Connection

Back to Campus: Thriving After the Break!

January 22, 2025 by mariahp

By Ryn Olivarez

Returning to school after any extended break can be a challenge. After weeks away, jumping straight back into education mode might feel overwhelming. Here’s what you can expect your first few weeks back and some strategies to help you navigate potential challenges.

What to Expect:

Stronger course load. You may have taken on fewer hours in the fall to start the year off at a manageable pace. If this is the case for you, and your upcoming term’s schedule is heavier than before, the increased course load may seem daunting; that’s normal!
More independence. Whether this is your first or second semester at Texas A&M, you will start to experience more independence. This could be that you need less guidance from advisors, or maybe your previous study groups have separated into their own majors. Remember that as your independence grows, it doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Pair your newfound capabilities with the tools and resources available to you to make yourself unstoppable this semester and beyond.
Post-holiday blues. Winter break is a great time to decompress after a hectic semester and finals, but being away for a month makes it difficult to get back into the swing of the semester. It can be hard to leave the comfort and familiarity of your home and readjust to being a student again.

Winning Approaches:

Time management and organization. The best way to handle the overwhelming load of the semester is to manage your time and stay organized. There are many great tools for keeping track of your assignments and to-do items such as the Navigate app or a calendar app!
Take things slow and set goals. If your calendar looks overwhelming, tackle it one task at a time. Create small, achievable goals, and remember that not everything has to be done at once. Pairing this approach with organization will make it easier to manage the new semester.
Don’t forget to connect with your professors. Even if you are comfortable with the material, getting to know your professor is essential. You never know when having that connection will come in handy. Connect after class or drop by their office hours.

Not all of these points may apply to you, but the most important thing to remember is to take time for yourself. It’s normal to feel out of place after winter break and to crave security. Allow yourself time to readjust to your surroundings and get back into the groove of college life.

Connect, Engage, and Excel in Your Major!

September 19, 2024 by mariahp

Connecting to campus is important to all students’ success here at Texas A&M University. As you look ahead, past the core curriculum, you may want to get involved directly with your major. We have a few suggestions on how to connect with your major and prepare yourself for your chosen career path.

On-Campus Jobs

One way to get involved within your major is to get a job, and Texas A&M offers various employment opportunities that will help your professional career.

Jobs For Aggies: Jobs For Aggies is a great resource for finding open positions in your field of study both on and off campus.
Become a Teaching Assistant (TA): If you want to be more hands-on with other students, look into becoming a TA. Talk to your professors and department heads, as well as keep an eye out on your email for any information on open TA positions.

Internships (on- and off-campus)

Looking for something with more professional hands-on experience? Try an internship! Attend career fairs and use them to find one that would best fit your interests. They’re a great way to network and find a potential job after graduation!

Research

If research sounds appealing, it’s never too early to start planning. Research opportunities are competitive, and some degree plans require it to graduate. You can visit LAUNCH to explore the variety of research possibilities available to you at Texas A&M.

Academic/professional organizations

If a job or internship isn’t for you right now, try looking into an academic or career-centered organization. The Student Activities webpage has a “Search by Classification” feature, with options to search for educational organizations that fit your degree.

Study abroad opportunities

Studying abroad is an opportunity to connect you with others in your major. You can filter by subject area on the Education Abroad site to find a program that best suits your interests. This is a great way to explore your industry in different parts of the world! There are also funding options like scholarships and financial aid for those who wish to study abroad.

Whether it’s snagging an on-campus job, landing an internship, diving into research, joining a club, or studying abroad, there’s something for everyone. These opportunities not only help you connect with your major but also set you up for your future career. So, don’t wait—explore your options and start making those connections today. Being proactive will serve you the best in the future!

Find Your Squad: A Guide to Making Friends at Texas A&M

September 11, 2024 by mariahp

People always talk about the wonderful and lifelong friendships they made in college. Roommates become bridesmaids, lab partners turn into godfathers; but how do those relationships happen? During those first few weeks of college, it can be hard to imagine how connections with classmates might evolve. Some may become lifelong friends, while others dissolve into weekly semester acquaintances. It leaves you to wonder, “Will I ever find my people?”

