The Battalion — May 9, 2022

MONDAY, MAY 9 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2022 STUDENT MEDIA

2021-22 BIGGEST MOMENTS

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GRADUATES!

REMEMBER TO CARRY THE AGGIE SPIRIT WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO

NEWS

2

The Battalion | 5.9.22

2021-22 BIGGEST MOMENTS Head women’s basketball coach Gary Blair retires after 19 years.

Photo by Robert O’Brien- The Battalion

Texas A&M football upsets No. 1 Alabama 41-38.

Photo by Robert O’Brien- The Battalion

Materials science junior Amanda Lovett becomes first female bass drummer in Aggie Band.

Photo by Hannah Shaffer- The Battalion

Texas A&M unveils statue of former Texas Senator Matthew Games on campus.

Photo by Cameron Johnson- The Battalion

Natalie Parks, Karissa McIntosh & Iman Ahmed serve as first allfemale SGA chief leadership.

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Texas A&M’s spring 2022 commencement ceremonies are taking place in Reed Arena from Thursday, May 12 to Saturday, May 14 for all bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates.

Guidance for graduation

Aggies don red, white & blue in Kyle Field to honor 20th anniversary of 9/11.

A&M to award 11,203 diplomas at spring commencement ceremonies

Photo by Abbey Santoro- The Battalion

By Aubrey Vogel @aubrey_vogel

Agribusiness senior Memo Salinas serves as first Hispanic Head Yell Leader.

Photo by Robert O’Brien- The Battalion

The ‘War Grackle’ rests his wings on Kyle Field during home games.

Photo by Robert O’Brien- The Battalion

As the first full year without COVID-19 restrictions comes to a close, the Class of 2022 prepares to walk the stage in Reed Arena.

During 15 in-person ceremonies, the Texas A&M System will award approximately 11,203 degrees from Saturday, May 7 to Friday, May 27, according to a May 4 press release. Each graduate will receive six guest tickets for their respective ceremony.

Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Timothy P. Scott, Class of 1989, said the university is proud to send out graduates into the workforce.

“Along with a sense of renewal and fresh opportunities for growth each spring, Texas A&M University proudly sends Aggie graduates out to shape the world’s future and positively impact solutions to challenges around the globe,” Scott said in the release. “Congratulations to each graduate and their friends and family.”

Unless otherwise noted, graduates should arrive one hour to 45 minutes before the beginning of the ceremony at the north entry of Reed Arena, according to the A&M Graduation website. Additionally, graduates should ensure they arrive 30 minutes ahead of their ceremony, or else they will be marked absent and not announced in the ceremony.

Students will receive a diploma tube while walking across the stage, but will not receive their diplomas at the ceremony.

Diplomas will be mailed directly to the student’s address indicated on their graduation application approximately two weeks after the ceremony.

All guests, regardless of age, will be expected to have a ticket which will be electronically delivered to graduates for distribution. Guests have the option of printing tickets, if desired. All guests with tickets will receive a seat, but seating is first-come, first-serve regarding seat location.

Guests attending the ceremony in Reed Arena should be aware of the clear bag policy and should ensure they do not have outside food or beverages, alcohol or tobacco products, noise makers or air horns and no tripods or monopods.

For those wanting to watch the ceremony online, there will be a livestream of the commencement on KAMU.

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LIFE&ARTS

3

The Battalion | 5.9.22

From ‘18 to ‘22: Seniors reflect on time at A&M

Photos courtesy of Maryem Shirzadi & Hanna Roudbari

Psychology senior Maryem Shirzadi (left) and education senior Hanna Roudbari (right) reflect on their time studying at Texas A&M.

Graduating seniors discuss core college memories, challenges

By Kathryn Miller @KathrynMiller0 As their college days dwindle, graduating seniors reflect on their time at Texas A&M. A full freshman year, the COVID-19 pandemic hitting sophomore year, an online junior year and back to a normal senior year, the Class of 2022 has had an unconventional college experience, unprecedented compared to what they expected when they entered in 2018.

Psychology senior Maryem Shirzadi said she will always remember her time at A&M as a pivotal experience because she is a different person than when she began.

“I feel as if I have grown a lot th[ese] past four years. I’m definitely not the same person I was when I first came here,” Shirzadi said.

“It was the best four years of my life, and it’s an experience I will never forget.”

Finding her core people and spending time with them is what Shirzadi said transformed

her college experience and made her time in Aggieland so enjoyable.

“Football games this senior year were some of the best memories,” Shirzadi said. “I was not into football at all and I would honestly hate going to games freshman, sophomore and junior year. But the people we went with this year were really fun, and I actually started to enjoy it and the traditions that we started to do as friends involving football games.”

COVID-19 hitting during the spring of her sophomore year was really difficult, Shirzadi said, because the outbreak began when everything started to fall into place for her.

“Going into junior year with everything being online, it made our relationships with people we already had in our life very strong,” Shirzadi said. “It made a huge impact on how our relationships are right now. I am kind of grateful for it in the sense that it did impact our relationships, but I definitely was upset that we missed out on campus and social life outside of our home. But, we made the best of it.”

Shirzadi said she’s incredibly sad her college days are over, but took many valuable lessons from her time at A&M. “The biggest lesson I learned was to not

be afraid to get out of your comfort zone,” Shirzadi said. “I know freshman year of college, that was something I really struggled with because I wanted to stay with what I knew I was comfortable with. It wasn’t until honestly the beginning of junior year that I felt I put myself out there more and I became the person that I’ve always wanted to be. I think that was from the people that were in my life and I got to have those role models and see them getting out of their comfort zone. It’s something that I’m going to carry on throughout after college.”

Education senior Hanna Roudbari said even though college lasts only four years and went by fast, she has made the best memories of her life and friends she plans on keeping in her life forever.

