The Battalion - November 12, 2020

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2020 STUDENT MEDIA

Texas A&M reports two additional COVID-19 clusters Aggie Band, Emergency Medical Services see influx of positive cases

By Brady Stone @bradystonex Under the Clery Act, Texas A&M has identified two new COVID-19 clusters as of Nov. 9: one among the Aggie Band (Artillery

Band, Dorm 12) and one within Emergency Medical Services (Events).

These reports are the fifth and sixth clusters at A&M and are the first to be confirmed since late September. The current data A&M has made available at time of publication lists 257 total cases of COVID-19 on campus as “active” as of Nov. 8.

According to their website, A&M evalu-

ates several indicators and variables to confirm a cluster. The indicators A&M looks for are the number of positive COVID-19 cases, the timeframe encompassing cases and whether the cases are attributable to a specific event, location or group. The variables A&M looks at are population, activities and mitigation. All of these criteria are considered in determining potential clusters and an appropriate response.

The reports of these new clusters came the same day the A&M football team canceled all in-person activities after two players and one staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

At this time there are no reported clusters among the A&M football team, but the team’s Nov. 14 game against Tennessee has been postponed due to contact tracing and subsequent quarantines.

Analyzing the election Kaylee Cogbill — THE BATTALION

Aggie Ring recipients can pick up their rings on Nov. 17, 19 and 20.

November Ring Day to allow two guests Association eases COVID-19 restrictions for upcoming event

By Myranda Campanella @MCampanella_ Changes have been made to the COVID-19 restrictions for Aggie Ring Day this November.

Ring Day, which had previously become Ring Week this semester, will be held on Nov. 17, 19 and 20. Recipients can choose a time between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesday or Thursday or between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Friday to pick up their Aggie Ring.

Different from the Ring Week held this past September, the Association of Former Students will now allow recipients to bring up to two guests into Haynes Ring Plaza and the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center with them to pick up their rings during their assigned time. All guests will be required to wear face coverings inside the Alumni Center, according to the Association’s website.

“We do not encourage you to bring additional guests to campus,” a statement on the website reads. “The two guests must be accompanied by the ring recipient in order to enter the restricted area around the Alumni Center, the Ring Plaza and inside the Alumni Center building.”

Vice President of the Association of Former Students Kathryn Greenwade RING DAY ON PG. 6

via Joe Biden Facebook

President-elect Joe Biden is proceeding with a transition of power and announced his 13-member COVID-19 task force on Nov. 9.

A&M experts discuss 2020 election results, rhetorical strategies of both President Donald Trump, Joe Biden

By Myranda Campanella @MCampanella_

T

he 2020 presidential election has seen a wave of changes in electoral politics.

Within a week of winning Pennsylvania, President-elect Joe Biden has announced a COVID-19 task force, reached out to foreign allies and plans to announce his senior cabinet members. America is already beginning to see the effects. Despite the current president’s refusal to concede the election, the Biden Administration has begun making changes. However, Director of

Texas A&M’s Public Policy Research Institute Kirby Goidel, Ph.D., said the president-elect is unlikely to fulfill his dream of unity any time soon after America’s longtime disintegration of trust in institutions across the country — by Democrats and Republicans alike. “[President Donald] Trump has been unique. His goal is to keep his core supporters… And one way that he keeps them happy is by going after the other side,” Goidel said.

“In that type of environment, it’s very hard to imagine that in the short-term this is going to change.”

Despite Trump’s harsh rhetoric while attacking the left throughout his presidency, Goidel said he believes Biden will be able to turn some of that rhetoric down over time after rebuilding trust across the nation.

“In Congress, it’s become so partisan and polarized that it’s hard to imagine bipartisanship, but I think a lot of them want Washington to work better,” Goidel said. “They didn’t get into politics to fight all the time and never

get anything done. They want the country to be in a better place.”

Communication professor Jennifer Mercieca, Ph.D., author of “Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump,” said Biden’s focus on healing the nation and moving past polarization is a message for all of America and falls in line with one particular rhetorical strategy: the “priestly role.”

