minnesota Vikings/San Diego Chargers

After a slow 6-5 start lor has been having Following a historic Williams righted the to kick off the season, big part in turning a career year and was a ranks fourth in the conference ship and led the team the season around for A&M men’s basketball season by the Texas to a 23-8 record in free throws maroon and white. the on the season, going team, the maroon and He leads the conference made with 134 and fourth in rebounds white have been rewarded 15-3 in conference play. game among guards per The team’s 15 conference in free throws made with 152 as for their efforts wins with an average of by having coach well as free- boards are the most in 100 5.5 Buzz Williams named per game. years, and their un- throw percentage, making 86.9% of his the SEC Co-Coach as defeated conference shots from the charity stripe.

Taylor and Radford of play at home is the His 16.3 points-peralso earned the top more guard Wade Taylorthe Year and sopho- in over 40 years. first game is also spot in the SEC as good for fifth in the the highest-scoring Tyrece Radford garneringIV and senior guard conference with On Tuesday, March duo an average of 29.6 points 7, Williams was also and is a career-best.

Williams shared SEC All-SEC honors. named SEC Coach per game.

Taylor was also unanimously The team will look of the Year by the to carry its momentum with Vanderbilt’s coach, Coach of the Year ciated Press.

Asso- the AP all-league selected for into the SEC Tournament Jerry Stackhouse, this first team is the second time in Nashville, TenComing off a career-high After a stellar season, on March 7.

Williams has been 28 points against Radford also gained nessee, as they enter as the two-seed. awarded this honor, with recognition in the A&M will play its first game his first in the 2019-20 No. 2 Alabama, sophomore guard conference. on Friday, March 10, Taylor way into He earned a spot on the at All-SEC second team made his 6 p.m. against the winner All-SEC first team. of the Arkansas and Tay- a big role in and played Auburn the Aggies’ historic matchup. season. He

Long live the queen

Foundatio The Texas A&M past in honoring Aggies supports Muster and present.

MEDIA

Aggies win against ranked opponent in 16 innings

Buzz around basketbal

Friday, April 21, 2023

r, ‘Here’ Let Comrade Answe n proudly

“It truly helped me figure out the direction I wanted to go in career-wise!”

Bethany Irvine, ‘18, Communication, Washington, D.C., Reporting Fellow, Texas Tribune

1 JULY 6 | SERVING WEDNESDAY,

nn.edu

“Learned so much during my time there and definitely made lifelong friends. Wouldn’t be who I am today without my time at The Batt.”

Doug Fuentes, ‘01, Journalism, Registered Nurse/Assistant Nurse Manager, Baylor Scott & White

rint journalism is not dead at Texas A&M. Despite the whirlwind 24 hours that occurred for The Battalion’s leadership last week, and a public announcement that members of the journalism working group could “discuss changes to distribution of The Battalion’s weekly editions,” there is still a fight to be had. And a fight we will make if A&M’s administration continues to ignore us.

We will not be condescended into believing print journalism is not important.

We will not allow the administration to control our content — or the platform on which we publish.

Talks of a digital transformation and future multidisciplinary collaboration to propel our institution into the future sound wonderful. That is, until the true colors start to show. Not to mention, isn’t this institution rooted in tradition? Aren’t the unique qualities, which “from the outside looking in, you can’t explain,” what give life to our famous Spirit of Aggieland?

This board agrees that A&M needs better technology, resources and infrastructure — just try to meet deadlines when Canvas or the campus internet fails. However, progress shouldn’t come at the sacrifice of the centuries-old traditions which define Aggieland. The Battalion is a tradition. We have printed on this campus for 129 years. That’s longer than the Aggies have gathered to trash talk the visiting football team at Midnight Yell. From Silver Taps to historic 41-38 upsets and everything in between, The Battalion reports on and physically documents A&M’s history.

Besides The Battalion’s sentimental value, we offer concrete job experience for students pursuing journalism, and for those who are not.

President M. Katherine Banks, Vice President of Student Affairs, or VPSA, Gen. Joe Ramirez and the administration at large are under the impression that print journalism, globally, is dead. Well, President Banks, they’ve been telling us that since members of this board were in diapers — yet print journalism is still here.

Your job, at an institution of higher education, is to provide students the resources they need, academic or otherwise, to find jobs and succeed beyond graduation. Our job, as The Battalion, is to provide that experience.

It’s not the administration’s decision to tell us if we can or cannot print. It’s not its place to tell us we can or cannot do anything.

We are an officially recognized student organization, and our editorial control has been outside of university purview for several years now. Even when The Battalion existed under the Offices of the Dean of Student Life, we had strict boundaries that allowed the publication full editorial freedom over every single word we chose to publish.

To dispel any other confusion, the newspaper is — and was — financially independent as

Kyle McClenagan Multimedia & Asst. News Editor Casey Stavenhagen Sports Editor Jordan Epp Asst. Sports Editor Kay Naegeli Asst. Sports Editor Kathryn Miller Life & Arts Editor

well. Currently, we are 100% funded by advertising and revenue streams outside of the university, with all funds provided by the university remaining in savings, untouched. Not a dime from A&M. And, we’re in the black — we’re not losing money. Evidently, Banks and Ramirez missed that point.