“My core memories are eating together,” Roudbari said. “There’s something so family oriented about sitting down with no phones having a meal together, whether that be in Sbisa, in the [Memorial Student Center] Panda [Express] at 11 p.m. or going out somewhere like Chuy’s or the Dixie Chicken or just even at home. There were nights we had spaghetti and we would to sit at the table and eat and talk.”

The biggest lesson Roudbari said she learned from college is to always say ‘yes,’ which she said she learned from her sister.

“My sister was always big about memories and always going out, and she told me at the beginning of college she goes, ‘Always say yes,’” Roudbari said. “She said that doesn’t mean if you have a big final tomorrow you say ‘yes’ to go to a party or something, but if your friends are doing something, go do it, because it could be the best time of your life.

Or it could be the worst, but if you don’t go you’ll never find out.”

Building confidence in yourself is the most transformative part of college, Roudbari said.

“Do whatever the hell you want to,” Roudbari said. “Other people do not care and if they do, that’s their problem. If you want to go to Chilifest and get in the middle of the dance floor and do some stupid little dance that will become a core memory and it’ll be so much fun, do it. It does not matter what you look like, or who or what anybody says or thinks of you because you’re having fun and your friends are gonna back you up. Just do whatever the heck you want.”

In just 25 years, the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University has established itself among the nation’s top tier of public and international affairs graduate institutions. Founded on President George H.W. Bush’s heartfelt belief that “public service is a noble calling,” the Bush School thrives thanks in no small part to impactful support from former students and friends of the university through the Texas A&M Foundation.

In early April, the Aggie community officially kicked off the Bush School’s 25th anniversary celebrations at its new Washington, D.C., teaching site, Bush School DC. The teaching site—made possible through a generous donation from the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation—will deliver a Texas A&M education based on Aggieland’s core values to working professionals in the D.C. area.

It’s just another way the Bush School is fulfilling its namesake’s vision and another reason the Foundation is proud to help it build the leaders of tomorrow.

Scan the code below to discover more about the Bush School’s legacy at 25 years in the cover story of our latest issue of Spirit magazine.

LIFE&ARTS

4

The Battalion 5.9.22

‘Sí, se puede’

Photo courtesy of the Latinx Graduation Coalition

The Texas A&M Latinx Graduation Ceremony, held annually since 2019, will be held in Rudder Theatre on Sunday May, 15 to offer a bilingual graduation experience for families.

Latinx Graduation Coalition offers inclusive, diverse commencement

By Caroline Wilburn @Carolinewilb Founded in June 2019, the Latinx Graduation Coalition recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the Latinx community at Texas A&M by offering a bilingual and inclusive graduation format. The ceremony for 2022 graduates will be held on Sunday, May 15 from 4-8 p.m. in Rudder Theatre.

International studies senior Alexia Hernandez, president of the Hispanic Presidents’ Council, said the event is different for every Aggie, but she personally finds it important as it reconnects her to her heritage.

“I have been stuck between two worlds most of my life, between an Americanized world and a Mexican world,” Hernandez said.

“Having this event to celebrate the culture, and to bring different performers and have a bilingual aspect as well, is really important because I get to further deepen my connection with my culture and with others that also share the same experience as well.”

Political science and sociology senior and Latinx Graduation Coalition President Rachel Mondragon said the purpose of an inclusive

graduation is to involve families whose native language is not English.

“I think it’s just extending out an invitation of feeling welcome to families of Latinx and Hispanic Aggies on campus,” Mondragon said. “You typically go to the A&M graduation and it’s purely in English, and some of these family members don’t understand what’s going on. They just sit there and [say], ‘Oh, yeah, they’re graduating,’ but not really knowing the importance behind it. Holding events such as this and other multicultural graduations highlights our culture and lets others know that we are inclusive of people from different backgrounds in the Aggie community.”

The Latinx Graduation Coalition is made up of 10 different boards including the Mexican Student Association, Council for Minority Student Affairs, Latinx Community and Advocacy Association, Latinx Graduate Student Association, MSC Student Conference on Latinx Affairs, MSC CAMAC: A Latinx Programming Committee, Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc., Latino Medical Student Association PLUS and Hispanic Presidents’ Council.

“I think my goal has always been the same,” Mondragon said. “It’s bringing in these families and bringing them closer to the graduate.

This past semester, we fulfilled that goal in the fall graduation. I think it’s just trying to

expand that even more and make ourselves a known presence on campus.”

Because A&M, one of the largest public universities in the country, was recently named a Hispanic Serving Institution, Hernandez said this is a significant year for the Latinx community and the nation.

“We’re a part of that stepping stone toward lifting our community into educational success. If there’s any year to uplift this ceremony, and to celebrate it and to highlight it, I think it would be this year,” Hernandez said. “This year is such a historic and special year and I hope that administration not only celebrates us actually being enrolled here, but actually fulfills the ‘S’ in Hispanic Serving Institution, and from this year, we can grow as a community and ensure that our students and our families are being supported.”

Economics senior Paige Beltran said it is important to hold events like this to promote inclusivity and diversity among communities at A&M. “Specifically Latinos’ graduation, our ceremony really just brings inclusion and facilitates a place for our families to understand in their native tongue what is going on or what the Aggie traditions are,” Beltran said. “Whenever it’s in your native tongue, they understand and especially with it being a ceremony [like] this one, you don’t only get to celebrate with your Aggie family and get your degree, but

with the Latino graduation you also get to celebrate with your family.”

Beltran said many of her fellow graduates are first-generation students with family members who never had the opportunity to experience a college graduation.

“What makes it so special on top of receiving your degree from Texas A&M, [is that] it dedicates a time for Latinx students to really pay homage to their parents, their community, their ancestors and their heritage,” Beltran said. “There were a lot of acts of selflessness that had to [be] made throughout the decades to allow us to attend the university today. It also represents prosperity within the Latino community. We’ve all taken this successful step forward while establishing a significant presence in our society. ” Although Hernandez said the ceremony is not as inclusive as many would like it to be, it provides a place where students can incorporate their families into the experience of graduation.