Mercieca said many presidents have utilized this rhetoric throughout history, in which the leader evokes the values of the nation during times of crisis. This is a clear departure from Trump’s more authentic rhetorical style where he says exactly what he thinks, Mercieca said.

“Where [Biden] differs from Trump probably the most is the way that he is constantly evoking American values, talking about what he thinks America means,” Mercieca said.

“He’s much more optimistic about America ELECTION ON PG. 2

A&M-Tennessee game postponed ‘Over a dozen’ A&M football players quarantined due to contact tracing Staff Report

Meredith Seaver — The Battalion

The Texas A&M football team’s game against the Tennessee Volunteers has been postponed from Nov. 14 to Saturday, Dec. 12.

Texas A&M’s upcoming matchup with Tennessee has been postponed, the SEC announced on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

The announcement came one day after A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said a player and a staff member both tested positive for COVID-19 following the Aggies’ return from their Nov. 7 win over South Carolina. As a result, the team canceled all in-person activity on Monday, Nov. 9, and moved its scheduled meetings to Zoom.

A&M Director of Athletics Ross Bjork said while the postponement is unfortunate, it is crucial that the team practice caution in light of the recent positive tests.

Bjork told ESPN’s Heather Dinich on Wednesday, Nov. 11, that “over a dozen”

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A&M players are currently undergoing the SEC’s 14-day quarantine protocols and will be unavailable until they complete the two week process.

“Since the beginning of COVID-19, the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff has been our No. 1 priority,” Bjork said in a press release from the athletic department. “Throughout the last several months, we have been reminded how important it is to be flexible and nimble because this scenario was expected to happen. While we are disappointed we are not able to play this weekend, we are appreciative of the SEC’s foresight to build in the flexibility that allows us to reschedule the Tennessee game.”

Sophomore safety Demani Richardson has also tested positive for COVID-19, with his test coming last week and causing him to miss the South Carolina game. In his statement, Bjork said Richardson’s tested positive after FOOTBALL ON PG. 4

NEWS

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The Battalion | 11.12.20

Serving those who have served

PROVIDED

The Aggie Rings for Veterans program was started in 2013 to raise money to provide ring scholarships for student veterans.

Donors support student veterans with Aggie Ring scholarship program

By Aubrey Vogel @aubrey_vogel Student veterans at Texas A&M can receive special scholarships from the Aggie Rings for Veterans Program to help fund their Aggie gold.

The Aggie Rings for Veterans Program was started in 2013 after discovering that a stu-

dent veteran could not afford to purchase a ring. Since then, the program has helped provide funds for 371 pieces of Aggie gold. This program, which relies on donations to help cover the cost of the rings, is sponsored by a partnership between the Don & Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource & Support Center and the Association of Former Students.

Tom Wisdom, a Class of 1960 class agent, said his class is a significant contributor to the program. Since their creation, they have already given out 82 Aggie Rings.

“Veterans are having so much trouble by

ELECTION CONTINUED in general. While he sees that there are big problems, he thinks that, like he says, it’s time to heal and unite the nation to solve those problems.”

History professor Jonathan Coopersmith, Ph.D., said Trump’s rhetoric motivated voters on both sides of the party line to turn out this election season — with Democrats questioning the safety of American democracy under Trump and Republicans hoping to prevent the

the time they get to 90 hours [because] that’s about the time their GI bill is starting to run out,” Wisdom said. “My class has really gotten behind this, and we are so proud that we have been able to help this many veterans make sure they get their Aggie Ring.”

Director of the Don & Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource & Support Center Col. Jerry Smith said the program’s goal is to make student veterans feel that they are a part of the Aggie family during their time at A&M. “They appreciate the Aggie culture because the core values are very much like those of the spread of socialism that Trump often warns of.

“Both sides pushed fear, which is sort of standard,” Coopersmith said. “Fear was a motivating factor, but so was optimism.

Black Lives Matter helped a great deal, too, in energizing the younger people.”

Despite historical turnout this election season, Coopersmith said there are still many challenges to voting in the U.S., particularly in Texas. According to the 2020 Cost of Voting Index, Texas is the most difficult state to register to vote and cast a ballot in.

