Empowering Future Leaders: Jordyn Young’s Internship Experience

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Young smiling with horses she worked with during her time interning at Canon Quarter Horses.

Jordyn Young, a member of the Texas A&M University Class of 2025, began her journey with the Century Scholars Program in the fall of 2022. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Young is working to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree in Animal Science after graduating from Duncanville High School. Her decision to attend Texas A&M was driven by her knowledge of the university’s prestigious Animal Science department, renowned worldwide for its comprehensive programming and diverse research opportunities.

Young with her fellow mentors from Century Scholars Section 508 from the 23-24 school year.

Young’s involvement with the Century Scholars Program has been transformative, and she describes the program as “a home away from home.” Not only did Young make lifelong friends in the program but her experience as a mentor enhanced her communication skills, interpersonal skills, time-management, and overall professionalism. She learned how to facilitate lessons and be a leader that people truly listen to. She enjoys working with her fellow mentors and appreciates how the program has facilitated numerous personal and professional relationships that have connected her to some of the most valuable experiences of her life. Among these experiences was a recent internship at Canon Quarter Horses in Waxahachie, Texas in the summer of 2024, a pivotal moment in her academic and professional journey.

The mother and newborn fowl that Young worked with during her internship.

During her internship at Canon Quarter Horses, Young was responsible for a variety of different tasks that deepened her knowledge of equine care and expanded her skill set. These tasks included retrieving horses from pastures, administering medications, providing general care, and assisting with aqua therapy. She also played a crucial role in supporting the examination of female horses for ovulation and pregnancy as well as preparing them for breeding. All of this hands-on experience was instrumental in developing her horsemanship skills.

Young with “Black Velvet”, a 2019 show mare from Canon Quarter Horses.

Young’s time at Canon Quarter Horses was not only educational but deeply fulfilling on a personal level. She was particularly impressed by how the organization treated their horses with respect: in her words, “they didn’t just sell their horse to anyone, they assured their horses would be taken care of once they left their care.” Those values resonated with Young greatly, and throughout the course of her internship she formed a strong bond with the horses she worked with, particularly a 2019 show mare named “Black Velvet.” She appreciated the opportunity to work with a diverse range of horses from young males to females that were older than her to foals that were just 24 hours old. She views the experience as a crucial steppingstone toward a future career in equine reproduction.

Young’s role as a mentor for Century Scholars has been equally impactful: she credits her time in the program with enhancing her communication skills, which proved vital when interacting with her coworkers and peers at Canon Quarter Horses. The dynamic, fast-paced nature of preparing for and teaching the UGST 181 course to Century Scholars freshmen perfectly mirrored the high-energy environment of her internship, allowing her to adapt quickly and efficiently to new challenges.

Young posing with two of the Texas A&M Yell Leaders

Looking ahead, Young has ambitious goals for her future. She aims to finish strong with the Century Scholars Program by serving as a section leader for the UGST 181 class, where she hopes to further develop her leadership skills and continue supporting first-year Century Scholars. She is also committed to building upon her growing expertise in equine reproduction as she prepares to graduate and transition to the professional world.

Jordyn’s journey with Texas A&M and the Century Scholars Program has been marked by tremendous growth and achievement. Her experiences at Canon Quarter Horses coupled with the support and development provided by Century have laid a solid foundation for her future endeavors in both education and professional practice. She sets a shining example for students in the Learning Communities, and we couldn’t be prouder to have her serving as one of our mentors!

Raya Petry ’24: Texas A&M Century Scholar’s Impactful Journey

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Raya Petry ’24

Raya Petry ‘24, a Century Scholars mentor of three years, recently graduated from Texas A&M University with her bachelor’s degree in accounting this past May. Petry started her studies and her journey with the Century program in the fall of 2020. She was inspired to become a mentor after her freshman year to impact future students just like her mentor had impacted her. Throughout her time in College Station, Petry has been an outstanding representation of a Century Scholar and a loud and proud Aggie.

Petry with her second cohort of mentees during an Aggie Tradition event in December, 2022.

From the beginning of her college career, Petry understood the importance of being active on campus and how it can contribute to your professional goals and quality of life. Taking advantage of every opportunity and networking frequently with those around her paid off: her name was known throughout Texas A&M’s accounting department, and the connections she made opened doors for her that she did not even know existed. For instance, she was handpicked by the accounting department to serve as the president of the Texas A&M chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants, which remains one of her proudest accomplishments. Petry also served as president of a second student organization called The Round Table Talk in addition to being a Century Scholars mentor and section leader.