“I would love to see this tradition expand further,” Hernandez said. “If we’re enrolling 25% of Hispanic students, that’s several tens of thousands and I don’t believe that this ceremony is going to even hit 1,000 students, which is OK, it’s great to have a more intimate ceremony with the people that I know and recognise, but I would like to see the ceremony expand and reach more of that community at A&M.” Beyond the Latinx graduation, Beltran said A&M has many culturally-based ceremonies for students to participate in.

“It’s not only the Latinx graduation ceremony, we also have [Asian Pacific Islander Desi American] graduation ceremony and the Black African American Graduation Ceremony,” Beltran said. “I would love to see this continue just for the students who can participate among one another in celebration with their family and just really highlight our individual accomplishments.

“The Latinx reservation was only created here recently in 2019 and being that it’s so new, I know it’s going to continue and I know it’s only going to grow, and I hope the same for other ethnic students, other races and students.

It’s a beautiful thing to be able to celebrate whenever you feel like you’re at home.”

Beltran said many Latinx students live by the saying “Sí, se puede,” which means “Yes, you can.”

“I think our main goal is really just to provide ourselves as a model of success for the future generations,” Beltran said. “It’s really an anthem, saying that ‘Yes, I can. Yes, you can.

You’re more than enough. You can do it.’ I really live by that. I do hope that this graduation ceremony continues for not only us, but for everyone around us.”

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The Battalion | 5.9.22

From Green Beret to graduation cap Over 20 years after first coming to A&M, student veteran graduates

By Aubrey Vogel @aubrey_vogel College is not only about the degree, but the journey along the way.

For leadership senior Chris Thompson, his college experience has been anything but ordinary. Starting his journey at Texas A&M in 2000, Thompson said it was the only university he applied to his senior year of high school, with his dad having attended A&M. “One of the first times I went back and saw my parents, telling them that I had no idea about the traditions and values and everything that Texas A&M had,” Thompson said.

Enlisting in the Army Reserves after high school, Thompson said he was not sure what he wanted to do, but after completing basic training, he knew he was passionate about serving the United States.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in life, and worst case scenario, the Army will teach me a little bit of discipline, make me a little bit better of a person and I’ll learn a skill,” Thompson said. “Second, if I hate it, I can serve my time and then be done, but what I found out is that I love the Army.”

After his second semester at A&M, Thompson said he decided to enlist full time in the Army, where he was reclassified as infantry and eventually went on to spend most of his time on the Special Forces detachment as a Green Beret. He went on to serve in seven combat deployments before beginning contracting.

With the opportunity to serve, Thompson said the military has taught him a magnitude of things, but what stands out most is earning his Green Beret. To Thompson, he wants to ensure he is earning his Green Beret everyday and said this sentiment translates to everything he does.

“To me, re-earning your Green Beret means making sure that you know your job really well, making sure that you’re physically fit, making sure that all your equipment is good and that you’re constantly improving upon yourself,” Thompson said. “When I look at my Aggie Ring, or at some point a diploma, to show that I’ve earned it each day while living out the Aggie Core Values, acting in a way other Aggies would be proud of.”

While serving, Thompson said he recalled the closeness of his teammates through working together, but also even when returning home.

“We spent more time together than we spent with our own families, because of deployments and when we’re gone for training,” Thompson said. “When we’re actually at home, we’re hanging out together, there’s just a very close bond that has been developed, and that’s something that’s super meaningful.”

After finishing his time in service, Thompson said he and his wife moved back to Texas, which is when he began to work toward his degree once again with encouragement from his wife.

“I’ve been to a couple other online schools, so I can’t really say what it’s like at other universities,” Thompson said. “But I’d be willing to bet that the network and community feel that you have here is very different than you would get anywhere else, so that’s what definitely had me coming back.”

While working on finishing his degree, Thompson has also become involved in multiple veteran nonprofits, where he spends his time giving back to service people much like himself. Currently, Thompson is working part-time at Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, or VETS. “They provide treatment grants for special operations veterans who are seeking treatment for traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder,” Thompson said. “The impact that they’re having on the Special Operations community is enormous and I’m super thankful to be a part of that team offering my small contribution, and having come from a community myself, being able to still kind of give back to my community in a way.”

Being an Aggie, Thompson said he resonates with the Core Values on a different level, especially with his prior service in the military.

“I love Excellence, being the best at whatever you’re doing,” Thompson said. “I love that and I love the culture of that. I love being around other people that are wanting to be the best. It’s very similar to my background in the military, I didn’t start out in special operations, it was something that as I started in the military learning, what is the best in the military — that’s what I want to go do and that’s the people that I want to be around.

“Leadership is so important. It’s what my major is, and the foundation for most anything. You can find leadership, not only in

Photo courtesy of Chris Thompson

Green Beret and leadership senior Chris Thompson enjoys a day in nature with wife Becca Thompson, Class of 2020, and son Colton Thompson.

the business aspect of things, leadership is in the classroom. Leadership is being a parent, you can find it in that. It’s everywhere, and it’s really important to have a good foundation of that.

“Selfless Service is so, so important to me.

It’s what I’ve done most of my life being in the military, as a contractor and in the Special Operations community. So, serving in that aspect and then being in the nonprofit space for so long, still serving others.”

As he gets ready to walk the stage at the end of the week, Thompson said while he is ready to receive his degree, he will miss A&M. “It’s kind of bittersweet,” Thompson said.

“I really, especially the last year and a half, have totally been fully present and enjoying each moment. I know that there’s some folks, they want to get it done as fast as possible, and I get it. But for me, maybe because I have this

perspective of this going to take a while that I was like, I’m just gonna enjoy whatever aspect of it that I get.”