The COVID-19 pandemic also posed additional obstacles for Americans to go out and vote this year, Coopersmith said. However, he said there weren’t many reports of voter intimidation, despite disinformation

military,” Smith said. “For a donor to help you obtain that outward symbol that shows you’re a part of that Aggie family — I’ve seen grown men, combat veterans, cry on Ring Day because they are so appreciative. We at Texas A&M serve well those who have served.”

A 20-year Army veteran and maritime studies senior, John Vandewater, received a scholarship after going to browse for a ring and being asked if he had applied for the scholarship program.

“I am shocked,” Vandewater said. “It is really neat that they reached out and did that even after I did not know much about the program.”

With the changes to the traditional Ring Day, the veterans in Galveston who received their rings from the program were still able to have a small ceremony with the donors and their families. Vandewater said Wisdom encouraged him to bring his whole family for the event and celebrate the accomplishment.

“We had a wonderful setting and a wonderful crowd to get to meet these people and their families,” Wisdom said. “We are paying these veterans by helping them get that Aggie Ring to help them be proud of being an Aggie looking forward.”

One of the program’s goals is to connect donors and students on a personal level. Many of the student veterans stay in contact with their donors because of the shared experiences in the military. “[Wisdom] had the same job in the army even though we have like 40 years difference, but we were both armored cavalrymen, so it’s a really small world,” Vandewater said. “We clicked right off the bat, and he was really interesting to talk to. The things that those guys went through in Vietnam and their service was much different than what we went through.

“I feel like I can learn a lot from him, and he got out of the military and has been through everything that I am going through.” that spread in many areas of the country.

“We didn’t have the fears of scary looking people showing up outside,” Coopersmith said. “One of the exciting aspects is that the system really worked. Election officials deserve a big pat on the back for all they did.”

Goidel said it’s typical for the country to get tired of the constant political news coverage by the end of each election season. Despite this, he said it is important to focus on the historical voting turnout in 2020.

“This was an exercise in democratic governance, and it’s a pretty remarkable thing when you think about it,” Goidel said. “In American democracy, we said, ‘Rather than have bullets, rather than have revolutions, we’ll have ballots.’”

CONGRATULATIONS!

Over 2,600 shiny new Aggie Rings will be delivered at the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center

Where Do We Go from Here?

The Economic Outlook for 2021 DOUGLAS HOLTZ-EAKIN 6th Director of the Congressional Budget Office President of the American Action Forum

Wednesday, November 18, 2020 6:00 p.m. CT on Zoom To receive the Zoom link register by Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at https://bush.tamu.edu/events/ (979) 845-1927

Nov. 17, 19 and 20 Aggie Ring Tickets distributed online at: tx.ag/AggieRingDayTicket

Visit tx.ag/RingDay for more information to ensure the best experience for you and up to TWO (2) guests. Arrive any time during your 30-minute ticket time slot. Do not arrive early.

Celebrate responsibly.

The Association of Former Students and Texas A&M encourages Aggies to celebrate this significant moment, but celebrate it responsibly. The Association of Former Students and Texas A&M do not endorse or support any activities involving binge drinking.

Please ensure you abide by current government guidelines if you choose to celebrate with others.

Current Ring Delivery protocols could change at any moment should government guidelines change. Any changes will be communicated via AggieNetwork.com

The Association of Former Students is HERE for Aggies during their days as students and former students, THERE for Aggies as they make their way around the world and EVERYWHERE that the Aggie Network needs us to be.

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The Battalion | 11.12.20

are going to have the exposure,” Gore said. “If you have to be indoors, we strongly recommend that if you can not distance then everybody keep your masks on when not eating.”

Visit Older Relatives in Smaller Groups As older relatives are more susceptible to severe COVID-19 infections, Clendenin said it may be safer to visit older relatives in smaller groups where social distancing is possible if an outdoor Thanksgiving dinner cannot happen.

“We have to be cognitive of our ability to keep that distance between us,” Clendenin said. “Otherwise, what we’re asking for the potential to transmit COVID[-19] to someone that may not be able to handle it very well.”

Home for the holidays

Returning to College Station

Kaylee Cogbill — THE BATTALION

The last day of on-campus instruction for Texas A&M’s College Station campus is Monday, Nov. 23.