In the spring of 2024, Petry was one of 20 outstanding Learning Communities students invited to London, England during the spring break for a cultural immersion trip. This trip was her first time traveling outside of the country, and the experience taught her how to properly research new destinations as well as how to embrace and get involved with different cultures. Raya plans to travel the world in the future because of how much she enjoyed her time in London alongside her peers in the GTF and Century Scholars programs. She will always cherish the memories she made thanks to the opportunities she pursued throughout her degree, as she was able to learn a lot about herself and how to operate in multiple environments.

Petry with her fellow Century Scholars mentor, Bayonna Brown ’25, while visiting Windsor Castle in London England in March, 2024.

Because of her exceptional college resume, Petry was offered a contract with Wells Fargo as an Audit Associate. She is looking forward to starting her career there and to becoming a professional accountant. She is also looking forward to coming back to College Station and visiting with Century staff, mentors, and her many mentees.

Petry has the unique perspective of experiencing Century and Texas A&M throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic and in the formative years after. With almost everything from classes to social events being online during Petry’s freshman year, it became very apparent to her how the program was able to evolve and improve following our return to face-to-face instruction. When she became a mentor in the fall of 2021, she noticed that the Century staff members put a huge emphasis on bonding amongst new mentors. They did this to create a strong foundation for the program: they knew that a sense of community among the mentors would translate down to the freshmen mentees and help them adjust to the hectic rhythm of college. Following safety precautions, Century staff had the new mentors bond in person at our Camp Mentor training event by sharing their experiences with COVID-19 and how the pandemic affected their lives. Restoring a sense of normalcy among the mentors was critical in order for them to quickly bond as a group and work together to help future Century Scholars. Because of the work the staff put in to give the mentors the best training experience possible, Petry could “truly see the [mentor] culture that was created before COVID.” With that, the new team of mentors were able to create a home away from home for freshmen for years to come.

Petry (first row, second from the left) posing with her first cohort of freshman and fellow mentors at the class of 2025 orientation in August, 2021.

Petry quickly became an integral part of the Century team after becoming a mentor. In the words of Program Assistant Calissa Garbaccio ‘23, “Raya embodied what a mentor should be. She was reliable and genuinely interested in the well-being of everyone in the program.” Petry not only implemented almost every resource Century promotes in her own academic career, she was willing to share her experience and be real with her mentees about her struggles and victories. That honest nature truly made her mentees and her fellow mentors feel comfortable when working with her.

Petry instructing a teambuilding activity at the class of 2027 orientation in August, 2023.

By Petry’s last year, she could “teach the [Century] classes blindfolded”; she truly knew the program inside and out. As she moves forward into adulthood and her new career, she will use the resources she learned and taught in the classroom to “continue to make goals and manage my time in an efficient way along with taking care of my mental health.” We are confident she has passed this attitude down to all of her mentees and that they are going to follow in the footsteps of her success.

We’re thrilled to see Raya start her journey to be a professional accountant and thrive thanks to the life lessons she learned during her time in the Century program. We hope to see her back in Aggieland soon and we know she will do wonderful things in her future. Thanks and Gig ‘Em, Raya!

Petry showing off her Aggie Ring with a Gig’Em in front of Kyle Field.

Himelda Escuadra ‘23- Reflecting on her College Experience

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Himelda Escuadra ’23 came to Texas A&M University and the Century Scholars Program in August of 2019. She became a Century Mentor in 2021 and has touched the lives of students in the Century program ever since. Escuadra graduated in December 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Science. She is now working full-time for a commercial construction company and making a big impact on them just like she did with us!

Escuadra with her official Texas A&M Construction Science Hard Hat.

Escuadra has been an active Century Scholar since her freshman year. Throughout her time at Texas A&M, she has been a Century mentee, then a mentor to Century freshmen, and finally a Community Leader to Century sophomores in her last semester. Escuadra says that the Century Scholars Program has been “an amazing experience” that allowed her to expand her horizons. “I was able to grow professionally while making an impact on others.” Despite arriving at Texas A&M feeling lonely and out of place, the program allowed her to meet her family away from home. She graduated with the support of her new family of Century Scholars and a strong network of thousands of Aggies who want to see her succeed.

