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Life at Texas A&M: Beyond Engineering

Ultimately, the education and technical background that my classes have given me is very important and a crucial part of being an engineer. But I believe my extracurricular involvement has defined my college life and has truly molded me.

You are here: Home / Student life / Life at Texas A&M: Beyond Engineering

July 17, 2019 By: Juan Cardenas

“There’s a spirit can ne’er be told, it’s the spirit of Aggieland.”

Juan Cardenas with other members of Freshmen Leasers Establishing Excellence
Being in Freshmen Leaders Establishing Excellence allowed me to start my four years at A&M with the mentality of being a lifelong learner.

Walking into Texas A&M, I did not understand what these words meant. I did not understand how they have influenced thousands of Aggies and will continue to do so in the future. Initially, I thought A&M was just four years to get a degree in engineering and that was it… I was extremely wrong.

I have learned what the Aggie Spirit is and how it bonds people together, and it has continued to challenge me and help me reach new heights.

Texas A&M has thousands of organizations that help challenge you, not only as a student, but as a human being. My student organizations have completely changed my outlook on college, life beyond college, and my career. I have learned what the Aggie Spirit is and how it bonds people together, and it has continued to challenge me and help me reach new heights. I am certain that A&M provides enough opportunities for everybody to find something they can devote their time and efforts to, and grow as individuals while getting an extremely valuable education.

Juan Cardenas as Century Men's Society member
By helping put on Century Men’s Society events, I have practiced project management skills, personal development, and met some of my closest friends.

Being involved in several student organizations has helped me build on my Aggie network. Initially, this concept sounded like a myth that counselors and tour guides tell students to lure them into the school, but it is very real. I have met people who I know I will be doing business with in the future. I have met people who I know will be at my wedding. I have met role models; and I have grown from building this network.

Ultimately, the education and technical background that my classes have given me is very important and a crucial part of being an engineer. But I believe my extracurricular involvement has defined my college life and has truly molded me. These experiences have taught me success, failure, hard-work, time management, social relationships, leadership styles, teamwork, and more. These experiences are what I keep coming back to in interviews and essays when thinking about my future and what kind of leader I want to be. To me, they define what it means to be an Aggie.

How to get involved (please do it!)

  • Check out your major’s related professional organization. All of these organizations do a lot for their students, and the students have fun together and accomplish their engineering goals.
  • Check out the Student Engineers’ Council. SEC is a group of highly driven and motivated Aggies who want the best for their fellow engineering students
  • Most importantly, attend MSC Open House and go around the thousands of clubs and organizations A&M has to offer. There will be something there for you.
  • Start as early as your freshman year! It will give you time to spend with amazing people, time you might be wishing for more of as you near graduation.

BIGGEST ADVICE: Don’t be scared to step out of your comfort zone. College is the time to have these experiences and lessons, and A&M is amazing about providing them.

The College of Engineering offers a wide variety of opportunities available to you. Find out what you can get involved in today!

Explore the College of Engineering


Juan Cardenas

About Juan Cardenas

Chemical Engineering, Class of 2020

I am a chemical engineering major from Bogota, Colombia. I have been in the United States since 2013 and love all the opportunities it has given me. I enjoy reading and playing soccer!

Topics: Student life

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