First Connections

Attending college can be overwhelming. In addition to figuring out how to navigate your classes, finding friends may seem daunting. It’s almost like your first day of Kindergarten: Everything and everyone is new. As scary as it may sound, putting yourself out there and pushing past your comfort zone is a key aspect in meeting new people.

You might meet potential friends in your classes or major, or where you work. One of the most popular ways to meet new people with similar interests is by joining a student organization. With over 1,300 organizations on campus, there is something for everyone. The Student Activities webpage has a search-by-category option, which is useful when looking for something specific. Some organizations are competitive, some are philanthropic, and others are purely social; it all depends on what you are looking for.

Whether it be an academic/professional group or a social men/women’s organization, Texas A&M University has an endless list of things to join that will help get you involved. Just remember: Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to go up to new people.

Degrees of Friendship

Not everyone you meet is meant to be your best friend. There are different types of friendships, especially in college, and each one is important in its own way.

Educational: These friends are there to provide informational and professional assistance. Think of people who would be your study buddies or you would look to for information (either about jobs, registration, or advice about school and careers).
Social: This is a person who you would have a good conversation with, and someone you want to hang out with. Maybe you text these friends when you need a coffee or a friend to go with you to an organization informational. These are people who would attend a football game with you.
Emotional: These friends are your shoulder to cry on; someone you can vent to and get more personal advice from. They are there for your highs and lows, and you can count on them for support.

Friends can be all three! However, it’s also okay to recognize that everyone has a different role in your life, and there is no specific mold for friendships.

Navigating the Ups and Downs

Every good friendship has setbacks, but how you respond to them defines its future. The key is communication. Whether you’re feeling left out, someone said something that rubbed you the wrong way, or you simply need time to yourself, conversations about feelings are essential. If a conflict arises, take a step back to cool off. Usually, initial feelings simmer down after stepping away from the issue. When it comes time to have that conversation, have an open mind. Listen to what the other person is saying and try to understand where they’re coming from. Lastly, find a compromise. It’s not about who’s right or wrong but figuring out a way to correct the behavior and move forward.

So, as you dive into this new chapter, remember friendships are like Rome - they aren’t built in a day. Don’t stress if you haven’t found your crew right away. Keep putting yourself out there, join those clubs, and be open to new experiences. Before you know it, you’ll have a mix of friends who support you in different ways, from study buddies to game day pals. Embrace the journey, and enjoy every moment of it. College is a wild ride, and the friendships you make along the way will be some of the best parts. You’ve got this!

Creating Community During Your First Year

August 20, 2024 by mariahp

Welcome to Texas A&M University! You're here, have moved in, and read your syllabi (right?); now what? We recommend you begin building a community for yourself. Call it a community, a friend group, or a support system; they all serve the same purpose: to enhance your college experience and provide emotional support and comfort. These connections you cultivate will not only be your support system but can also grow into life-long connections you can call upon.

You can lean on your friends for advice and resources during your academic journey as you share a common experience. This group will help to curb those feelings of loneliness and homesickness. Although they may not have set in yet, it is only a matter of time for most! Below, we have listed five tips on how you can start building your community.

Embrace the experience!

Everyone around you is experiencing this at the same time you are. As a new Aggie, you and your classmates are all searching for friends and familiar faces. Attend campus events, join clubs, and participate in class discussions. You make the experience, so make the most of it!

Start small.

Don't feel like you need to dive headfirst into a large group. Begin with conversations in class, study groups, roommates, or the dining hall. Over time, small chats can transform into deeper connections.

Find those with common interests.

Join clubs or organizations related to your interests! This is a great way to meet like-minded people in college. Texas A&M has over 1,300 recognized student organizations that cover a variety of interests. There is an activity for everyone at Texas A&M; you just have to search for what you are interested in.

It takes time.

Building connections takes time. Be patient with yourself and others, and it's okay if you don't click with everyone you meet immediately. Friendships develop over time as you grow and share experiences.

Be kind to yourself!

Starting college involves many significant changes, and it's natural to feel anxious as you navigate the transition. Celebrate the small victories and remember that each step forward is progress. If you find yourself struggling, reach out for help, whether to a friend or a resource on campus.