Experts advise students stay cautious when visiting friends, family over break

By Aubrey Vogel @aubrey_vogel As the holiday season approaches and COVID-19 continues to spread, students must take precautions to ensure their families’ safety.

With COVID-19 infection rates on the rise throughout the country, some students will leave College Station and head to COVID-19 hotspots, while some will travel to towns that have fewer cases. It is important for students to take precautions before, during and after their time at home, especially if they plan to return to College Station, according to several local experts.

Assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics Angela Clendenin said it’s important for students not only to think of their own health, but their family’s as well.

“It really is a critical time, and it is important to think about holiday seasons,” Clendenin said. “We are in a time frame where we celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, which are all family oriented holidays, and that’s how we normally spend our time with our immediate and even extended fam-

ily, so now more than ever it’s important to think about our own safety and our families.”

Before heading home Looking ahead to the next couple of weeks and to Thanksgiving Break, students have much to worry about with classes coming to an end. However, Clendenin said the COVID-19 pandemic is still a cause for concern that students must address.

“You really need to think about when you come home and that you have come from one area that has a certain burden of disease, and going into another that has a certain burden of disease,” Clendenin said.

Wear a Mask Wearing a mask is a precaution that has been recommended to members of the Aggie community. However, Clendenin said it is more important than ever, with students going home to older and more susceptible relatives.

Socially Distance and Cut Back on Social Events One of the most important things Clendenin said students should consider before heading home is to spend the next two weeks making sure they are social-distancing to help prevent taking the virus home.

“The more that you can control your en-

vironment and your situation to minimize exposure, the less likely you are to catch COVID-19, which means the less likely you are to transmit it,” Clendenin said.

Get Tested About 72 hours before heading back, A&M EMS medical director Garry Gore said he encourages students to get a free COVID-19 test on campus. This precaution allows the test results to come back before heading home and allows it to be the most accurate and up-todate.

When at home It is important to continue to practice good health while at home as the virus is contagious and reducing the likelihood of the spread may require some changes. Clendenin said mindful behavior is vital to ensure students keep themselves and their families safe.

Have Thanksgiving Outdoors If the weather permits outside activity, it is encouraged to have the Thanksgiving meal outside with family, Gore said. Gore said being outside allows for a safer environment than having many people packed together in a small area, and it allows for more social distancing.

“The more time you’re outside, the more ventilation there is and the less likely that you

Although finals will be held online after Thanksgiving, some students will choose to return to their homes in College Station. Gore said it is essential to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 throughout the first couple days after returning.

Get Tested Again Upon returning to College Station, Gore and Clendenin both urge students to get tested to ensure they are not spreading the virus to roommates and others they will be in contact with. Even if they are not experiencing symptoms,Clendenin said it is important to get tested because of the possible asymptomatic cases.

“It takes three to five days before your symptoms will start to show,” Clendenin said.

“You also have to remember that 50 percent of people that have had COVID-19 have been asymptomatic, meaning they are positive, and they can transmit to others, but they may not show many symptoms.”

Testing is vital to keep both yourself and the College Station community safe, Sara Mendez from the Brazos County Health District said.

“We want [college students] to know that they are a part of our community,” Mendez said. “They also have the responsibility of keeping not only themselves but also everyone else around them healthy and safe from COVID[-19].”

Although it may seem as though the pandemic is over, the number of cases continue to rise. Mendez said everyone must continue to do their part so the community can get through this together and get back to normal.

“We understand that people are experiencing COVID[-19] fatigue,” Mendez said.

“All these rules and regulations can be burdensome, but at the end of the day, it’s not only for their health but for the community as a whole.”

FOOTBALL

The Battalion | 11.12.20

AROUND THE SEC

4

A LOOK AT THE CONFERENCE IN WEEK 8

By Ryne Ryskoski @rusty_ryskoski_

The COVID-19 pandemic has officially nixed four SEC games scheduled for this weekend. On Monday, the SEC postponed Mississippi State vs. Auburn, on Tuesday the conference announced that Texas A&M vs.

Tennessee and Alabama vs. LSU have also been postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests and Georgia vs. Missouri joined that list on Wednesday.