In a Feb. 11 impromptu meeting between editor-in-chief Myranda Campanella, Student Body President Natalie Parks and Ramirez, the VPSA unequivocally stated the decision was, in fact, final, despite the demand being presented as a choice less than 24 hours before.

The Battalion was simply to accept the university’s decision and begin the transition back.

Ramirez went so far to say in the meeting that he would need to speak with Dean of Students Anne Reber about this miscommunication, and reiterated the decision was final.

Our presence on the Department of Journalism working group is a victory for the Battalion staff, and an opportunity to be fairly represented in the decision-making process. We are looking forward to working alongside fellow journalists and faculty who will help advocate for our voice.

But, Associate Vice President for Marketing & Communications Kelly Brown said Banks will consider the working group’s proposals before making the final decision herself, as with the other working groups for university reorganization. Administration is still under the impression that they hold authority over The Battalion, when that is simply not true.

The Battalion is an editorially independent newspaper, and has been for its entire existence.

Its independence doesn’t come from any university rule, but a much higher power — vested in the First Amendment. Our independence is as guaranteed as that of our peers at The Eagle or The Houston Chronicle.

The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education’s student press counsel, or FIRE, of the organization’s Student Press Freedom Initiative, sent a letter to Banks on Feb. 15, which has since been posted publicly. In the letter, FIRE expressed concerns on legal grounds over the assertion of university authority. “[A&M’s] present demands of The Battalion squarely contradict Texas A&M’s obligations under the First Amendment, which bars the institution from regulating the form or content of an editorially-independent student publication,” the letter reads.

FIRE’s Student Press Counsel Lindsie Rank confirmed that A&M’s administration has no right under the First Amendment to dictate the medium to which The Battalion publishes, as much as it dictates the content it publishes. “[The Battalion is] an independent student publication,” Rank said. “[It’s] just as free to determine the future of your organization as any other student organization is, and [it’s] really an independent entity that is not an arm of that state university in any way, shape or form.”

Myranda Campanella Editor-in-Chief Julia Potts Managing Editor Caleb Powell Opinion Editor Nathan Varnell Asst. Opinion Editor Aubrey Vogel News Editor Michaela Rush News Editor

A chronological summary of Texas A&M administrative decisions regarding The Battalion’s operations

EDITORIAL ON PG. 7

MONDAY, JAN. 24

2 p.m. - Initial meeting with The Battalion’s adviser regarding Banks’ wishes.

THURSDAY, FEB. 10

1 p.m. - Administration meets with The Battalion’s adviser 3:45 p.m. — Student leadership learns of administrative demands 6 p.m. — Student leaders inform editorial staff Approximately 7 p.m. — Banks is unable to provide comment on Thursday Approximately 10:30 p.m. — Student Government Association voices support for print

FRIDAY, FEB. 11 10 a.m. — Student leaders meet with university officials 12:20 p.m. — The Battalion breaks the news Approximately 1:23 p.m. — Emergency meeting with VP of Student Affairs Gen. Joe Ramirez Before 4:10 p.m. — Multiple publications release coverages 4:10 p.m. — Banks emails The Battalion with decision to allow printing through the end of semester

SATURDAY, FEB. 12 #SaveTheBatt student organizers pass out flyers in support at Aggieland Saturday

MONDAY, FEB. 14 Student Press Law Center releases official statement of support for The Battalion 10:00 a.m. — Spectrum News story debuts 3-5 p.m. — Student Body President and Faculty Senate Speaker announce support of The Battalion

Caroline Wilburn Asst. Life & Arts Editor Robert O’Brien Photo Chief Ishika Samant Asst. Photo Chief Cori Eckert Design Editor & Student Business Manager Grant Gaspard Podcast Producer

6:00 p.m. — The Battalion’s adviser and two students asked to join the working group for the new Department of Journalism 8:00 p.m. — Banks releases a statement to the public regarding the additions to the working group

TUESDAY, FEB. 15 3:40 p.m. — Foundation for Individual Rights in Education sends letter to President Banks

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16 8 p.m. — Student Senate passed resolution in favor of The Battalion

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“My experience as a sports editor/writer was so much more valuable than most of my classes.”

Carter Karels, ’18, University Studies/Journalism, Florida State athletics beat writer, Tallahassee Democrat

“The Batt is where I learned my craft and caught the journalism bug. Hopefully many more generations will get the same opportunity.”

Matthew Watkins, ’08, Political Science, Managing Editor for News and Politics, Texas Tribune

“What I learned at The Battalion helped land internships with the Philadelphia Inquirer and The Dallas Morning News. It gave me skills to seamlessly integrate into a professional newsroom.”

Angel Franco, ’19, Telecommunication Media Studies, Communications Coordinator, Houston Dynamo/Dash

“I would not be the journalist I am today or have the goals I do now if it wasn’t for The Battalion. These students are the future of news. We need them.”