Thompson said not much will change post graduation, as he will still continue to work with VETS, but he will now use his free time to work on building his own business. Regardless of where his post-education life takes him, Thompson said being a part of the Aggie family has helped shape him.

“When I started school, initially, I would have said [an Aggie is] somebody who’s a student at Texas A&M, or has graduated from Texas A&M, but now it means something so much different to me,” Thompson said. “It’s being a part of a family, a very strong community. It’s something that I feel very honored to be a part of and very thankful to have had this opportunity to be a student for so long.”

SWANSONGS

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The Battalion | 5.9.22

The road less traveled Stubbornly successful Opinion columnist Kaelin Connor says through the ups and downs of college, she wouldn’t change a thing

Photo courtesy of Kaelin Connor

Kaelin Connor @KaelinAC

A

s a graduate, I can look back at my four years and see many missteps.

I can see insecurities and irresponsible behaviors that would’ve saved me a lot of trouble had I known what I now do. I can see a once bright, excited girl quickly evolve into the opposite. I can see a lot of things, to some, worth changing.

However, I wouldn’t go as far.

Would I have preferred to have avoided debilitating depression? Sure. I’m positive that a certain specific incident would’ve avoided a lot of pain and grief. I could’ve forgone an eating disorder and chronic panic attacks. I’m sure a lot of these things not happening would’ve made college a bit more manageable, but honestly, I wouldn’t change it.

The woman I am now wouldn’t be without those experiences. They were painful experiences, ones I wouldn’t wish for anyone. They were experiences, however, that shaped and sculpted me into the person I am. Without those moments in time, I wouldn’t have had the perspective to write what I have

written or be who I have been.

Pain is unavoidable, but our pain also has the ability to forge a stronger, more audacious individual. Pain has the potential to teach and with that, I hope that I was able to give perspective to someone, anyone through my writing.

College wasn’t all doom and gloom.

During my four years here at Texas A&M, I joined a sorority that led me to astonishing women who will stand at my altar and also pick me up when I fall.

I joined Fish Camp where I met phenomenal people and transitioned A&M freshmen into the Aggie family.

Writing for The Battalion wasn’t on my radar, though. While I have always been far more successful in English and history than math and science, writing wasn’t something I did other than for school papers. It took a friendly boy who put the idea on my course by a simple suggestion. After many controversial opinion columns — here I am over a year later saying farewell.

Writing for this incredible newspaper gave me perspectives that I had never thought of before. It challenged me and made me think more critically about why I believe what I do. It gave me thick skin because despite any of my opinions’ justification, not everyone will agree with them.

Growing up, my parents refused to talk politics with me unless I had well researched the topic — funny how things come full circle. I’ve been able to write about topics I hadn’t realized I was so passionate about. I’ve been able to give people a voice, while finding my own.

I’ve upset people, but I’ve also given them something to think about.

This university is a special place — it will lead you toward a road less traveled and one you’ll never expect. It’s hard, but it’s worth it. The road I traveled was a fierce ride, but one that has led me to the now, and I’m so grateful that it did.

For the final time, I will leave you with this: be kind to others, be willing to listen and Gig ’em Ags. Kaelin Connor is a psychology senior and opinion columnist for The Battalion.

Special place in my heart Sports reporter Tyler Dupnick puts his many blessings into perspective, shares college milestones

Photo courtesy of Tyler Dupnick

Tyler Dupnick @TDup25

I

am graduating from Texas A&M on Friday, May 13. Yes, you read that right, Friday the 13th. This day has been cultured in our society to be scary, eerie or ominous, but graduating from the greatest university in the world isn’t any of those things, right? Well, that’s complicated.

I grew up an A&M fan, so I always knew I wanted to further my education in College Station. However, my college journey actually started in the sister city of Bryan, at Blinn College in the fall of 2018. After compiling a 3.94 GPA in my time as a Buccaneer, it was time for me to take my talents to the other side of town.

I transferred to A&M after the summer of 2020, and officially started my tenure as an Aggie in the fall. Transitioning from Blinn to A&M during the COVID-19 pandemic was obviously weird, and having to do my New Student Conference remotely was unfortunate.

My first two semesters at A&M were hybrid due to the pandemic, but I made sure to go to campus for class every day my schedule permitted. It wasn’t the Aggie experience that I imagined, or wanted for that matter, but it was completely out of my control.

Fast forward to a normal summer semester — when the four hours I took went by in a flash — and I had set the

stage for my senior year.

It’s not usual to face a new reality as an old guy on campus, but fall 2021 was my first welcome to full capacity among such a large student body. Storming Kyle Field after the upset of No. 1 Alabama will always be one of the best and most memorable nights of my life.

That succinctly brings me to the present, the spring of 2022. So much has happened for me in a short period of time. I earned my Aggie Ring and have made sure to wear it at least once every day. Oh yeah, I also proved all the doubters wrong by doing my ring dunk with Guinness in less than a minute.

Anyway, my biggest area of growth and gratitude lies with The Battalion. I have a passion for sports — my ultimate goal in life is to be a play-by-play broadcaster — so covering A&M Athletics as a student journalist has been so much fun. I have gotten more out of it than I imagined when I applied, writing 16 stories covering five sports, which makes it bittersweet to be done after a short stint that has given me so much.

I’ll always be appreciative of my time with The Batt for the experiences, access and increased network it provided me. So, please, support student journalism and the doors it opens for young, ambitious professionals.

In many ways, this organization represents what makes Aggieland so special. The traditions of this university run deep and have been carried on for generations. I am blessed, thankful and honored to have been provided a chance to be a part of it.

I don’t know exactly what my future holds, which is honestly the reality of pursuing a career in the sports media industry. The uncertainty is equal parts exciting and nerve-racking. In fact, that’s probably the best way to describe graduation, and I suppose Friday the 13th as well.