Escuadra also had the opportunity through Century to attend the National Conference of Student Leadership held in Orlando, Florida in October 2023. At the conference, she was able to learn valuable skills that not only enhanced her mentorship but actively contributed to her career goals. Opportunities like this have allowed Himelda to hone her talents and enhance both her professional and personal life.

Escuadra with her freshman mentees during a small community event in fall 2021.

Escuadra has a true passion for helping others, specifically her many mentees that she has nurtured throughout her time with Century. “You could hear the passion in her words when she talked about her mentorship,” says Century Scholars Program Assistant Calissa Garbaccio. “Himelda came up with many ideas that we have implemented into our programs, and she left a lasting impact on Century.” Escuadra hopes to keep that passion strong as she moves into her career. She notes that “even the slightest of help or willingness to listen can make a huge impact on an individual.”

Escuadra with her freshman mentees during a small community event in fall 2021.

Apart from the Century program, Escuadra has also excelled in her chosen career field. She recently started her first post-college job as a Project Engineer with a commercial construction company shortly after graduating in December. She was originally an intern for the company and was offered a full-time position upon graduating. She will be assisting in managing construction projects that include stadiums, hospitals, universities, and other types of facilities. She is excited about her new position and looks forward to seeing these construction projects come to life to create countless opportunities for our society.

Escuadra with her freshman mentees during a small community event in fall 2022.

When reflecting on her time at Texas A&M, Escuadra would tell her freshman self to “be patient, because in the end all of your hard work and dedication will have paid off.” She wants current and future seniors to “take advantage of the opportunities but remember to have fun, make friends, and make great memories so that when you reminisce about your college years you have countless stories to share with others.” She also notes that the opportunities Texas A&M and the Century Scholars Program provide can’t be found anywhere else.

Escuadra with fellow Century Scholars Community Leaders Blanca Macias ’25 and Luz Acevedo ’24, while attending Camp Mentor 2023.

Escuadra left a huge mark on the Century Scholars Program and Texas A&M University thanks to her passion for helping others. Century is thrilled to have her as an alumnus and hear all about the incredible things she will accomplish in the future. Thank you for your many years of mentorship and service, Himelda!

Travis Vandygriff Named Century Scholars UGST 181 Freshman Representative

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Travis Vandygriff ‘27, a Freshman Century Scholar, was recently selected to be Century’s Freshman Representative for the Student Advisory Council for Hullabaloo U. 

Students from Section 508 in Bayonna Brown's Mentee group smiling and showing off their paintings during a small community event.
Vandygriff (located on the far right) and his Mentor group during a small community event hosted by their Mentor Bayonna Brown ’25 (located third from the right).

Vandygriff is an Engineering major from Duncanville, Texas. He decided to attend Texas A&M based on meticulous research, the Engineering Program, and the Century Scholarship. “The Century Program is special because it eases you into college life,” said Vandygriff “it gives you the opportunity to go to this school, and connect with people that are in the same boat as you.”

Vandygriff’s experience in Century Scholars has been awesome thus far. He enjoys hanging out his fellow Century Scholars in section 508 and his mentors. He would like to shout out his mentor, Bayonna Brown ’25, saying “she helps me with the process of getting used to college life and encourages us to do our best in school.”

Vandygriff and a fellow Century Scholar, Juliet George '27, from section 508 posing while performing at a DIY Fashion Show during Century Scholars Freshman Orientation in August. They are both pictured wearing DIY outfits mad from tin foil and random fabric, accessories, and toilet paper.
Vandygriff and a fellow Century Scholar, Juliet George ’27, from section 508 posing while performing at a DIY Fashion Show during Century Scholars Freshman Orientation in August.

The Office of Student Success runs the Student Advisory Council, made up of one representative from each Hullabaloo U section. The purpose of this council is to represent the interests of current and future Hullabaloo students. Lewis Edwards ‘19, Program Coordinator for LAUNCH: Learning Communities and UGST 181 Instructor, explains that “the representatives on this council will be asked for their opinions on topics like course content, goals, learning outcomes, and their overall expectations of the first year experience.”

Vandygriff is excited about this opportunity, he says “ being a Freshman Representative will make me more active in the community, it is for my resume to become a future mentor, and it is a good way to represent the people in my group.” He looks forward to bettering the Hullabaloo courses not only for Century Scholars in UGST 181 but for all Freshman in Hullabaloo U courses. 

Section 508 attending MSC Open House together in August. There are 30 students together in the Flag Room at the MSC in this photo.
Section 508 attending MSC Open House together in August (Vandygriff located in the middle of the back row.)

