“You’ve got to do your best to stand the test”

Ashley Rodriguez:
Online Editor 

As the Fall 2020 semester comes to a close, so does my time as an undergraduate college student. While my time at ASU was shorter than an average college student, it was filled with many opportunities, academic success and great memories.

This will be my last column as a student, but it feels like that it was not that long ago I was starting my first semester of college here at ASU. Now that I’ve reached my goal of graduation, I’m excited to see what the future has in store.

As the time is drawing closer and closer to graduation, I’ve been looking back at what my college experience has consisted of. Let me just say it’s been a very full college experience! I was allowed the opportunity to represent ASU and the Ram Band at football games and at the New Year’s Day Parade in London, England in 2019. I’ve been involved in several student organizations on campus, taken on leadership roles and achieved academic success. I’m very proud to call myself a Rambelle and a proud member of the growing Ram Family! Angelo State will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever cherish the great memories I’ve made here.

Before I conclude my column, I would like to offer some advice to my fellow Ram Family members and soon-to-be ASU alumni like myself. Cherish every single moment you can in your undergraduate career! These are the memories that will last a lifetime, along with the friendships too. Always trust your gut. You are the one who’s in control of your decisions and you know yourself best. Always strive to do the best in your academics. Being successful can open up several doors for opportunities!

Always remember to manage your time wisely! This is the ultimate key to everyone’s day-to-day life, especially for dedicating time to study and do homework. Remember to be positive and motivated! Obtaining these two characteristics will help you reach toward your goals and help you have a good mindset. Don’t forget to dream BIG! Never let anyone stop you from chasing your goals and dreams. Anyone is capable of doing great things. You must work hard for what you want!

To conclude, I have some thank you’s I would like to give. Thank you to all of my friends, family, and professors who have given me lots of support and encouragement. I would like to thank you especially my parents, who have been by my side throughout this journey.  Without your support I would not be where I am today. With the support I’ve received, it’s helped me stay motivated to keep on pushing for my goals and achieving them.

I would also like to thank Mrs. Reed on behalf of the S.W.A.G program. If it weren’t for your academic coaching, I wouldn’t have been able to make the Dean’s List, advance in my academics, create good study techniques and be successful in my classes. Thank you so much for your help!

I also want to thank the staff and faculty of ASU. The Department of Kinesiology is filled with faculty and staff who are caring and invested in their student’s academic success. Thank you, Dr. Byars, Dr. Daniel, Dr. Price and Mr. Plott for making my learning experience a great one.  With the instruction I’ve received in the classroom, I was able to retain it easily and it made me love my field of study a lot more!

I would also like to thank the Ram Band for allowing me the opportunity to be the Featured Twirler. This is an experience I will never forget, and I will forever be honored to not only represent the Ram Band, but ASU as well!

I also want to thank the Ram Page staff. It’s been a pleasure getting to work with each of my coworkers. I will never forget the candid moments and stories we have published.  To my boss Mbu Maqungo, thank you for holding it down in the office and for managing a great staff.

Lastly, I would like to thank President Ronnie Hawkins Jr. and the vice presidents for allowing us to be able to attend classes on campus amid the pandemic. I’m very grateful that I was able to complete my final semester on campus rather than at home, along with having an in-person commence ceremony.

I’m sorry if I left anyone out, but if you’ve been a part of my journey the past two and a half years, I greatly appreciate you.

As the Alma Mater states, “In time to come when we shall speak of Angelo state University.”  I will forever be grateful and share the experience I had at ASU. To the Class of 2020, congratulations and let’s see what the future has in store for us. Remember, “from here it’s possible.”