I do know that all of this was just the beginning of my journey, and it’s tough to say goodbye. But, I must, and in doing so, I become a former student and join the Aggie Network with a lifetime of opportunity ahead of me.

For everyone who helped, inspired or believed in me along the way: Thanks and Gig ’em.

Tyler Dupnick is a telecommunication media studies senior and sports reporter for The Battalion.

Life & Arts reporter and photographer Hannah Shaffer reflects on unexpected experiences, opportunities as a student

Photo courtesy of Hannah Shaffer

Hannah Shaffer @hannahsban

I

’d like to say my time at Texas A&M has always been enjoyable. In an ideal world, I would be graduating with a nuclear physics degree and an Air Force contract after spending my four years in the Aggie Band.

In reality, I am a German major, who has a rocky relationship with her recruiter, and I take pictures of the Corps of Cadets rather than being a member of it.

How did we get here? Slowly, and not always surely.

I came to A&M not knowing a single thing about the school, the traditions or the Corps. Being a first-generation Aggie, I knew I was in for a big learning curve. I remember when Col. Samuell Hawes asked me if I knew what I was getting myself into as I signed the Corps paperwork two weeks before Freshman Orientation Week started. Confidently, I told him I had no clue, but that only made me more excited to get started.

That lasted all of about 3 ½ weeks.

After some fun second-degree burns

and a rapidly declining mental health, I decided the Corps was not for me. My freshman year ended with a 1.5 GPA and a letter from the College of Science politely telling me physics was not for me and I needed to switch majors.

After appealing my dismissal due to extenuating circumstances, an assault, a death of a loved one and more mental health issues, I continued to crash and burn as a physics major. I knew it was time to drop the stubborn act and shift my focus to something I knew I could be successful in. I love physics with all my heart, but the reality is, I am really, really bad at math.

Giving up on my dream of physics was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I have always wanted to work in the field of nuclear security after looking up to my father my entire life. Switching to German meant I would have to work a lot harder to make that wish a reality, but like I said, I’m stubborn. I’ll find a way to make it work.

Things started to look up after my switch in majors. I found a close group of friends within the German department who were there for both emotional and academic support. I began to go to football games and Midnight Yells, finding my own Aggie Spirit and falling in love with the school I had cursed years before.

Finding The Battalion made an incredible impact on my last year at A&M. Journalism was something I participated in all throughout high school, and being a part of a newspaper team again made me feel at home. Joining The Battalion as both a photographer and a writer, I was able to rediscover a passion of mine I’d forgotten about.

Freshman me would have laughed at the idea of walking the stage in less than a week. Though I may not be finishing on the same path I fought so hard to maintain, I will still be graduating with a degree from THE Texas A&M University. My relationship with college hasn’t always been the greatest, but with help from a great roommate, supportive friends and a hamster, I’ve learned to love where I’m headed and appreciate how hard I worked to get here.

Hannah Shaffer is a German senior and life & arts writer and photographer for The Battalion.

So long and farewell Opinion columnist Zach Freeman says goodbye to Aggieland, reflects on good times, kindness from peers

Photo courtesy of Zach Freeman

Zach Freeman @ZachAtBatt

W

hat is there to say that hasn’t already been said about good ol’ Texas A&M? From the peaks of the Texas Avenue H-E-B to the valleys of the William D. Fitch H-E-B, Aggieland is truly a sight to behold.

If, like me, you’re looking to major in underwater basket-weaving with focuses in German polka history and left-handed puppetry, then the sky’s the limit at A&M. As it turns out, I wasn’t cut out for pleaching with the fishes, so I became an anthropology major instead. A genuine world class institution, the Department of Anthropology is full of some of the best A&M has to offer.

Kind, thoughtful, intelligent people are in no short supply between the students, staff and faculty.

Throughout my college career, there isn’t a thing I haven’t put off until the

last minute. Now, as I begin writing this column at 7 p.m. the night before it’s due, I look back to try and find where all the last minutes went.

Ruminating on the past or preparing for the future has always made me feel a heavy weight in the pit of my stomach and a light feeling in my head. So while I digest my own brain, I’d like to put forward my musings on the meaning of RELLIS — the random drunk girls on Northgate who gave me a burrito when I was desperately looking for a bathroom. Did I know I wanted a burrito?

No. Did it help me find the bathroom any faster? Also no. But in that brief moment, amid my growing stupefaction and urge to pee, I truly felt the Aggie Spirit between those gooey layers of beans and cheese.

I’ve had a lot of good times and met a lot of great folks.

Between my struggles as a first-generation college student and being a general layabout, I haven’t had the easiest time at A&M, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. For all its flaws, College Station has become something of a second home for me, bursting out the seams with my favorite places and people.

And if you don’t like it, then I’ll leave you with words of wisdom bestowed on me by many thebatt.com comments: Highway 6 runs both ways.

For two years, The Battalion was always an outlet and a way for me to grow. Everyone here has shaped my journey and put up with my antics — no small task, I promise — and for that, I’m eternally grateful.

The Class of 2022 may be graduating into a world with millions dead from a pandemic, the threat of nuclear war in Europe and an impending stock crash, but at least we’re doing it as Aggies.

Aggieland, it’s been real, it’s been good, it’s been real good. Thank you, I’ll be here all week and not a day later.

Zachary Freeman is an anthropology senior and opinion columnist for The Battalion.

SWANSONGS

7

The Battalion | 5.9.22

And the story goes on

Hope floats

News editor Aubrey Vogel says graduation is only part of her story

Special Sections editor Lauren Discher says she’s hopeful for future, opportunities to come following time at The Battalion and A&M

Michaela Rush — THE BATTALION

Aubrey Vogel @aubrey_vogel

L

eaving my hometown in August of 2019, I really didn’t know exactly what college would look like, but I knew two things: I had a support system that would never dwindle and I would find my home away from home, no matter what.