Arkansas (3-3) at No. 6 Florida (4-1)

South Carolina (2-4) at Ole Miss (2-4)

Saturday, Nov. 14 – Ben Hill Griffin Stadium – Gainesville, Fla. 7 p.m. on ESPN

Saturday, Nov. 14 – Vaught Hemingway Stadium – Oxford, Miss.

7:30 p.m. on SEC Network

Both these programs come into this matchup following wins. Florida surprisingly made quick work of then-No. 5 Georgia to take over first place in the SEC East and lock up a spot in the SEC Championship, barring any crazy upsets. It would be the Gators’ first time appearing in a conference championship game since 2016 when they lost to Alabama. Arkansas is feeling good after taking down the Tennessee Volunteers at home 24-13 to get back to a .500 record at 3-3. But when you look at Florida’s performance against Georgia, who sports one of the best statistical defenses in the nation, there’s almost no way the Razorbacks can handle Kyle Trask, Kyle Pitts and the rest

of Florida’s juggernaut offense. Trask threw a cool 474 yards and four touchdowns against a Kirby Smart-led team, so he and the rest of the Gators probably aren’t too concerned about a team that gave up 42 points to A&M. Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman, who has brought a ton of life and leadership to a program that was lacking it, tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, Nov. 3, and will not be on the sidelines on Saturday. Defensive coordinator Barry Odom will serve as interim coach. That is undoubtedly a huge blow for Arkansas, whose fans have fawned over the first-year leader.

Prediction: Florida 42, Arkansas 24

South Carolina has had some disappointing years despite seeing multiple solid recruiting classes come in since Will Muschamp became the head coach of the Gamecocks. They finished with a 4-8 record last year, and seem to be headed toward a losing season again. They are coming off their worst loss of the Muschamp era, a 48-3 blowout at the hands of A&M, which makes them outscored 100-27 in their last two games. Starting quarterback Collin Hill holds the second worst quarterback rating in the SEC, and has thrown a staggering 10 interceptions to just six touchdowns. South Carolina’s defense is also among the worst in the conference as it gives up the fourth most yards per game, allows 33 points per

game and is one of three teams to have already given up 1,000 rushing yards to opponents. Ole Miss is not doing much better in terms of defense and record, but the Rebels have played a fairly tough schedule so far that included Florida, Alabama, Auburn and a road game at Arkansas. Sophomore quarterback Matt Corral has been one of the best signal callers in the conference as he holds the third best quarterback rating behind Mac Jones and Kyle Trask, has the second most passing touchdowns with 18 and has the second best completion percentage. Ole Miss’ offense is definitely too much for South Carolina to handle right now.

Prediction: Ole Miss 35, South Carolina 20

FOOTBALL CONTINUED the team’s round of testing on Nov. 5.

Fisher said the cancellation of this weekend’s game is a result of A&M being unable to field the required 53 players after the positive tests and subsequent contact tracing.

“First and foremost is the health and safety of our players in our football program,” Fisher said in the press release. “I would never jeopardize their well-being, and we will continue to follow all protocols. Our football team

roster has fallen below the SEC threshold in order to compete this week due to two players testing positive for COVID[-19], the contact tracing associated with the road trip, to go along with the players who have opted out and who are injured. We look forward to getting back out there because our team has been practicing and playing well.”

A&M’s recent road game played a role in the number of players and personnel that are having to quarantine as a result of the positive tests, Bjork said.

“The nature of away game travel (flights,

meals, lodging, locker room, etc.) naturally leads to an increase in the number of student-athletes, coaches and staff who meet the criteria for mandatory quarantine based on contact tracing guidelines,” Bjork said in the press release. “We are asking everyone around our university community to stay vigilant and follow all of the safety protocols and best practices as we approach the end of the fall sports seasons.”

Originally scheduled for Nov. 14, A&M’s matchup with Tennessee is rescheduled for Dec. 12.

Alabama’s matchup with LSU has also been postponed after the Tigers had several starters return positive tests this week. Auburn’s game against Mississippi State was postponed on Monday, Nov. 9, following positive cases within the Bulldogs’ program. The Georgia-Missouri matchup joined that list on Wednesday after positive tests and contact tracing within Missouri’s program.

