This year, everyone across the globe has witnessed unanticipated circumstances and sudden unwelcome changes to lifestyle. People from all walks of life had to face these challenges. As a Texas A&M student, I would say that one of the most disheartening things that happened last semester was that students couldn’t return to Aggieland.

This article is my attempt to describe the indescribable.

Campus Life

Being away from campus has made me value the convenience and ease of campus life so much more. It’s true that I miss hanging out with my friends in the MSC or getting Starbucks from ZACH. However, what I miss the most is how easy it was for me to be with everyone, to see all the lovely Aggies every day and experience an amazing day, from the refreshing morning to the pleasant evening.

Facilities

There are countless facilities on campus, and not having access to them seems so futile. Having seen Aggieland as a place always so bright and lively, with people all around, it was shattering to then see a deserted, lonely campus. 

Events

So many amazing events, like hackathons, Aggies Invents and engineering department workshops got canceled. At that time, it seemed as if all the opportunities were being taken away, but then Texas A&M made a comeback with more opportunities for us. Seniors had the option to apply for a master’s degree and the Student Engineers’ Council launched its first virtual internship for undergraduates.

Future

It’s admirable how Texas A&M is making all efforts to reopen campus this coming fall, so that we Aggies can feel at home again. Students are brimming with excitement at the thought of returning to campus. This time when we go back, I’m sure that we will appreciate it more than we ever have before. 

Attachment

I still wonder at how unusual it is for me to be so attached to something that I’ve only been experiencing for a short time. I’ve been at Texas A&M for just a year, yet I feel so strongly about being away from campus. I can’t even imagine how hard it must be for seniors to have spent their last semester away from “home”. I can’t comprehend what it would feel like to not have a proper graduation ceremony, the one proper farewell that everyone yearns for.

However, I was fascinated by Texas A&M’s efforts to have an online graduation recognition celebration. Sure, it cannot surpass the experience of a real graduation ceremony, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.

It is very truly said that the magic of this place is not supposed to be confined within these walls. It spreads everywhere with each Aggie that steps out of Aggieland, and follows them for their entire life.

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