Today@Sam Article
Senior Encourages New Students To Become Part Of 'Bearkat Family' At Convocation
Aug. 7, 2015
SHSU Media Contact: Jennifer Gauntt
Catherine Till is a senior agricultural communication major from Dayton who has been selected to serve as the student speaker at this year's New Student Convocation on Aug. 23. Below, Till shares the story of the day she became part of the "Bearkat family" and what she has learned over her four years at SHSU.
My small hometown of Dayton, Texas, population 7,000, is not all that different from Huntsville, the place I now call my home. As a third-generation Bearkat, I always knew that SHSU was the place I wanted to be, and being the oldest of three siblings, it’s safe to say my parents were a little nervous about sending me off to college. I spent all summer imagining what college would be like. I could finally stay up as late as I wanted, eat whatever I wanted (which I do not recommend because the “Freshman 15” is real), and I would finally have this newfound sense of freedom that I always wanted.
Finally, the day arrived; after packing all night and morning, we were ready to head off to Huntsville for move-in day so I could begin this new chapter in my life. As my family and I approached Huntsville, I was smiling from ear to ear and could barely contain my excitement. The whole ride up my mother told stories of her days at Sam and how she couldn’t wait to show me around town. But once we reached Sam Houston Avenue, I soon realized my mother had no idea where we were going; the town and campus had changed so much since she last visited 20 years ago. I was so embarrassed as we wandered aimlessly around campus because my mom swore my dorm was “this way” and, well, it definitely was “that way.”
My first year at Sam Houston was one of my most memorable. I went through Panhellenic sorority recruitment, I joined Collegiate FFA and even played in a mud volleyball tournament for the first time ever; I made the Dean’s List both semesters and was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, the freshman honor society. Getting involved on campus my freshman year was the best decision I have ever made. As I look back at that shy freshman on move-in day, I realize how much I have grown as an individual. I realize that the opportunities I have been given were because I attend an amazing university that truly cares about its students.
During my time here at SHSU I have been actively involved on campus. I currently hold leadership positions in three of campus organizations. I am also currently interning in the Office of the President, and I am working as a New Student Orientation team leader. Previously, I was a student ambassador for the SHSU Visitors Center. I have emceed the Greek Pantheon Awards, Miss Sam Houston Pageant and Saturdays@Sam.
My friend’s joke that the day I get married my wedding colors will be orange, white, and blue because I love SHSU so much. Sorry to my future husband, because they probably will be. Attending Sam Houston State was the best decision I have ever made and I know that it will be the best decision you all will ever make. With more than 200 student organizations on campus the opportunities are endless. I’m challenging you, the class of 2019, to go out and make a difference. Make these next few years ones that you will never forget, and most importantly, live out the university motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service.”
I am excited and honored to welcome and address new Bearkats at the 2015 New Student Convocation on Aug. 23 for the ceremony that officially makes new students part of our Bearkat family. Parents and family members will want to attend to witness this exciting milestone in their student’s life, and both participants and spectators should arrive at the Johnson Coliseum by 4:30 p.m. through gates 20-28 for seating and a pre-ceremony prize giveaway. The ceremony starts promptly at 5 p.m. For more information, or to RSVP, visit the convocation website, at shsu.edu/convocation, or contact the First-Year Experience Office at 936.294.3422 or fye@shsu.edu.
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