Chevall Pryce, ’17, University Studies/Journalism, Reporter, Houston Community Newspapers Ishika Samant— THE BATTALION

With 3-Week Winter

Minimester Classes

* Available online Classes begin Decem ber 19 www.blinn.edu/winter blinnbound@blinn.ed u

NEW STUDENTS’ GUIDE 11

Q-drop it like it’s hot Weighing the pros, cons of waving the white flag

By Ruben Hernandez @battandmuse Here at Texas A&M, we hold some of the brightest and toughest students in the state and country. You strive for a better grade every day, every week, every semester and against everyone else to be the top of your class. However, you also need to know that sometimes the squeeze ain’t worth the juice.

Everyone talks about farmers ‘fight’ but no one really talks about farmers ‘yea, this isn’t going to work.’

Q-dropping is the act of submitting a Q-drop form to your advisor in order to cut a class from your set of courses. There are

many reasons in which someone might need to Q-drop a class, with the form asking for “the SINGLE most important reason.” Options include an excess of hours, medical or financial issues, not necessary for your graduation plan, even difficulty with the professor — but perhaps the number one reason is a struggling grade.

Make no mistake, Q-dropping should not be taken lightly. Having to consider Q-dropping comes from serious contemplation for the sake of both your mental health and your GPA. That shouldn’t mean that Q-dropping is equivalent to quitting, it just means that you know your boundaries to the merit of your success.

It’s a scary thought during your first year.

A&M isn’t a school everyone can get into, so coming hot off your high GPA from high school might incur some feelings of imposter syndrome or short-lived success once you do come to terms with Q-dropping. When you

do commit, understand that it is not a reflection of your success.

Knowing when Q-drop applications open is highly suggested, just to keep the option in your back pocket for your high-stakes first year of college. More than often, how you will end the class is shown within the first month and a half, that way you can measure the difficulty and standards of the professor for the course. Most people wait until midterms to see if a high score can salvage a drowning grade, but by that point the Q-drop deadline might have already passed.

Although there is high pressure before Q-dropping and hoping it is accepted, a wave of relief is felt once you see the course wiped from your Canvas dashboard. Once you do experience that absence of stress, you’ll know that you made the right choice.

Even though the stress is gone, this doesn’t mean that all problems miraculously disappear. If anything, the time spent after

Q-dropping a class should be a period of reflection on how to avoid repeating mistakes.

Take into consideration: What could I have done better? Would I do better if I were to retake the class? Is this the path I am willing to take if I do have to drop the course again?

These questions can better mold the future of your path towards graduation and your major in general.

Don’t take this advice as viewing Q-dropping as a safety net that shields you from procrastination in your classes, but as a last-resort method that should be taken once you have done everything in your power to succeed.

Talk to your advisors and professors to plan your best course of action. Have no fear, first-year; Q-drops are here to clear.

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A MINOR ISSUE

13 MAROON LIFE

Fun for all ages, a wet and dry guide to Northgate

By Richa Shah & John Chapa @WhoIsRichaShah & @JDChapaBatt This is a non-comprehensive list of the places that are a must-see for any Northgate visitor, from dancing inappropriately to finishing your capstone project, we’ve got you covered.

Dixie Chicken Ever wanted cheesy fries while enjoying the company of a potentially dead snake?

The Chicken is your place. With greasy food like burgers and fries and drinks, it’s a good time for everyone, 21 or not. Although it smells faintly of wet wood, the Chicken has become one of Texas A&M’s unofficial traditions. Former students go back years later to point out the exact stool they scrawled their name on after a night out. The music is low enough that you can comfortably have a conversation with your friends but loud enough for a lively atmosphere.

A slightly odd tried and tested use of the Chicken’s sticky tables is for studying.

Yeah, it sounds weird, but apparently, the exciting atmosphere is a welcome break from the pin-drop-quiet study rooms of Evans. Plus, you get to be the mysterious main character with a book at a bar.

Even if you’re not a big Northgate person, a picture at the Chicken and a crude carving of your name and class year will reaffirm the rush of being at A&M.

Good Bull Icehouse

This might be a controversial one but I had to add it. It’s one of the newer bars on Northgate, but I bet it’s going to become Chicken-akin when my kids attend their New Student Conference.

Organizations actually hold events here to allow their mem-

bers to mingle. With a massive projector that plays Aggie games and cute lights over the outdoor seating, Good Bull is for the student that doesn’t want holes in their memory the morning after while still enjoying a night at Northgate. Get a drink in a container reserved for Ramen soup, kick back and enjoy A&M sports on the big

screen. Then dance the night away at the club upstairs. And repeat.

Your 21-year-old friends can have a Capri Fun or a Mimosa Tower and have a relaxed, tipsy night with the people who make dealing with Northgate bike cops a bit more bearable.

UNDER

21 Domino’s & Insomnia Cookies

So what do you do when you’re tired of paying too much for your drinks or getting hit on by creepy drunks?

You feed your soul.

Like Stuart Baldwin said in the 1994 movie “Threesome,” even when pizza is bad, it’s

12 Rooftop Bar & Lounge The first time I went here, the second floor was filled with Aggies dancing and jumping like they didn’t care that I could feel the rooftop pulsing to the beat. Though I was worried I’d meet my demise in too-short shorts, I danced anyway.

