Selected to serve

My journey at Texas A&M University started out very differently than many would expect. I am a first generation Aggie, and did not grow up "bleeding maroon" nor was I taught to say "Howdy" and "Gig'em" before I could walk. I had no idea what the traditions of A&M were. When I arrived on the campus for the first day of Fish Camp, I felt like an outsider. Four days later when I returned to campus, I had become a Fightin' Texas Aggie.

Over the past four years, I have developed a deep love and appreciation for Texas A&M, and everything it represents. I love our history, values and the traditions we hold so dear. Mostly I have fallen in love with the Aggie family, and the belief of service over self. It is the Aggie commitment to selfless service that has formed the foundation of our institution since 1876 and will guide us growing forward for years to come.

I have been involved and held leadership positions in organizations across campus. I first got involved as a freshman by pledging Brothers Under Christ, an organization that I am still a member of today. In my sophomore year I started serving more and became a Fish Camp counselor in Camp Nichols, as well as a member of the Student Senate. As a junior, I served again as a counselor in Camp Forman, served on the Student Government Association's Executive Council and participated in the Mays Business School Fellows Program. This year I have the opportunity of a lifetime, to serve as the student regent for the Texas A&M University System, where I represent the voices of 115,000 students at 11 universities to the Board of Regents.

With all the things people could be doing with their time, why get involved and serve? My desire to serve stems from my love for others. 1st Peter 4:10 says, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." I try to use my gifts to make a difference in someone else's life. For me, there is no greater feeling then being able to go to bed at night knowing I helped make a difference at Texas A&M. It was my desire to improve college life for my fellow Aggies that led me to serve in the Student Government Association and work in student services. That desire also prompted me to apply as the Student Regent, a position where I serve students all across our state, ensuring that future students have the same opportunities I have been blessed with.

As a student leader, I have had numerous opportunities to grow as a person. I have traveled across the state and nation, meeting with government officials and business leaders to lobby and speak on behalf of Aggie students. I have served side by side with my roommates and best friends at Big Event every March, where students show the Aggie Spirit by helping our fellow community members in need. I continue to serve on the governing board of this University and will be at the table when the next Texas A&M president is chosen.

Like each of you, I have also faced challenges and obstacles during my time at A&M. I have done my best to learn from them, overcome them and grow from them. Take advantage of the resources available at Texas A&M University, because they are endless. Each and every one of us is blessed to have the opportunity to attend Texas A&M, an institution where the commitment to academic excellence is great, but the commitment to service is much greater. While at A&M I encourage you to seek out ways to get involved and serve on campus and in the Bryan-College Station community. My question to you is, where are you serving today?

To say that the past four years have been the best years of my life is an understatement. I have had an amazing college experience and formed relationships and friendships that I will carry with me the rest of my life. As I sit back and reflect on my experiences at A&M, I am reminded of some amazing memories. I can't help but look back at my first campus Muster, where I saw thousands of Aggies gather together to honor the lives of those we lost the previous year. That to me is the definition of the Aggie Spirit and the Aggie family.

Four years ago I came to Texas A&M as an outsider, but through my experiences in Aggieland as a student and a student leader I can now say with confidence that "I bleed maroon…"

Hunter Bollman is a senior accounting and finance major

1 What do you love most about being an Aggie? The Aggie Spirit and the Aggie family. I love how students come from different walks of life, with different experiences and backgrounds. At Texas A&M differences are embraced, and the loyalty of Aggies and the commitment to the Aggie values unite all Aggies.

2 If you had three hours of free time, what would you do with it? I am a habitual napper. I love to nap and can pretty much anywhere at any time. If I had a few hours of free time, you would probably find me asleep for a portion of it.

3 When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I think I changed my mind about what I wanted to be at least 20 times growing up. By 6th grade I knew the professional sports career I dreamed of in elementary school wouldn't become a reality for a number of reasons.

4 What are your goals for after graduation? I have an internship this summer with KPMG that I am excited about. This will give me a chance to learn about public accounting. One day I would like to work in Washington, DC at the Capitol for a few years when I graduate or work for a management consulting firm.

5 What is your favorite memory made at Aggieland so far? I couldn't pick just one favorite memory at Aggieland. I love my college experiences, from the random hangouts with friends, to watching A&M BTHO Texas on Kyle Field two years ago and going crazy with the student section at basketball games.

Compiled by Ian McPhail