Dave Ford.
Hi, I’m Dave, a third year studying Politics & American studies. Given that I’ve never even read a blog before, writing one is certainly a daunting prospect, but here goes. I’ll start then by saying that my decision to come to Texas A&M was not entirely my own – in fact Texas A&M was at the absolute bottom of my list of preferred US universities – it was allocated to me! (Due in most part to my lack of organisation) So after a summer of much trepidation, it would be an understatement to say that I was a little unenthused on the morning of my departure to Dallas. This coupled with my abhorrence for air-travel made the 8-hour connecting flight from Heathrow to Dallas an interesting one. That said, and as my personal note to the nervous traveller, I will mention at this point that a Gin & Tonic at regular intervals will make air travel an altogether more enjoyable experience (I shan’t disclose the exact number of G&T’s I consumed en transit).
However (and in
spite of my irretrievably negative start), I could not be happier to be at
Texas A&M. In fact I think that it could well be the making of me! Going
into this experience I had certain preconceived ideas about Texas (anyone
would), many of which turned out to be true, but many turned out to be untrue.
For example, and I have my mother and her unabashed love of the 80’s hit show
Dallas to thank for this, I came to Texas with the firm belief that every man
woman and child would be adorned in a Stetson, cow boy boots and gun holsters, whilst championing wayward
political views and harbouring a questionable attitude to anyone who wasn’t a
white Texan. This is not true (well partially). In fact, many of the people who
I have met, have been extremely normal and extremely nice, which has come as a
huge relief to this English boy who point blank refused to engage in any form
of Country & Western contact before even arriving in Texas.
Though I’d
happily ramble on about the various nuances of Texan Culture, I suppose I am
obliged at some point to mention the more serious matters of life at Texas
A&M. I’ll start by mentioning Hart Hall, which is where I was designated to
live for my two semesters at A&M. I’ll choose my words carefully when I say
that Hart Hall attracts those from the stranger side of the personality
spectrum – which is both a blessing and a curse – but I can conclusively say
that is never boring. The classes (lectures) are definitely my highlight so
far, and although Texas is renowned for its engineering and business majors,
there are certainly alternatives (I’m doing History of Art and Film). Football
is unsurprisingly a big deal in Texas, but there are a range of sports that can
be enjoyed – including ice hockey, baseball, basketball and soccer. Most
importantly though, never underestimate the potency of an English accent in
America, you wouldn’t believe the perks it gets you – including free tickets to
Football games!
To Sum up, I
Love Texas. In fact, I’d even go so far as to say that there is not one thing I
haven’t enjoyed since being here. Even the quirky little A&M traditions
that I had originally mocked (I’m English, and therefore allowed to be
condescending), I have come to love. Traditions including Reveille the mascot
Dog – A Dog surrounded by so much mythology and so much mystery that it is to
be addressed as “Ma’am” if seen around Campus. A Dog that is so highly revered
that if caught barking in a lecture, the Class is deemed boring and irrelevant
and immediately dismissed (My question is – why does the dog go to lectures in
the first place? Weird) In Short, Come to Texas A&M, it might not be your
first choice, but you will absolutely not regret coming here.
I personally feel that this image speaks for itself - Long live Texan House parties!
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