When Vandygriff is not changing our university for the better he is busy studying his Engineering classes. In his free time he likes to sleep and play video games to relax his mind and prepare for upcoming assignments and tests. 

Congratulations to Travis, we know he will do an amazing job representing Century Freshman on the Student Advisory Council!

Learning Community Mentors at Camp Mentor 2023

Reflecting on Camp Mentor 2023

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Learning, Bonding, and Frozen T-Shirts: Belton, TX Edition

Century, GTF, and FYE program mentors and leaders posing for a group photo.
Century Scholars, Greater Texas Foundation, and First Year Eats Program mentors and leaders posing for a group photo.

Camp Mentor is an annual team building event hosted by LAUNCH: Learning Communities. The student mentors of these communities teach both freshmen and sophomores in our UGST 181 and UGST 001 courses, which aim to help incoming students adjust to college and grow together as academics, professionals, and friends. In attendance at camp were mentors from the Century Scholars Program, the Greater Texas Foundation Program, and the First Year Eats Program. Homero Bazan ’25, a Century Scholars section leader, explains that camp offers “a unique opportunity to not only learn about mentorship but also to bond with fellow mentors and step out of your comfort zone. The chance to connect with others and break out of your shell is something I truly value about this event.” The mentors listened to presentations, played games, and participated in group discussions as part of the process of preparing themselves for the school year.

This year’s camp was held at Summer’s Mill Retreat Center in Belton, TX, about an hour and a half away from Texas A&M University. Upon arrival the mentors ate lunch then headed straight into a day full of learning and making connections. 

Century and GTF Mentors listening to presentation about setting boundaries.
Century and GTF Mentors listening to presentation about setting boundaries.

Learning Communities staff members presented trainings on various topics at camp, including setting boundaries, facilitation, and event planning. Each of these trainings had interactive portions where mentors had the opportunity to brainstorm, discuss, and reflect on their experiences with their fellow students. Jose Aguirre ’25, a Century Scholars Community Leader, especially enjoyed the event planning presentation, saying, “I feel as if one of the most fun aspects of Century is its social events, and being aware of the risks and reward of each event is crucial to having a successful year as a mentor.” The mentors learned beyond these presentations as well: “I learned different types of icebreakers and activities that I will be utilizing in the classroom to make activities more engaging for the mentees,” said Himelda Escuadra ’23, a Century Scholars Community Leader. “The different activities will not only make class more engaging, but will allow mentees to get to know each other.” Escuadra is very excited for the fall semester and ready to meet her new mentees at the Century Scholars Second Year Kickoff on August 24th.

FYE Mentors posing with all of their cooking supplies.
FYE Mentors posing with their cooking supplies.
Trail mix and fruit pizza prepared by First Year Eats Mentors.
Trail mix and fruit pizza prepared by First Year Eats Mentors.

First Year Eats is a program for freshmen in LAUNCH: Learning Communities. Each week, First Year Eats members can receive free meals and recipes and learn how to cook in crock pots. At Camp Mentor, the First Year Eats mentor team practiced and perfected recipes for the upcoming year while also getting to know mentors from other programs. Zailey Flannery ‘26, a First Year Eats mentor, enjoyed “getting to meet all the mentors and trying out some of the new recipes for this coming year” and feels “ready and excited” to start serving as a mentor. First Year Eats allowed their fellow Learning Communities mentors to test out some of their new recipes at camp, including fruit pizza, trail mix, and meatball & cheese crescent bombs.

Mentors discussing setting boundaries with their mentees.
Mentors having a discussion about setting boundaries.

The mentors also had time to meet with their assigned section groups to get to know each other and plan their UGST 181 classes for the semester. Daniela Villarreal ’25, a Century Scholars mentor, said, “my favorite part of Camp Mentor 2023 was establishing deeper personal connections with my fellow mentors. It was the perfect opportunity to create unity that we can use to navigate through the school year and Century class.” Each section talked together about the kinds of mentors they want to be and how their group dynamics will function.

Blue Team #2 balancing their golf ball during the Bull-Ring Challenge.