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, and his diagnosis was confirmed Tuesday after another positive result.

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OPINION

via White House Photostream

Columnist Sam Somogye said he hopes that with a new president, the GOP will depart from Donald Trump’s polarization.

Looking further

Columnist Sam Somogye says it’s time for the Republican Party to move on from Donald Trump Sam Somogye

T

@samsomogye

he dust has yet to settle from the outcome of this presidential election. Some are looking forward, while others are refusing to let go of power. I, for one, am ready to look forward, move on and heal. It is also high time for the GOP to look forward.

We have a long road ahead of us, but I’m confident we can get to where we once were and where we need to be again.

First things first, there was no blue wave this election cycle. Republicans beat just about every expectation. For example, many in the media and the left swore Republican Senator Susan Collins to be done for, yet she prevailed. We can say the same for Republican Senators Joni Erst, Thom Tillis and Lindsey Graham, to name a few — and that’s just the Senate. In the House of Representatives, party officials on both sides project the GOP will pick up 12 seats. This possible outcome could lead to a narrow margin that we have not seen in nearly two decades. Simply put, the Republican Party beat the odds. While this calls for

celebration, there is still work for conservatives to do.

It is time for the Republican Party to get back to its roots. President Donald Trump’s downfall is a silver lining for our party. No longer will Republicans be pressured to defend a leader who makes unspeakable comments ranging from crass observations toward other countries to vulgar remarks about women.

The main problem with Trump was not his policies. This assertion may shock some of my readers, but I agreed with much of the administration’s work.

The demise of Trump was his demeanor. There is no better example of being unpresidential than our president. It is that exact thing that turned off so many people and why he lost this election.

Not only did he personally suffer from his actions in office, but the Republican Party did as well. I am confident that if we had someone in the White House who had taken an opposite approach to the presidency, they would have won re-election.

Under this administration, the Republican Party has taken a fall from grace, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

It is time for us to welcome new talent to our party and let them lead the way.

I’m looking at you, Nikki Haley, Tim Scott and Ben Sasse. These are the types of conservatives that will guide our party with dignity, compassion and intelligence. Conservatives must put individuals like these at the party’s forefront so we can show America that we are not Trump’s party. We are not defined by one man, but by a set of principles we believe to be good and know will benefit the country we love so much. If we want to stay competitive and win over everyday Americans who were on the fence this election but ultimately chose the “Ridin’ with Biden” route, we must restrategize. Step number one, as previously mentioned, is moving on. Overall, the party has some severe rebranding to do, and holding onto this administration is not doing us any favors.

The Democrats are not untouchable.

Voters proved it in this election, and I believe the Democrats have a tough road ahead of them. The party’s progressive wing is already at war with the party’s moderates (now I’m looking at you, AOC).

This opportunity will be easy for Republicans to take advantage of because, frankly, I don’t think the left-leaning side of the aisle will be able to get much

done in the 117th Congress. After all, Joe Biden, a moderate Democrat, leads the White House charge while progressive members like AOC and the rest of the “squad” lead the House’s effort. At the same time, Republicans will (more than likely) control the Senate. I wonder, what could go wrong?

Once again, this is a silver lining for Republicans. We must use the likely outcome that is the coming civil war within the Democratic Party as an opportunity to show America that our party can be a united front— not one that is always at odds with each other as we have seen the past four years. We must prove to many Americans something I already know: we lead our party with compassion, strength and the desire to uplift Americans.

While many Republicans dread the coming years under a Biden presidency, I look forward to it. I am hopeful that the GOP will realize we have to do better over the next few years and we will do better.

Maybe I’m just hopelessly optimistic. I guess time will tell.

Sam Somogye is a political science senior and columnist for The Battalion.

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RINGDAY

6

The Battalion | 11.12.20

PROVIDED

News writer Alyssa Gafford-Gaby will receive her Aggie Ring on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 11:30 a.m.

A family worth finding News writer Alyssa Gafford-Gaby says her time at A&M has provided her more than she dreamed of Alyssa Gafford-Gaby

I

@AGaffordGaby

never thought I’d get my Aggie Ring, mostly because I never thought I would be an Aggie.