With Thursdays nights being reserved for Latin music, 12 is another Northgate staple. You might find a few reviews saying bartenders question the validity of IDs handed by Aggies with white hair and a teenage kid but hey, a little conflict is key for character development. still pretty good. You may be a firm believer in the “no one out pizzas the Hut” mentality, but when the delicious smell of garlic-smeared dough and barely cooked pasta wafts out, you’ll follow. To the employees of the Domino’s on Northgate, you are truly keeping the spirit of the 12th Man alive by patiently feeding your fellow Aggies slurring their

way through their order.

I strongly believe that no meal is complete without a sweet treat. Next stop: Insomnia Cookies.

Nothing feels better than a cool scoop of ice cream after hours of sweaty dancing. Put it between two soft cookies and you’ve got something that would make Gordon Ramsey blush.

A SHOT TAKEN

NEW STUDENTS’ GUIDE 14

O’ Bannon’s

If you want more than the usual regular section on draft, consider visiting O’Bannon’s. The 21-and-up bar offers a variety of pale ales, lagers and stouts for you to choose from. The bar

Whisper Sister Shots Whisper Sister is a narrow, hidden place I walk by every time. Its purpose is only to get you drunk and excited — not to have a conversation or dance or find love. Bartenders will randomly spray the crowd with beer so if you don’t like being sticky, watch out.

When I say ‘extensive menu,’ I mean it. Behind the bartenders is a long list of shots named fun things. Pick according to what you like.

Sweet? Spicy? Tangy? Everclear?

However, a forever crowd favorite has been the Royal Canadian shot.

And like my friend found out the hard way, don’t hop up on the bar counter and pose for a picture (great job, Shea).

Mama Sake If you want to kick off the night in a memorable way, look no further than Mama Sake. The dive is located on the paved alley in the corner farthest from University Drive, close to where a lot of the bike cops like to hang out.

You are visiting this bar for one thing and one thing only:

is more spacious than most, yet cozy. The dark wood and pub signs establish character for the Irish pub.

O’Bannon’s also has more regular hours than most other bars, opening at 4 p.m. every day of the week except Sunday.You can also

follow the pub’s website and attend events hosted by the pub, such as bar trivia on Wednesday nights and Irish rock band concerts.

OVER

21

to take a sake bomb. There is something instinctive about the lounge’s operation. Before you even ask the bartender what to do, they balance the sake-filled shot glass on a mug filled with a monster energy drink, count you off in Japanese and, next thing you know, you’re pounding the bar to release the sake bomb, chugging the concoction in

a race against your friends.

You won’t be hanging out in this bar with an open tab, but consider this an excellent stop for your night of bar hopping when you need a little boost.

Logie’s There’s something refreshing about turning 21. No longer traversing the bar scene with marker-stained hands.

No longer paying for ridiculous cover charges (looking at you, The Backyard). This is one of the first stops to make upon turning legal age. College students dominate the scene at a bar that rivals the Chicken in that hometown feel. While the Chicken caters to the average redass Aggie, Logie’s caters to the typical college student.

Logie’s knows what college students want: good regular deals. The bar has regular 50-cent wing Wednesdays and a $5 bucket deal every Friday as well.

Tipsy Turtle With arguably the coolest logo in all of Northgate, a plastered tortoise, the Tipsy Turtle is a standout and offers you a plethora of shots to choose from in its intimate setting. From pickle shots to lemon drop shots, this bar has everything you need to get a little tipsy. This bar is a little limited in space, so if you become tired of standing, you can always grab a table at Paddock next door.

18 MAROON LIFE

GET REC’D: STUDENT FITNESS

Finding the right on-campus workout space for you

By Kenzie Finch @kenziefinch6 Since many incoming freshmen will be living in the dorms, it’s more than likely at some point they will visit one of Texas A&M’s recreational facilities: Student Rec Center, Polo Road Rec Center or Southside Rec Center.These three locations are spread across the campus, with Southside being the closest to the Commons and southside modular dorms, and the Student Rec Center being the largest.

The main rec on campus has several different resources such as: a climbing wall, basketball courts, outdoor equipment rentals, classes, fitness certifications courses, racketball, etc. Polo Road and Southside are the two newest recreational centers primarily focused on strength training, but are constantly adding more equipment. I have been working out for years and have a pretty good grasp on what to do in the gym, but I definitely found I’m more comfortable at some gyms over others.

Here are my general thoughts on the facilities:

Student Recreational Center I personally have gym anxiety, like a lot of other people do. Especially when you are just starting out, it can be super intimidating going to a giant facility like the main rec. The main rec is often still overwhelming for me because of the sheer size and number of people in there.

However, if you’re pretty confident in working out, don’t suffer from gym anxiety or need specific equipment for your workouts, then the main rec is probably a good move. It does get pretty crowded sometimes, but you’ll probably find that happens at any of the locations. It’s always a good place if you’re wanting to rock climb, use the basketball courts and rent outdoor equipment.

This location has a lot of space, a lot of equipment, but it’s just too many people for me personally.

Polo Road This location was honestly my saving grace after being intimidated by the Student Rec Center. It’s on the newer side, so it doesn’t quite have all the equipment you might find at the Student Rec, but it should still have most of what you need, especially if you are just starting out. It’s a smaller facility, so there’s less people watching you figure out how to adjust equipment and it’s very well kept.