The mentors ended their last day of camp with a team building experience consisting of an icebreaker, obstacle course, and a challenge of breaking open a frozen solid t-shirt. During the icebreaker, mentors learned what they had in common with each other, including the fact that the overwhelming majority of the group was right-handed. The obstacle course was a series of team building physical exercises that ended with a Bull-Ring Challenge where teams had to balance a golf ball on a ring connected to individual pieces of string. Next, they had to use the string to walk the golf ball across a field and place it on a golf tee. They were then surprised to learn they had to do the entire course again, but this time with half of their team blindfolded. 

Andrew Delgado ’26 breaking open a frozen shirt during the team building course.

The last part of the team building experience was the frozen shirt challenge. Each of the 10 teams competing were given a crumpled-up, frozen solid T-shirt and tasked with “thawing” it by any means necessary; the first team to have a member successfully put on the shirt would win. Andrew Delgado ‘26, a Century Scholars mentor, continually threw his team’s shirt into the ground to lead them to victory. Some mentors got creative: “Green Team #2 put it in the microwave”, says Luz Acevedo ‘23, a Century Scholars Community Leader, “thinking it would melt, but it didn’t work. We put it in the bathtub with hot water, but that did not work either. We saw how Andrew was doing it, through brute force, that was how to win the challenge.”

Section 511 (De Anda pictured 3rd form the left) posing for their section photos
Section 511 (De Anda pictured 3rd form the left) posing for their section photo.

This year’s Camp Mentor was a huge success. The topics our mentors learned and discussed at camp will contribute to our LAUNCH: Learning Communities programs for years to come. Alani De Anda ‘25, a Century Scholars mentor, summed up her camp experience: “It allowed me to meet new people and create some pretty unforgettable memories which I hope to implement with my mentees and class as a whole!” We are already looking forward to hosting next year’s camp and training a new group of mentors!

Learning Community mentors smiling on the bus ride to Camp Mentor.

To see more about Camp Mentor 2023 check out our Instagram @tamulaunchlc.

Outstanding Junior Demonta Coleman ’20

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Demonta Coleman, junior biomedical sciences major, was announced as the 2019 Texas A&M University Outstanding Junior and was presented with a $1,000 scholarship and a plaque at the Phi Kappa Phi 2019 Induction Ceremony.

Demonta Coleman ’20 is a College Reading and Learning Association Advanced Certified mentor for FOCUS Learning Community, participated in FOCUS as a freshman, and represented the LAUNCH Learning Communities on a March Alternative Spring Break trip.

Congratulations Demonta!

To learn more about this award and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society please see https://tamupkp.wordpress.com/2019/05/15/2019-induction-ceremony-tamu-outstanding-junior-announced/.

Demonta Coleman ’20, 2019 TAMU Outstanding Junior (center), with Dr. Elizabeth Crouch (left) and Dr. Stephanie Graves (right). Photo courtesy of the Texas A&M University Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi.

Biomedical Sciences | FOCUS | Peer Mentors

Karen Ivy ’02 ’04 – Build Your Experiences

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Young woman head and shoulders only with long hair
Karen Ivy staff photo.

In celebration of the contributions made to undergraduate student success by graduate assistants working with our learning communities, we will be visiting with former graduate assistants to find out more about their experiences during their assistantships and where they have gone in their careers since. So, where are they now?

Now the Director for Career Services at Texas A&M University San Antonio, Karen Ivy ’02 ‘04 worked as a graduate assistant with the Aggie Access Learning Communities, the precursor for FOCUS Learning Community, while completing her Masters of Science degree in Educational Psychology in Texas A&M University’s College of Education and Human Development.

What was it like to begin your graduate assistantship with Aggie Access? It was my first graduate assistantship. I was VERY excited! The doctoral program I was entering in was very demanding, and I was a part of the very first cohort that allowed bachelor level students pursue their doctorates directly. I think much of the program was still being tweaked to manage us, and I found my assistantship a place that was structured and settled. It was a safe haven and a confidence builder. I loved working directly with the students, and I enjoyed provided assistance to these communities that allowed for students to find a “home” and a “family” at A&M. This is my alma mater, and it is so special to us that have gone here as undergraduates. I loved that this office was so dedicated to ensuring everyone had a warm welcome and learning experience upon beginning school. The people who worked in Aggie Access were wonderful mentors, and many times, they had me laughing through our hard work together.

Three young women in blue button-down collar shirts greeting visitors
Student Development Specialist Synne-Claire Jones, Graduate Assistant Karen Ivy, and Academic Advisor Katy Everett at the New Student Conference Aggie Access Luncheon in 2005. File Photo.

