What Texas A&M Meant to Me

As graduates prepare to leave Aggieland, these five Texas A&M Foundation Maroon Coats reflect on their Aggie journey and look to take what they learned on campus to make a positive influence in their future roles. Read on to see how these seniors will become part of the countless Aggie graduates achieving great things in various industries.

Name: Ellie Tuchaai ’20  
Major: Nutrition
Hometown: Houston, Texas

What was your most rewarding experience during your time at Texas A&M?

I was fortunate to receive an enhanced academic experience due to generous scholarships within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences that exposed me to research, particularly research focused on the importance of preventative medicine. Now, more than ever, medical research is at the forefront in the prevention against bio-related disasters. These measures are imperative in alleviating the strain on our medical infrastructure so that the health care industry is well equipped to rise to future challenges without compromising the health, safety or delivery of quality care.

How did you embody the Aggie Spirit?

Sharing the Aggie Spirit with those who aren’t familiar with Texas A&M or have yet to experience Aggieland is how I hope to have contributed—whether that was through sharing my experiences with an incoming freshman during a Maroon Coat tour or reflecting our core values in my actions. Although there’s a spirit that can ne’er be told, I am certain there’s a spirit that can always be shown, and that is the responsibility of every Aggie.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am moving to Houston to begin school at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and am excited to learn from all that can be offered in the Texas Medical Center! 
 

Name: Micah Tardy ’20
Major: Economics
Hometown: Keller, Texas

What was your most rewarding experience during your time at Texas A&M?

My Aggie journey would not be the same if not for my involvement as a Ross Volunteer, the company in the Corps of Cadets that performs the 21-gun salutes at Silver Taps ceremonies and the annual campus Muster. As a Ross Volunteer, we select new members to the company from the junior class at the beginning of each fall semester. Getting the privilege of addressing the new group of Ross Volunteers at the base of Lawrence Sullivan Ross’s statue in the middle of Academic Plaza was an unforgettable experience. That moment was the beginning of my interactions with some incredible and inspirational people who each love this university in such a unique way. They have been such poignant role models to me in the way they consistently live out the Aggie core values, and it has been such a blessing to be a presence in their lives.

How did you embody the Aggie Spirit?

I felt the Aggie Spirit grow every time I was given the opportunity to help a prospective student see the side of Texas A&M that I’ve been privileged to see. In moments where I was able to share my Aggie story, I felt a sense of pride and purpose. I think these tangible moments of passing on the Aggie torch are one of the most rewarding ways I contributed to the Aggie Spirit.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be attending the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law studying to practice in mergers and acquisitions. I will also serve in the Army National Guard.
 

Name: Oluwademilade “Demi” Oyeniyi ’19
Major: Chemical Engineering, Business Minor
Hometown: Austin, Texas

What was your most rewarding experience during your time at Texas A&M?

Among the many remarkable experiences I have had as an Aggie, none compare to watching President George H.W. Bush’s funeral train make its stop in Aggieland. It was an honor to witness the Texas A&M community unify to celebrate a man who means so much to the nation and university. I witnessed what makes Texas A&M unique and what makes the Aggie Spirit so strong.

How did you embody the Aggie Spirit?

During my time at Texas A&M, I have had the privilege of serving in organizations like Maroon Coats, the MSC Abbott Family Leadership Conference, Titans of Investing, Muster and local nonprofit organizations. These student organizations have given me the tangible outlet to protect our core values and foster them on our campus. From my first ‘howdy’ to my final ‘here’—and everything in between—serving Texas A&M has and will always be at the forefront of my desire to display the Aggie Spirit.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am going to work for PepsiCo in Houston. I am excited for the next chapter of my life and the opportunity to contribute to a company that serves its customers and employees fervently.
 

Name: Sierra Laures ’20
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Plano, Texas

What was your most rewarding experience during your time at Texas A&M?

My most rewarding experience has been serving as a Maroon Coat. Supporting the Texas A&M Foundation by thanking generous donors and sharing my passion as an Aggie with prospective students has been one of my greatest honors. Serving as a Maroon Coat has provided me opportunities to share the deep, personal gratitude I have toward generous donors like the ones who invested in me and my future.

How did you embody the Aggie Spirit?

Selfless service is at the forefront of Texas A&M’s core values. It is important to me to be servant-hearted and others-oriented. I have contributed to the Aggie Spirit through giving of my time, energy, skills and heart to organizations in which the main purpose is to serve others. I have done this through serving as an IMPACT counselor, a Texas A&M Foundation Maroon Coat, a Bible study leader in my sorority, a Breakaway volunteer and more. I will carry these transformative experiences with me in the seasons to come and will never stop contributing to the Aggie Spirit.

What are your plans after graduation?

I was accepted to The World Race, which is an 11-month mission trip in 11 different countries. I will serve the people of Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia. While living in each country for one month, my team and I will be involved in transformative projects for local churches and communities. I am eager to take this next year to serve in sustainable missions before beginning my corporate career in sales.