Coming from a small town with three traffic lights, where I knew everyone in my graduating class by name and could navigate town like the back of my hand — most of the time — College Station blew me away, and I knew I would be charting new waters between finding my way around town and simply finding a building for class.

With having such a close relationship with my family and friends from back home, I knew moving away would be hard, but I also knew Texas A&M was where I was meant to be. Upon walking into my first college class, I was met with a group of students in the exact same boat as myself, as well as one of my first professors, Tom Burton, who was also teaching his first class at A&M. Through JOUR 102, we formed a bond, and nicknamed ourselves ‘Tom’s Fan Club,’ and I truly have that group to thank for helping me to push through my first semester.

Fast forward to second semester, I was finally beginning to adjust to my new life being away from home and

learning to love Aggieland even more, but then we were met with the Spring Break that never ended — quite literally. COVID-19 rocked everyone’s world, but for this former freshman, my college experience was turned upside down.

From here, I began to pour myself even more into my schoolwork and started taking extra classes to fill the time taken by the pandemic. I can tell you now that I have spent over half of my college career on Zoom classes or through online, pre-recorded lectures, but that didn’t prevent the Aggieland college experience from impacting me.

To me, the traditions at A&M are what drew me to the university and what made it stand apart from anywhere else. I am forever grateful to have gotten to stand as a part of the 12th Man at Kyle Field, honor fellow students at Silver Taps and Bonfire Remembrance, answer ‘Here’ for fallen Aggies at Muster and earn my Aggie Ring to wear forever.

I wanted to create an Aggie experience different from most students. In September 2020, I took a leap of faith to apply to be a news writer for The Battalion. From my first story about COVID-19 vaccine trials for first responders to becoming a news editor in summer 2021, I furthered my passion for reporting and knew I had found what I wanted to pursue in my post-education experience.

In my time at The Battalion, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with A&M officials, attend a variety of events as well as chase what I thought might be the next big story. Not many people can say they’ve written breaking news sitting in a Chili’s — ironically, I can tell you this has happened to me at least twice — but you never know where you are going to be when a breaking news story might come through.

But as I prepare to walk the stage, I can proudly say my journey as a current student at A&M is coming to a close, but the Aggie Spirit will live forever in my heart.

As I sign off with my 201st story for The Battalion, I leave to go find the next big story, wherever that may be.

Thanks and Gig ‘em — always.

Aubrey Vogel is a journalism senior and news editor for The Battalion.

Photo courtesy of Lauren Discher

Lauren Discher @laurendischer

“

Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it is the middle that counts the most.”

This quote — which I originally thought my parents cleverly created — belongs to Birdee Pruit in the mustwatch movie “Hope Floats,” and it has come to mind almost daily as my college career comes to a close.

Fresh out of an uber-conservative private school, I was intimidated by almost everything about college. I had spent the last six years on the same campus with the same 30 or so people in my grade, so transitioning to one of the largest campuses and student bodies in the United States was a difficult adjustment.

Starting at Fish Camp, college was a pattern of fear, then joy with each new experience. I was hesitant with every step, but in the end, I am able to look back and see that each ‘first’ got easier, and I was able to break out of my shell as I did that were outside my comfort zone, like applying for The Battalion.

I’m so glad I did, or I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to write for a newspaper that has challenged me in the best way and given me opportunities to hear the stories of people I likely wouldn’t have connected with otherwise. I’ve written almost a hundred stories for The Battalion, and as an English major, I shudder to think of the number of words I’ve written in college as a whole.

Though these last few months have been nothing short of unprecedented with the recent decisions made by university administrators, I am forever grateful for my time at The Batt and only wish I had found it sooner. I have faith the newspaper will be the voice of A&M’s student body for many years to come.

In these four years of college, I’ve had my first job, my first internship, lived on my own for the first time and even experienced my first global crisis — thanks, COVID-19. It has been a time of immense growth, and I am incredibly grateful for every experience. Thank you to my family, who have always given me unwavering love and support, despite me testing their patience far too many times by coming home at ungodly hours of the night and having mild breakdowns because of classes — particularly math.

Thank you to my friends for the dancing, the car rides blaring Taylor Swift and more joy than I can put into words.

Thank you to my professors, those who I have loved and not, as I’ve learned an incredible amount either way.

As I look to my graduation, I do feel a measure of fear, but more than that, I’m excited for what comes after these quickly approaching ‘firsts’ — the ‘middle.’ As Birdee Pruit and my parents say, “Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it is the middle that counts the most.

You need to remember that when you find yourself at the beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up.”

So, despite the sadness that comes with the end of such a sweet chapter, I’m holding out hope for an even sweeter future full of ‘middles’ as well as ‘firsts’ that get easier each time.

Lauren Discher is an English senior and Special Sections and Audience Engagement editor for The Battalion.

NEWS

8

The Battalion | 5.9.22

Megan Williams to take over as The Aggieland’s next editor-in-chief Freshman selected to serve in top position at university yearbook

By Myranda Campanella @MCampanella_

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Following the end of Kylie Sledge’s two-year term, archaeology freshman Megan Williams will be taking over as editor-in-chief of The Aggieland Yearbook for the 2022-23 academic year.

Williams, who currently serves as

The Aggieland’s photo chief, said she’s looking forward to taking on the role and following Sledge’s creative example during the yearbook’s production.

“I’m most looking forward to getting to manage the book as a whole rather than just one part, and being able to see it come together from start to finish,” Williams said. “I think it’s a really fun process, and [being] able to work on all parts of it and make it perfect is really exciting.”

Sledge said she has complete faith in

Williams due to her ability to lead by example and encourage passion in the rest of the staff.