Why did you want to work with the learning communities? I loved helping others, particularly students in this great thing: college. It was such a sweet chapter for me. I loved the idea of investing in someone’s experience to make sure they felt the same at this pivotal time of life! And this has not changed. I still am finding that this is my fuel for my professional successes.

How did your graduate assistantship help you with your graduate work or later career? It – along with other work – established my ability to work in a higher education environment.

What did you most enjoy about your graduate assistantship? The relationships with students and an opportunity to grow!

Young woman presents information to a group of college students with a young male supervisor to the side
Karen Ivy assists her supervisor Program Coordinator Arthur Watson with preparing student travelers for their field trip to Italy in spring 2005. file photo.

What lessons or skills did you learn? Several technology skills with Excel and how to be comfortable in my own skin when presenting.

Where has your degree taken you? I’m the Director of Career Services at Texas A&M University – San Antonio! Love this! I was previously Associate Director, Assistant Director, and Career Advisor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. It’s been 14 years in the field of career development, and I absolutely love it.

What advice would you give to a current learning communities graduate assistant? Be open to learning and growing. Step out of your shell. Take initiative to do what is not natural, because you may find that you grow into it. And you may even love it!

What “pearls of wisdom” would you offer to undergraduates considering graduate study? Know what you want out of graduate school. Too many students go to fill time, and I talk to employers every day that say that graduate study is wonderful if you know why you are going and where you want it to take you. Know this and don’t let your degrees carry you along. Get to know people in your field. Build your experiences. Applied learning and networking are so crucial, and the value of your degree is a wonderful platform for great opportunities to do both.

LAUNCH: Learning Communities ·Texas A&M University · Educational Psychology ·College of Education and Human Development · Texas A&M University – San Antonio · Aggie Access Learning Communities

Lessons From Abroad

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Four young women stand with gig-em thumbs up in front of a college building
Greater Texas Foundation Aggie Scholars Kyra Sanders, Robyn Ramirez, Alexis Kennett and Savannah Chavez represented Texas A&M at Lessons From Abroad. Photo by Bonnie Davila.

Lessons From Abroad is a student-oriented conference for undergraduates who have recently been on a study abroad experience. The conference addresses how to translate the student’s experience socially, academically and professionally so that it can be applied in a practical way. In addition to connecting student travelers with other study abroad alumni, professionals and organizations, the Lessons From Abroad event introduces professional opportunities that have international objectives.

It was an incredibly enriching opportunity to reflect on my study abroad experience with my peers and educators. It was great to hear about all the opportunities to pursue more experiences abroad both during and after my time at Texas A&M University. I’ve learned a lot and I know the lessons I’m taking away from this conference will benefit me the next time I travel.

Robyn Ramirez ’21
Political Science, GTF Aggie Scholar
College of Liberal Arts
Four young women seated in a row in a lecture hall
The Greater Texas Foundation Aggie Scholars at Lessons From Abroad at St. Edward’s University. Photo by Bonnie Davila.

Lessons From Abroad occurred in Austin at St. Edward’s University on Saturday February 2 and LAUNCH: Learning Communities sent four Greater Texas Foundation Aggie Scholars Kyra Sanders ’21, Robyn Ramirez ’21, Alexis Kennett ’21 and Savannah Chavez ’21 to represent our programs and the campus and to gain as much as possible to further their own international aspirations in their career or academic paths.

Attending The Lessons From Abroad Conference in Austin Texas this weekend taught me how to market my study abroad experience in a way that would appeal to employers. The conference also allowed me the opportunity to network with others that have had a study abroad experience and learn from their foreign encounters.

Savannah Chavez ’21
Accounting, GTF Aggie Scholar
Mays Business School

Greater Texas Foundation Aggie Scholars · LAUNCH: Learning Communities · Study Abroad Programs Office · Greater Texas Foundation ·
Texas A&M University · College of Liberal Arts · Mays Business School

Arynn Auzout Settle ’13 ’19 – Relationships are very important

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In celebration of the contributions made to undergraduate student success by graduate assistants working with our learning communities, we will be visiting with former graduate assistants to find out more about their experiences during their assistantships and where they have gone in their careers since. So, where are they now?

Young woman smiling in front of shrubbery
Arynn Auzout Settle ’13 ’19 at the beginning of her graduate assistantship with Aggie Access Learning Communities outside Hotard Hall on the TAMU campus. File photo.