Southside Recreation Center

A Nguyen — THE BATTALION

This one I can’t give a super strong opinion on because I haven’t actually used this facility. This is the newest rec on campus, and the closest one to a lot of dorms. I have friends who have used this facility and say it’s really nice and they are constantly adding more equipment. If you’re looking for the most convenient option while living on campus, this might be your best option.

Other people may choose to workout off campus, in which case, TruFit is a very popular and affordable gym for college students. Whatever you choose, remember that everyone starts somewhere. I remember how embarrassed I was when I couldn’t bench the bar my first time at the gym and can now do 15 pull-ups (great job if you can do more, let me be proud). Just be respectful of the people around you and keep the facilities a judgment-free zone.

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20 MAROON LIFE

NEW STUDENTS’ GUIDE 21

HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE Gamedays in Aggieland bring student body, community together

By Hunter Mitchell @HunterM1001 It’s Saturday night, the bright lights of Kyle Field illuminate 102,733 fans all yelling in unison. You look to your left and right and see nothing but fellow students. At that moment, you are no longer just a fan, you are a part of the 12th Man. The fan experience at Texas A&M is unlike any other in the country, packed full of traditions that create a truly unique atmosphere for students.

As the 12th Man, the student section does more than just cheer for the team. Standing for every game, the student body rallies behind every person that comes together to make up one of the best student sections in the U.S. “You’ll notice that, especially every football game and every basketball game, that student section is going to be standing the whole time,” said Sam Toeniskoetter, former

president of the basketball student section, the Reed Rowdies. “I think that adds a little bit more of an engagement factor than you’ll see at a normal university.”

In Aggieland, weekends are not for rest. To truly experience all A&M has to offer is a fulltime job, but one that, as Aggies, students will come to embrace.

“Be open to the new experience,” Toeniskoetter said. “It’s going to be a little weird at first, but the more you get into it and the more effort you put into it, the more fun it’s going to be for you.”

For those worried about not being into sports, A&M home games can be used simply as an excuse to get out and meet other students and make new friends.

“Coming to A&M, I would go to a game, especially basketball games,” Toeniskoetter said. “I didn’t know anybody at first, but I was able to meet a great group of people in the Reed Rowdies and really find enjoyment out of getting to see the people at basketball games.”

Kyle Field is just one of the many home venues that A&M offers. Other facilities like Reed Arena, Olsen Field, Davis Diamond and

the Mitchell Tennis Center are also home to electric atmospheres that can not be found anywhere else.

Just this past year, A&M men’s basketball went undefeated in SEC play at home, beating ranked opponents like No. 11 Tennessee and No. 2 Alabama in an atmosphere that can only be described as “palpable.” Meanwhile, women’s tennis has continued to dominate, winning their second-straight SEC regular season title.

“My favorite experience at an A&M game would be Alabama this year for basketball,” Toeniskoetter said. “I thought it was a great end-piece to a fantastic basketball season that we had. Seeing how we continued to build the student engagement at basketball games, and then to kind of end it off with such a bang. It was just a great experience for every person at the game. The fans were into it the whole time, I just thought it was an amazing atmosphere.”

Each facility at A&M is unique, so going to as many as possible will provide students with the true Aggie experience.

“For baseball, we have ‘Ball 5’, yell at the coach, the pitcher’s name, stuff like that,”

said sport management sophomore Britton Young, member of the baseball student section, Section 203. “For volleyball, the yell leaders come, and we have our specific yells.

Basketball, we have the Reed Rowdies.

“Each sport has unique things to it,” Young said. “That just makes it more entertaining.

It’s not like we’re going to go to a sporting event and do the same thing we do at football.”

Come fall semester, Aggie Park will be filled with tailgaters and students new and old.

Kyle Field will be the loudest stadiums in the state of Texas, and Reed Arena will be rocking. To truly cash in on what it means to be an Aggie, find a seat, wear comfortable shoes and be a part of one of the best student sections in the country.

“A&M sporting events are unique, our fanbase is passionate,” Young said. “We do specific things that make the games more entertaining. It’s not just your run-of-the-mill basketball game where you just go and watch and heckle. A&M offers a lot of in-game activities you can do. All sports in general at A&M, you have unique experiences that set it apart differently than just other sporting events.”

22 MAROON LIFE

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No idea what you want to study? You’re not alone. According to the Department of Education, a third of college students change their major at some point during their studies. To help you make this big decision, we’ve compiled a list explaining ten schools and colleges at Texas A&M.

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The little train that could, unfortunately Like a huge laceration diving southwest and northeast of Aggieland, the train is the burden of your college career here at A&M. Unpredictable both in arrival time and duration, the train always manages to appear when you’re most in a hurry. The only thing you can do when the train does come is accept your fate and start drafting an email on your phone on why you’re late to your professor.

There is, however, a shortcut under the train that can be found on University Drive near Wellborn Road, but this shortcut is most efficient on weekday nights at 2 a.m. for a Taco Bell run. It could possibly extend your driving time on heavy traffic mornings.

Texas [and] University

Ruben Hernandez — THE BATTALION

Getting around town — on time and in style

By Ruben Hernandez @battandmuse What makes Texas A&M amazing, aside from the people, is the sheer magnitude of the campus. Totaling 5200 acres, it takes more than a good pair of legs to get around, both in and outside of campus.