“I knew Megan was going to be a great editor-in-chief when I saw her passion and her dedication for The Aggieland [during] her first week on staff,” Sledge said. “We did not have a photo editor staff position filled at that time, and she came to me just hired, had never worked on a college yearbook staff, and in that moment I knew she would make a great editor-in-chief.”

New leadership at the helm of The Battalion

to see the great work she will undoubtedly produce over the summer.”

Throughout her nearly two years with The Battalion, Rush has served in various roles, from Life & Arts reporter, to Life & Arts editor in the fall of 2021 and currently, as news editor during the spring 2022 semester.

Rush also comes from a family of Batt staffers, as her dad, Class of 1996, served as a sports editor at The Battalion during his time at A&M, and hearing about his experience in the newsroom ultimately inspired her to join her sophomore year. Being selected to lead The Battalion for her senior year means a lot to her, she said.

“The fact that the people who work here and worked here before me have faith in me to continue this publication that’s been going on for almost 130 years is such a huge honor, so I’m just really proud of myself and excited to see what we can all accomplish together,” Rush said. “I’m looking forward to … continuing to build on the growth that we’ve seen at The Batt these past couple of years, and that includes everything from continuing our podcasts to making sure that we are always on top of news.”

Her confidence, dedication and work ethic are skills which make Rush stand out as a natural leader, Campanella said.

“Michaela has been an active voice in the journalism Path Forward Working Group, alongside myself, advocating for the future of The Battalion,” Campanella said. “I know she will effectively lead our newsroom through this next stage, remaining firm in her editorial decisions while taking on change for the betterment of The Battalion.

“The passion Michaela has for The Battalion is indescribable, and I have so much faith in her taking on this role.”

Kathryn Miller will step up to lead The Battalion throughout the summer, and English junior Michaela Rush will serve as editor-in-chief for the 2022-23 school Staff Report year.

As one academic year ends and anothMiller has been an editor on the Life er begins, The Battalion will see turn- & Arts desk for three semesters and has over among its chief leadership. been with The Battalion since October After current editor-in-chief Myranda 2020. She was originally inspired to join Campanella steps down upon graduation The Battalion to get more involved with from Texas A&M, psychology junior A&M’s campus and to fulfill her passion of writing, Miller said.

“Reading and writing, I wanted to integrate [that] into my everyday life at A&M outside of school,” Miller said. “I’m really grateful that I ended up doing that, and it definitely Myranda Campanella, Editor-in-Chief changed my life for the Julia Potts, Managing Editor Cori Eckert, Design Editor & better. [The Battalion is] Lauren Discher, Audience Engagement Business Manager & Special Sections Editor Casey Stavenhagen, Sports Editor a publication that’s been, Robert O’Brien, Photo Chief Kay Naegeli, Asst. Sports Editor I think, admired and just Ishika Samant, Asst. Photo Chief Jordan Epp, Asst. Sports Editor around for so long. I Aubrey Vogel, Co-News Editor Caleb Powell, Opinion Editor love that it’s been telling Michaela Rush, Co-News Editor Nathan Varnell, Asst. Opinion Editor stories of Aggies for the Kyle McClenagan, Multimedia Editor Kathryn Miller, Life & Arts Editor & Asst. News Editor Caroline Wilburn, Asst. L&A Editor longest time.”

Grant Gaspard, Asst. Podcast Editor Campanella said Miller’s passion for The BatTHE BATTALION is published Thursdays during the 2022 spring semester (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College talion shines through her Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center. work and the bright personality she brings to the News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M newsroom.

University in Student Media,a unit of the Division of StudentAffairs.Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com.

“I have seen Kathryn grow tremendously in Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or her time with The Batendorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display talion, and I couldn’t be advertising call 979-845-2697. For classified advertising, call 979-845-2697. Office more proud to hand the hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com. baton off to her,” CamSubscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M panella said. “I can’t wait

The independent voice of A&M sees two rising editors-in-chief

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SWANSONGS

9

The Battalion | 5.9.22

A better person because of it all

Editor-in-chief Myranda Campanella reflects on growth during college

Photo courtesy of Myranda Campanella

Myranda Campanella @MCampanella_

W

hen I made the decision to attend Texas A&M as a senior in high school across the pond, my initial thought was how cringe it would be to say the word “Howdy.” I thought the Aggie Ring was a gaudy piece of gold I’d never want to

waste $700 on. And I was annoyed at the thought of standing for an entire football game in the blaring Texas heat.

Needless to say, I didn’t bleed maroon.

But that was before I knew what all of those traditions, and more, stood for.

Before I knew what it meant to be a part of the Aggie family — really, before I knew what it meant to be an Aggie.

So, in four years, I didn’t just learn all of the material listed on my syllabi or some critical thinking skills I’ll utilize in the workplace. I learned what it means to embody Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service. And exemplifying those Core Values is what makes an Aggie.

Through the ups and the downs of college life, I’ve learned what it takes to follow each of those values in everyday life. Good grades and bad ones. Making new friends, growing apart from old ones. Securing internships, getting denied from others. Serving as a student leader for the amazing student newspa-

per and standing up to administrators when they had other plans.

Each of these experiences and more, as well as the people I’ve met along the way, have pushed me to become the best version of myself, the best Aggie I can be.

So when I walk across the stage on Friday the 13th, I will be forever grateful for all Aggieland has given me, and I’ll make a promise to return that favor by carrying those values with me for the rest of my life, emulating them for others and making an impact on my small corner of the world with the skills A&M has given me.

But I wouldn’t be a true Ag if I didn’t take the time to thank those who made all of this possible.

Thank you Aunt Jen, for leading me to and through this path and for showing me the world along the way. I never would’ve survived college without the advice you’ve given me, and I thank you for all of your support.