Arynn Auzout Settle ’13 ‘19

A former graduate assistant with Aggie Access Learning Communities and FOCUS Learning Community, Arynn Auzout Settle ’13 ’19 currently works as a Partnership Relations Coordinator for the California Community Colleges Transfer Guarantee Agreement to HBCUs in Los Angeles. She serves as a resource to students transferring from the community colleges to Historically-Black Colleges and Universities. Auzout Settle will complete her doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Texas A&M University this year.  

3 young ladies smile at a dinner table
Graduate Assistants Arynn Auzout, Erika Green and Taylor Kamin at a learning community etiquette dinner. File photo.

What “pearls of wisdom” would you offer to undergraduates considering graduate study? Be thoughtful and strategic as you consider and plan to pursue graduate study. Make sure the program fits your career goals, and utilize all of the resources available to you. Also, if you haven’t learned this yet, relationships are very important; be mindful of how you treat/interact with others, and remember to nurture your relationships. Relationships (professional, personal, etc.) are underrated, yet extremely priceless!

Why did you want to work with the learning communities? I was initially able to secure a job on-campus when I started grad school, but not an assistantship. A friend in my grad program told me about her assistantship which sounded very interesting and like a potential great fit. I loved Aggie Access/FOCUS’s purpose and mission – working with first generation college students to help ease their college transition and hopefully equip them with the tools that they need for success in college and beyond.

Graduate Assistants Norma Erosa and Arynn Auzout at a staff social in 2010. File photo.

What was it like to begin your graduate assistantship with Aggie Access? I was excited and nervous when I first began in 2010. I expectantly hoped to help the students in my learning community and beyond, and collaborate with fellow GAs and program staff. [Note: Aggie Access became FOCUS while Auzout Settle was a graduate assistant with the learning communities.] I was surprised at how bittersweet it was to leave FOCUS when I left for my program internship in California. I truly valued my time and experience with FOCUS, the relationships I built, the impact I was able to make and witnessing the growth of students. FOCUS was very much a mutually beneficial experience. I was able to connect with and assist the students I worked with, but also felt a sense of fulfillment and value at a time when the transitions of graduate school and my program were very challenging.

What did you most enjoy about your graduate assistantship? I’ll try to keep it brief, I most enjoyed working with the students, witnessing their growth/development, and the relationships I built with students and staff. P.S. [Serving as a chaperone on the trip to] London was also AMAZING – for me 🙂 and such a cool opportunity for students to not only experience life outside of Texas, but outside of the country!

Graduate Assistants Isaac Saldivar and Arynn Auzout manning the tables at a FOCUS freshman workshop at the Brazos Expo Center in 2011. File photo.

How did your graduate assistantship help you with your graduate work or later career? Working on a degree in Counseling Psychology and having practicums in university counseling centers both informed my work for my grad work, as well as my grad work influenced my work with Aggie Access/FOCUS. Learning about the different developmental stages and the various aspects of identity and culture/multiculturalism helped me understand some of the unique characteristics and experiences that FOCUS students might experience. I was able to have great one-on-one meetings with students, given my therapy experience. I often shared and utilized the many resources I learned of via my grad work and my assistantship. Aggie Access/FOCUS sparked and confirmed my interest in working with first generation college students. It is something that I, even now, draw on as I work with community college students (primarily first generation college students) as they transfer to HBCUs.

What advice would you give to a current learning communities graduate assistant? Be patient, listen to your students and celebrate the victories.

What lessons or skills did you learn? Event planning, budgeting, supervisory skills, workshop facilitation/presentation skills, conflict resolution, curriculum development, collaborative/cohesive teamwork – all VERY transferable skills!

Arynn Auzout Settle peeks out from behind a bunch of Aggie Access mentors at the end of year Spring Fling . File photo.

What did you most enjoy about your graduate assistantship? The amazing relationships that were created with my students and community leaders. Seeing them graduate, receive their Aggie Rings, finish each semester, etc. is so rewarding because I still keep in contact with them and encourage them along the way.

Where has your degree taken you? I am happy to be back in Los Angeles for the last few years. I am currently working with community college students as they transfer to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). More than half of the students that I work with are first generation college students. I assist them through the transfer process as well as serve as a resource while they complete their degree at the HBCU. In addition to working with the transfer students, I work with our 37 HBCU partner institutions, building and maintaining relationships with key administrators, staff and faculty. I still LOVE working with students and assisting them through their college/career transitions, and I believe Aggie Access/FOCUS played a huge role in that.