With that being said, a frame with four wheels — or perhaps even two — will be your amiable friend around these parts, but it’s easier to put concepts on paper than to execute them. Even if Aggieland is one huge block with everything else circling the outside, there are a few things you should know before hitting the pavement.

Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle A&M is both heaven and hell for bicycle

riders. On one hand, the campus is big enough to encourage avid and new bike enthusiasts to pedal around, allowing for a sense of exploration and healthy amounts of exercise. On the other hand, the campus is excessively big.

If you don’t have a bicycle of your own, you can always use the Veo bikes around campus that are accessible through the Veo app — that is, if they are not removed from campus. Here at A&M, students make it their mission to place not only Veos but unattended bicycles in trees and other high places. Why? There must be some good excuse, but at least it will give some guy from Sigma Alpha Pi a good chuckle. So make sure to lock your bike along with watching for falling ones.

My baby takes the morning bus Every Aggie will tell you they have a lovehate relationship with the infamous Aggie Spirit Buses. To list the pros: free transportation, no expensive gas or going to places

where you might get towed. Just open up the bus routes website, find the nearest terminal and wait for the bus to come. Easy, efficient and they even have a lost and found in the second floor of the MSC if you happen to misplace something on one of their buses.

The cons are perhaps everything else. For every time the bus arrives on schedule, there is the equal chance it arrives too late for you to get to class on time or too early where it leaves without you even after you finished sprinting 50 meters in seven seconds with a backpack on, becoming a sweaty embarrassment for all the passing cars to see. Even if the bus does arrive on time, there are three dreaded words that might appear and make you throw punches in the air: out of service.

I recommend heading toward the campus bus early, because Lord knows car drivers add to the traffic on crowded mornings. Plan accordingly and ride your desired bus route before school starts to find out how long it takes to get from point A to point B, and double it on the first day since traffic will be at its worst.

The word combination of University and Texas has two notorious reputations here in Aggieland. An infamous intersection, the conjunction that forms Texas Avenue and University Drive moves both fast and slow at the same time.

With Texas Avenue switching from five lanes to two lanes — two left only turns, two direct lanes and one right only turn — and University Drive switching from six lanes to three lanes — two left only turns, three direct lanes and one right only turn — it is easy to get confused on which lane you’re supposed to be on. This often causes people to slowly merge, straight up cut you off, or not allow you to get to the lane you need to be on. On rainy nights, this is a chef’s kiss to poor car infrastructure.

The good, the bad and Football Weekends The one thing to look out for during the fall season — and take this with a bouldersize amount of salt — is the traffic nightmare that happens on football weekends. Closed intersections, closed roads, longer detours and out-of-town people who drive like they have untreated cataracts. Please listen to my advice since I wish I knew this before I came here: do everything you need to do with your car before the game begins.

Groceries, dates, oil checks, errands, groceries, dry-cleaning, groceries — I can’t stress enough on groceries! Get it all done because your arrival time on game days will triple and you’ll be wasting gas and your precious time.

So get all those things taken care of and if you plan on staying in during football games, get comfy for a full-day stay-in.

26 MAROON LIFE

D

ANA RENFROE MSC SUITE L400 COLLEGE STATION, TX USA

AINTAGGIELAND ING

lationship is going. If you’re in a toxic situation, you don’t have to stick with it. In college, you’re bound to meet new people.

While it may be scary to think about starting over, sometimes a fresh start is all you need.

can’t talk or see each other. Your freshman year will be busier than you think, so don’t overcommit your time.

Leave your high school relationship behind. Personally, I wish I dumped my Are you thinking about dating during your high school boyfriend sooner. With hearts in freshman year? Here’s a comprehensive guide my eyes, it was easy to look past our glarto navigating the dating scene in Bryan-Col- ing issues, but my freshman year was heavily weighed down by my now-ex. Likewise, lege Station. you have worked so hard to earn your spot at Texas A&M — now is not the time to let Leave the luggage someone else drag you down.

If you already are in a “happy” relationship Say goodbye to long-distance relawhen entering college, this advice may not be for you, but you’re not a bad person if you tionships. Geographical divides are hard to overcome. If you and your partner decide want to be single. to go long distance for college, you need Thinking about breaking up? If you’re to heavily consider the logistics of your sitalready planning your great escape, it’s prob- uation. Plus, the distance might be unmanably a sign of how “well” your current re- ageable and heavily stress you out when you

When you’re ready to enter the dating pool, take a step back and think about what you’re looking for.

Freshman guide to finding love, building relationships

By Ana Renfroe @aeoenia

Adjust your expectations

Patience is key, seriously. Self-imposing stress can become a vicious cycle in college, both academically and socially. Freshman year will prompt a lot of changes as you adjust to your newfound freedom, so don’t be afraid to give yourself time. If anything, you should hold off on dating until you’ve found your footing, or have a better sense of who you are.

Communicate your boundaries. A relationship goes two ways. In the instance you find someone you’re interested in, you

need to be on the same page. Likewise, other people can’t read your mind. Not everyone is looking for the same type of relationship, and dating is very casual in college. If someone isn’t looking for the same thing as you, it’s probably not meant to be.

Meeting new people Ready to dive in? Here are some tips for making new connections on campus.