Thank you Mimi, for guiding me un-

Lesson learned, degree earned

Managing editor Julia Potts says goodbye to The Battalion, wishes luck to future students

Robert O’Brien — THE BATTALION

Julia Potts @juliaapotts

I

n three short years at Texas A&M, I have learned more about myself than I ever thought possible. This may be due to the hectic college environ-

ment, or perhaps living away from my childhood home, but I do know for sure that my most valuable lesson was not learned in a classroom.

My greatest lesson was learned in a windowless basement filled with some exhausted student journalists. Memorial Student Center Room L400, home to The Battalion student newspaper, is my home and haven on campus.

I stepped foot in the basement only a few weeks after arriving on campus in 2019, and I have learned more about the real world than any university-required elective could’ve shown me. For the past three years, I have interviewed students, administrators, professors, community leaders and government officials, while improving my writing beyond anything I could have imagined. I’ve learned how to ask the questions that are engaging to students and readers, investigate issues that affect this 70,000-person university and developed well-needed professional skills. However, none of these compare

to one thing.

Well, I’ve kept you waiting long enough. Here it is, my greatest lesson — prepare yourself.

You don’t always get to see your hard work pay off.

I know this realization may seem very dull compared to my other shining achievements, but I find it the most valuable, nonetheless.

For anyone who does not know, this semester, The Battalion has faced a few challenges so graciously provided by the A&M administration. I’m happy to report that we have continued printing, and will continue to do so through the summer. However, my coworkers’ involvement in President M. Katherine Banks’ working groups have shown me two things: No. 1, student voices have little to no effect on the outcome of administrative decisions — unless Aggie Twitter gets involved — and No. 2, this challenge is going to last for some time, most likely for many other organizations

til you couldn’t anymore, and even then, thank you for guiding me from above.

You wanted so badly to see me graduate from A&M, but I know in my heart you’ll be crossing that stage with me on Friday.

Thank you Hannah and Emily, for sticking by me the entire four years. I couldn’t have asked for better best friends and roommates, and I’m glad we got to experience college and grow together.

Thank you Mr. Pils, for being an amazing adviser and mentor, and thank you to the entire Battalion’s staff for always being willing to jump off the deep end and for fighting through such a tumultuous year.

Thank you Juan-Pablo, for loving me and for pushing me to grow every single day. We’ve pushed each other for four years, and I’ve seen us both become better people, partners and Aggies because of it.

And ultimately, thank you to my mom, Jean Marie Campanella, who was the prime example of Selfless Service, as she battled cancer for seven hard years, and as many family members have told me, she fought solely for me. I hope I’ve made you proud mom — this degree is for you.

Myranda Campanella is an international studies senior and editor-in-chief for The Battalion. as well.

For all the work these student journalists have put into making sure the student population is represented and receiving the best A&M news The Battalion has to offer, we are still facing an uncertain future at the mercy of this university.

Nothing hurts more than to leave this paper at the height of crisis. If I could, I would stay until The Battalion has once again proven to everyone, especially university administration, that we are an independent, self-producing, self-sustaining and self-governed student institution.

Though I won’t have a hand in the inevitable achievement I know my successors will bring, I will be proud just the same. To the entire Batt staff, Mr. Pils and all our supporters, thank you for raising your voices and your keyboards in our time of need. I’m sure other student organizations will need all of you in the future. To the A&M administration, you’ve got one hell of a battle ahead of you.

I wish everyone luck in their respective futures at A&M and beyond.

Gig ‘em and goodbye.

Julia Potts is a political science senior and managing editor for The Battalion.

Turn the page

I am not nervous about starting a new chapter, but I know I will always have my people. I consider it a privilege you make it so difficult to leave. Dang it, why do y’all have to make graduating so hard?

To my family: Know that your love and support has never gone unnoticed.

Because of your trust in me, I have created a life here in Aggieland that I will forever. always call my second home. Blaine, I To The Battalion: While some days pray I continue being a role model to I wish I had just accepted that job at you, hopefully a good one most of the Smoothie King my freshman year, I time. Mom and dad, I pray I always make would not trade this experience for anything. I have had some of my hardest you proud. Thank you for the check-ins, the random lunches and the weekends days in the newsroom, along with my at home. It all means so much to me. I greatest triumphs. I feel certain The Battalion will continue to thrive, just as can’t wait to see you on Friday, I already bought some waterproof mascara. it has for 129 years.

I remember walking through the MeI’ll never forget the phone call I made morial Student Center bookstore with my to my parents when I thought I would mom during my New Student Conbe losing my job, courtesy of President Banks. Or the following day on a Zoom ference. I saw a shirt with Texas A&M College of Liberal Arts on it, and asked if call with her fighting for the future of The Battalion, saying I was disappointed I could get it. She told me, “Maybe wait and see if you stick with it.” Well, I guess in her decision. Katherine, if I see you I can get my shirt now, or maybe just a on graduation day as I walk across the nap. stage, all the love.

To my friends: The connections I Cori Eckert is a journalism senior and design have made here at A&M are so much editor and student business manager for greater than I ever imagined. I can’t say The Battalion.

Design editor Cori Eckert says she is thankful for experiences, loved ones

I

Photo courtey of Cori Eckert

Cori Eckert @corieckert

have rewritten this about a thousand times. I am not a writer, despite my degree in journalism. My “Aggie story” began when my mom woke me up for school one morning and said I had been accepted to a university, whose campus I had never seen, for a major I chose on a whim — thanks mom for reading my emails by the way. Saying I don’t regret a thing would be a lie, but considering where I ended up, I think my story has a pretty good ending. So, thank you to everyone who has helped me and challenged me along the way.

To Texas A&M Club Swimming: Thank you for an amazing three years getting to compete with and lead the team. I am so proud of the growth the program has seen, and the growth I have seen in myself. I may not wear the A&M cap anymore, but my love for swimming (maybe not butterfly) will remain

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