LAUNCH: Learning Communities·FOCUS Learning Community·Texas A&M University· Counseling Psychology in Educational Psychology  · College of Education and Human Development · California Community Colleges

Dr. Tracie Lowe ’10 – I will always carry their stories with me

Posted on by tamullc

In celebration of the contributions made to undergraduate student success by graduate assistants working with our learning communities, we will be visiting with former graduate assistants to find out more about their experiences during their assistantships and where they have gone in their careers since. So, where are they now?

Woman smiling on a college campus
Dr. Tracie Lowe ’10. Photo provided by Dr. Lowe.

Tracie Lowe ‘10

After completing her Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education master’s degree at Texas A&M University, Former Aggie Access Learning Communities Graduate Assistant Tracie Lowe ‘10 worked professionally with graduate students as a a Program Coordinator in TAMU Student Life and at The Suder Foundation with first-generation student programs. Lowe completed her doctorate at the University of Texas in Educational Leadership and Policy. Lowe currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis at the University of Texas. Her research at IUPRA deals with the experiences of Black women graduate students.

Young women arm-in-arm in an office
Aggie Access Graduate Assistants Jill Camper and Tracie Lowe in the Hotard Hall GANT office. File photo.

What “pearls of wisdom” would you offer to undergraduates considering graduate study? Graduate school is a time of self-discovery. You will have the opportunity to engage in a range of new experiences. Do not be afraid to try things that may seem beyond your comfort level. Always ask for help when needed. Also, find several mentors who can assist you in your personal and professional goals.

Group photo of college students in yellow t-shirts
Gaines Community was Tracie Lowe’s assignment in Aggie Access. Here they are at their community retreat in the beginning of their freshman year (Lowe is on the front row right). File photo.

Why did you want to work with the learning communities? Learning communities provided a holistic experience for students which I think is critical to student development. The success of students requires support in areas not just inside the classroom, but also in the co-curricular parts of their lives. Aggie Access was a living-learning community that helped students accomplish their goals for their first year and also provided a necessary foundation for their journey to graduation.

Group of young adults painting ceramics at a table
Lowe (second from right) painting pottery with Gaines Mentors at U-Paint-It in College Station. File photo.

What was it like to begin your graduate assistantship with Aggie Access? I was very excited to work with the LC. As a person who was very involved with student organizations in undergrad, obtaining a degree in the field of student affairs seemed like a perfect alignment with some of my core values. The opportunity to teach first-year first-generation students was, at first, intimidating. However, with the help of my supervisor, Jenny Tuttle, and the rest of the program coordinators, I was able to overcome my fears. The students taught me new lessons every day, and I still use the skills I learned in advising them to this day. It was truly an enjoyable experience for me.

What advice would you give to a current learning communities graduate assistant? During your time as a graduate assistant, take every opportunity to learn from your peers and the LC staff. Together they have decades of experience in the field of student affairs and can offer valuable advice for your graduate studies and your future professional career.

Man and woman talking at a table
Graduate Assistants Patrick Lillard and Tracie Lowe during a training session. File photo.

How did your graduate assistantship help you with your graduate work or later career? I continued in the field of student affairs at TAMU. My first professional role after graduate school was as the advisor to the Graduate and Professional Student Council. Although I worked with a different population of students, the advising skills I learned with Aggie Access were still relevant. While completing my doctorate program, I served as a teaching assistant (TA) in two graduate level courses. Having prior experience in teaching gave me the confidence I needed to succeed in the TA position also.

What did you most enjoy about your graduate assistantship? I most enjoyed working with a great team of peer mentors, fellow graduate assistants, and professional staff, as well as making a big difference in the college experience of our students by providing them with resources and tailored support.

2 women in an ice skating rink
At Aggie Access On Ice event, Tracie Lowe skates with fellow Graduate Assistant Norma Erosa. File photo.

What lessons or skills did you learn? I learned most about college student development. I also learned about what it meant to serve a truly diverse population of students.

Where has your degree taken you? Since graduating from TAMU, I have worked in the field of student affairs for over eight years. I have also completed a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Texas at Austin.

What did you most enjoy about your graduate assistantship? I most enjoyed the student interactions. I will always carry their stories with me as a reminder of the challenges college students face, but also [of] their resilience and ability to overcome.

LAUNCH: Learning Communities·Texas A&M University ·  Master of Science in Educational Administration, Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education emphasis (SAAHE) ·College of Education and Human Development· Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis