If you only get a degree at the end of your time at Texas A&M, then your education will be incomplete. Naturally, a student's focus is on getting that degree, but there are hidden opportunities around every corner at A&M, and most Aggies never take full advantage of them.
One of the most important things a young adult can do is to begin healthy life habits that will sustain them throughout their lives. How we take care of our mind, spirit, heart and body can help us be successful and happy our whole lives. Here at A&M, you have an opportunity you will never have again to train yourself in each area.
First, you have an opportunity to learn, to satisfy your curiosities about the world. The best and brightest professors are here to teach you about this world on a micro and macro level, from the right brain all the way to the left brain and from liberal to conservative and all the nuances in between. What questions do you have about this world? Get them answered, or at least better understood, while you are here.
Second, you have a world-class recreation center for your body, and the best mental health professionals in the area. You've already paid them, go get your money's worth. Just like a gym isn't just for those out of shape, the Student Counseling Service isn't just for those with a mental health crisis. You'll be shocked at the fun and helpful things they offer, and you'll be glad you stopped in.
Third, and my bias, is that you have an opportunity to learn about various spiritual walks of life. We have 104 religious organizations at Texas A&M, representing nine world faiths and close to 90 Christian variations. There is a religious service, prayer group or religious study going on every day of the week and close to every hour of the day for you. Explore your faith, stretch your faith, challenge your faith, affirm your faith. If you don't have a faith, learn about this very large part of our world. It will help you understand your friends, if nothing else.
Finally, you are at one of the largest and perhaps the friendliest universities in the nation. Join an organization or two that offer some new experiences with interesting people. Say howdy to people you walk by on campus, but don't let it stop there. Get to know that person and learn about them. People can be the best textbook you see in a day.
Make this year and the years ahead in Aggieland ones that you will look back on knowing you took advantage of all the opportunities offered to you and left with a complete education and satisfaction in your soul.
--Reverend Kyle Walker is the campus minister for United Campus Ministry, which is sponsored by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the United Church of Christ.
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