With one parent being a Longhorn (hiss) and the other being a New Mexico State University Aggie, Texas A&M was never on the top of

RING DAY CONTINUED said these changes were made based on the traffic flow experience from the September Ring Week, which did not allow any guests to enter with recipients.

“We felt like we could safely include two

my list. My older brother pursued a degree in biology from A&M and, being the stubborn person I am, I was determined to “make my own way” and forge a brand new path that no one in my family had gone down before. However, after lots of debating, I ended up at A&M, unsure if it was the right decision and knowing little to nothing about the university.

My brother is my best friend, so I was excited to live in the same place as him again but, aside from that, I was

reluctant, scared and ready to just get my degree and leave.

Then I went to Fish Camp and started to fall in love with this university. Fish Camp introduced me to the traditions and opportunities at A&M, which ultimately led me to join organizations on campus. I started building a family here and finding new ways to make A&M feel like home.

However, truly embracing what it meant to be an Aggie didn’t click until I attended Bonfire Remembrance

guests and still maintain protocols that allowed for social distancing and allowed for this to be a safe process for everybody,” Greenwade said. “We do not feel like there’s any greater risk in coming in to pick up your ring than you would experience in going to the grocery store.”

during my freshman year. I was in total awe seeing the number of people there, honoring Aggies they may have never met. I left in tears and remember sending a text to my mom at 3 a.m. saying, “I know it’s not where I originally wanted to be and I know I fought you a lot about it, but thank you for heavily encouraging me to come to A&M. I have found my place.”

(Yes, I scrolled through two years of text messages to find that exact quote).

I was no longer content with just getting my degree — I wanted more. I was always an Aggie, but I hadn’t always embraced it.

From that moment on, I grew into the loudest and proudest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2022.

I threw myself into every opportunity I could find to be more involved in the Aggie family.

I changed my major from biology to international studies and fell in love with what I was learning.

I’ve managed to balance a job, multiple student organizations and a full load of classes.

I’ve sung the War Hymn at the top of my lungs to my Longhorn dad.

I’ve found my niches, from The Battalion to Aggie Miracle to Fish Camp, that have given me a sense of community I never thought I’d have.

I have met world-changers, cried in Evans, eaten at the Commons more times than I can count, pulled too many all-nighters and watched the world suffer through a pandemic, injustice, nail-biting elections and so much more.

For as much as I want to believe the world is an inherently good place, my ring serves as a reminder to always continue fighting the good fight and to never let a changed plan or a seemingly lost battle stop me from helping enact change.

I’ve seen the highest highs and lowest lows here, but through it all, I have found a family in Aggieland.

When I look at my ring, I will forever be reminded of that. To me, my Aggie Ring is not just a pretty piece of gold, but a reminder that no matter where I go in life and no matter what is thrown at me, I will always have a place to call home and people to fall back on.

Alyssa Gafford-Gaby is an international studies junior and news writer for The Battalion.

Greenwade said there are over 2,600 Aggies getting their rings this November. She said the Association has implemented the necessary safety precautions such as offering hand sanitizer, creating six feet distancing between ring stations and only allowing 100 people inside the Alumni Center’s three spaces per

hour.

“We’re excited that we will be able to include parents, or two others guests of the students’ choosing,” Greenwade said. “Because we think that adds a lot to the day, and it’s certainly an achievement that you want to celebrate with others.”

Aggies have

FOUR BILLION REASONS TO BELIEVE IN TOMORROW because...

Our nation’s heroes have more resources.

Support for Texas A&M student veterans grew during the Lead by Example campaign thanks to a $5 million gift from Don and Ellie Knauss to support and name the university’s Veteran Resource & Support Center (VRSC). The center proactively supports student veterans and their family members by focusing on academic, financial and personal well-being as well as career success. The couple’s gift will enhance student veteran programming and resources on campus, help fund renovations in the Memorial Student Center for a new, world-class space for the VRSC, and encourage the creation of new student veteran scholarships by providing matching funds. By laying the groundwork for enhanced student veteran success at Texas A&M, their gift gives Aggies four billion reasons to believe in tomorrow.

Learn more about the campaign’s impact at leadbyexample.tamu.edu.