New Semester, One Step Closer to My Aggie Ring

As the new semester begins I’m excited to begin my classes and have a fresh start. It’s hard to believe that in just three semesters I’ll be graduating and applying to veterinary school. While graduation can be the most exciting thing for some people, I’m even more excited about something else.

After five semesters I finally have enough hours to order my Fightin’ Texas Aggie Ring! The Aggie ring is a very symbolic tradition at Texas A&M and can only be EARNED after successfully completing 90 hours. The ring is worn with the year facing the student until they graduate, then it is turned to face the world at graduation.

I have heard many stories and seen countless examples of conversations and friendships developing after noticing the Aggie ring, even across the world. On Ring Day, thousands of Aggies receive their ring as their families look on. I have worked very hard to reach this point, which represents a huge step in my academic career. I cannot wait to receive my ring and join countless others who wear it with pride. Until then, I have a long semester to look forward to with many classes to keep me occupied.

Test after Test

As my first round of tests ended, my second round of tests started the next week. If you’re lucky, your tests have been spaced out, with time to relax and gear up again. If you’re like me, however, you have tests every week with no time for relaxation.

Being a junior, I’ve learned how to handle this by now, but that doesn’t make it any more fun. Time management is the most important factor when dealing with a situation like this. Plan out a study schedule, and stick with it. I can’t tell you how much time I wasted studying as a freshman—and even as a sophomore—simply trying to figure out what I needed to study and in what order.

Being a double major in biomedical sciences and entomology can be very difficult at times, but Texas A&M University has amazing resources that should be taken advantage of. For example, at the Academic Success Center you can meet one on one with an academic coach and learn how to achieve your dream GPA. Whether you want to boost your grades or maintain your high grades, they are able to help.

I don’t think I could handle two majors without the systems Texas A&M provides for success or the methods I’ve learned to implement into my study plan. Maintaining your grades and handling tests week every week is definitely doable with the right plan and help from the right sources.