Get out of the house. You’re not going to meet anyone new by staying in your room. Sometimes being vulnerable can pay off, so take advantage of social opportunities.

If you’re not interested in attending parties or impromptu events, consider joining a student organization to meet like-minded or goal-oriented potential partners.

Use dating apps sparingly. There are a disappointing amount of Aggie Chicks “Tin

der Tuesdays” posts, and almost everyone has an online dating disaster story. Dating apps can either provide an ego boost or be incredibly humbling. You’re more likely to be ghosted or have your time wasted, but if you throw enough darts at the dartboard, something may eventually stick!

Don’t be afraid to flirt. You may find yourself in situations where you need to test the waters. Is your class crush sending you mixed signals? Is your bus seatmate staring at you a little too long? Finding the confidence to strike up a conversation with strangers may lead to unexpected connections. However, remember to always be respectful. If you’re not connecting or they are uncomfortable, back off.

lege. If you meet someone you’re interested in having a casual hookup with, and they’re interested too, use protection or contraceptives to protect yourself and your partner.

“Being into someone” isn’t enough to secure consent, so explicitly ask your partner what sexual acts they’re comfortable with.

Hookups usually have no strings attached, but remember to clarify your intentions from the start.

If you’re not looking for anything serious, here are some situations you may encounter.

“Situationships” aren’t fixed. Situationships are perfect for someone who wants almost all of the benefits of a relationship — minus the commitment. In college, dating can be overwhelmingly casual, so explore your options. Situationships have become the new “talking stage” of dating, and they can give you insight into how a committed relationship might feel. However, approach entering a situationship very carefully because it often leads to heartbreak, sometimes worse than an actual breakup.

Safe sex and consent. This may be shocking to hear, but people have sex in col-

Ghosting is all too common. Getting ghosted can be very hurtful, but remember

Hookup culture

that if it happens to you, it’s not a reflection of your character. It’s valid to feel hurt or disappointed, but there will always be ups and downs when dating. Don’t let a bad experience ruin dating for you — pick yourself up and get back out there!

Playing the long game If you’re interested in only dating serious partners, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Be clear with your intentions. If you are seriously interested in dating someone and already seeing them, take the time to have a conversation about their ideal relationship. Be direct and honest if you don’t want to casually date and ask about their intentions too. It’s important to be sure your goals align to prevent misunderstandings down the line. Remember, just because you’re serious doesn’t mean you need to rush into anything.

Relationships are partnerships. If maintaining a long-term relationship is your

goal, open communication should be your utmost priority. You and your partner will become deeply invested in each other’s successes, struggles, pain and personal growth.

Communicating your thoughts, feelings and concerns can build an unparalleled trust bond, but be receptive when your partner expresses the same.

Your first serious relationship probably won’t be your last. Like me, you probably want to believe you already found “the one.” Your first relationship probably won’t be the person you marry, and that’s okay. Just because you want a serious relationship doesn’t mean you have to settle. If a new or long-term relationship isn’t working out for you, don’t be afraid to walk away from an undesirable situation. Remember, a breakup is easier than a divorce!

28 MAROON LIFE

Tips for transfer students

Alyssa Terry, Maria Hernandez, Lexus Caitlin, Sydney Rowan, Catherine Sheehan and Haley James stand in front of Kyle Field.

Advice to successfully integrate into Aggie culture, academics

By Anna Deardorff @annardeardorff Transferring into a university as large as Texas A&M can be overwhelming, but resources on campus are here to help. Whether you’re looking for opportunities to meet people or academic assistance, the Transfer Student Program, or TSP, is made to meet you where you are.

The TSP exists to ease the adjustment of coming to Aggieland by providing students with peer mentors, or students who were also transfers. TSP has a Transfer Village for students to study or relax on the 2nd floor of Hotard Hall where their offices are located.

TSP’s Program Assistant Isabella McAvoy, Class of 2020, said peer mentors reach out to transfer students before their first semester at A&M after their New Student Conference.

Coming from a town of 6,000 people, McAvoy said she understands what students are feeling.

“Transferring to Texas A&M can be scary,” McAvoy said. “It can be a little overwhelming, and we’re aware of that. It can be hard to get out into the community and make new friends.”

Advising and mentoring is available for transfers along with social and wellness activities. TSP hosts events such as non-traditional student happy hours, BookTok book clubs, trips to The Local, indoor and outdoor game days and more, according to their newsletter.

“We will also do something that we call ‘Rec Your Day,’ where we send one or two peer mentors to the Rec Center to sign up for one of the classes … in the hopes of encouraging some of the transfer students to see what the [Student Recreation Center] has to offer,” McAvoy said. “Students like to see other students.”

The social events are solely run by the team of six peer mentors and three peer coordinators, according to TSP’s website. English senior Brenda Mancera went from transferring in to becoming a peer coordinator for TSP in a few short years.

“I think a big reason I wanted to be a peer mentor is because with transferring into a university as large as A&M, it can be difficult getting to know people,” Mancera said. “You can sometimes be in that state of, ‘But am I

an Aggie?’”

As a peer coordinator, Mancera describes her role as behind the scenes. Without students to mentor themselves, coordinators create the events and host them, write the TSP Pulse Newsletter bi-weekly and host a podcast called Pass It Back.

“We wanted the podcast to be a space where they talk about anything and everything related to transferring to Texas A&M — the struggles, the hardships,” McAvoy said.

“The one that we just released was about finding a career after you graduate.”

As a transfer student, allied health junior Kylie Gilbert said she had to put herself out there in order to make friends that first year at A&M. “I went through the recruitment process and ended up joining a sorority,” Gilbert said.

“I got a rec class pass for the A&M Rec and I was able to go and do workout classes, which were really fun. I also would just meet people from my classes and get their number, start group texts and do group study time.”

Gilbert said she transferred from Dallas Baptist University after her freshman year because she desired a school with more opportunities academically and socially. A piece of advice for transfer students is to get involved early, she said.

Kaili Gaston — THE BATTALION

“I would just start looking at [organizations] and start thinking about things that you enjoy or want to get involved in,” Gilbert said. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and go to meetings and just see if you can connect with these people.”

Coming from a small town with a graduating class of 94 people, Mancera said that the first semester is crucial in developing your social scene at a university as large as A&M. “You really just have to stick it out that first semester,” Mancera said. “Commit … in terms of getting involved, meeting people, putting yourself out there [and] getting out of your comfort zone. If you don’t do that, you’re never gonna really know how would your time be here at A&M.” TSP will be hosting National Transfer Student week from October 16-20 this fall. Table giveaways, cooking classes hosted by a dietician and presentations from the career center were all activities TSP put on in previous years, McAvoy said.

“Ultimately, if there’s any student that’s looking for a place or any student that thinks maybe they made a bad decision transferring to Texas A&M, there is space for them,” McAvoy said. “We want transfer students to know that they belong here.”

30 MAROON LIFE

One step at a time

Samuel Falade — THE BATTALION

Breaking out of your comfort zone is as easy as opening your door

By Diya Regi-Thomas @diyaregithomas Hurled into a sea of 75,000 fellow Aggies, it’s impossible to not feel like a small fish in a big pond. Surrounded by an endless stream of new faces and the exhilarating buzz of fresh beginnings, it shocked me how quickly the excitement of Aggieland could become overwhelming.

One of the best pieces of advice I wish I had learned sooner was from a friend, who said, “Most people in your life are like seasons, they come and go and that’s OK.”

While I expected to stick with my high school friends and the people I met during the first few weeks of the semester, I realized that college is the perfect time to meet a diverse range of people who can challenge you, teach you about life and ultimately help you grow as an individual.

With the abundance of organizations, study spots and activities that Aggieland offers its important to approach your freshman year with an open mind.

Expect to feel uncomfortable, but don’t make the mistake of limiting yourself because of it. Step outside of your comfort zone, and try things that scare you. Whether that’s talking to a stranger on your way to class, or joining an inviting group of fellow Aggies for a friendly game at the Student Recreation Center, you never know when you’ll meet the people who

will enrich your college experience.

You end up making core memories when you least expect it. My roommate and I spent a random Friday night at The Rec playing a game of badminton with stranger we still fondly remember to this day.

Given College Station’s notoriously unpredictable weather, I quickly learned the importance of investing in practical items, such as a good pair of walking shoes, a sturdy umbrella and reliable rain boots.

With a school that spans miles, it only makes sense that resources would be plentiful.

Any goal or aspiration that you have can be nurtured and supported by the resources on campus. It’s crucial to set these goals early on, whether it’s a desire to study abroad or land a dream internship during your college career.

Identify these hopes and talk to people about

them — the Aggie Network is real.

If you’re struggling in a class, don’t wait until the last minute to seek help. Utilize resources such as the Math Learning Center or University Writing Center, and make an effort to attend office hours and get to know your professors. With a little effort, you can excel academically and make the most of your time at Texas A&M. Finally, don’t forget to take time for yourself. College can be a hectic and demanding time that might not always feel consistent.

It’s important to prioritize your mental and physical health. Make time for exercise, selfcare and relaxation. And remember, college is a time to learn and grow, both academically and personally. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way, and enjoy the next four years!

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The 2023 Aggieland

! " # $ % " & # "' (% ) " ' *% !(' +% &,(' A photojournalistic record of the 2022-2023 school year, the 121st edition of Texas A&M’s official yearbook. Distribution will be in Summer 2023.

All sales proceeds go back to students and keep alive a Texas A&M tradition that started in 1895.

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BECAUSE IT’S THE

AGGIE WAY But what does that mean?

It means access, opportunity and a hand up to those who embody the Aggie Spirit. It means letting promising young minds focus on their textbooks more than their finances. It means welcoming both those steeped in Aggie traditions and those about to discover them for the first time. And living the Aggie Way means investing in the next generation of leaders of character so they can embrace the Aggie Way, too.

Texas A&M University remains committed to expanding access and providing opportunities for qualified students to receive a transformative education. That’s why the university has pledged to raise $100 million more in scholarship funds over the next four years through the Aggie Way Scholarship Initiative. It’s our way to give more chances to succeed, more rewards for excellence and more reasons to believe the future is bright here in Aggieland.

Learn more about how scholarships fund lifechanging opportunities for hardworking students by scanning the QR code: