Crossing Borders, Leaving Impact: My Aggie Story

By Ramya Tulasi Dega

Two years ago, Like any other international student packing my life in 3 suitcases, I boarded a flight from India to Texas, carrying with me a handful of dreams to be a changemaker and a fair share of uncertainty. Today, I’m not just an international student, but a proud Aggie who has discovered her purpose in creating meaningful impact through mental health advocacy and social entrepreneurship. I also wish to take the honor of thanking my parents for trusting me and giving me unlimited freedom to fly high without second thoughts on this journey. I love you Amma and Nanna and thank you for being my everything.

My journey at Texas A&M has been transformative in ways I never imagined. When I first arrived in Aggieland, I saw beyond cultural differences and found a community that embraced diversity of thought and experience. From the bustling halls of Mays Business School to the innovative spaces of the classes on campus, each step of this journey has shaped my understanding of what it means to be a leader who serves. From Mcferrin Center bootcamps, receiving experience fund to representing A&M at the business conferences to serving as a judge for the 2024 ideas challenge hosted by Mcferrin Center for Entrepreneurship was all a surreal experience as a graduate student.

One of the most profound realizations during my time here was recognizing the critical need for mental health support among young adults. This insight led me to found Healing Circle USA, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that Texas A&M cultivates. Through this initiative, I've had the privilege of working alongside fellow students, creating safe spaces for conversations about mental wellness, and witnessing firsthand how vulnerability can transform into strength.

The beauty of the Aggie experience lies in its diversity of opportunities. From presenting workshops at student conferences to participating in entrepreneurship boot camps and serving as a judge, each experience has added a unique thread to the tapestry of my graduate journey. This is the Aggie spirit I'll carry forward - turning opportunities into impact, and personal growth into community empowerment.

But perhaps the most valuable lessons came from the connections we forged along the way. To my fellow Aggies who shared late-night study sessions and celebrated our cultural festivals together, thank you for making College Station feel like home. To the faculty who challenged us to think critically and supported our ambitious ideas, your mentorship has been invaluable. And to every Aggie who showed me what the Spirit of Aggieland truly means – thank you for exemplifying the power of community.

As we prepare to turn the page to our next chapter, I want to remind each of you that our greatest strength lies not in the degrees we've earned, but in our ability to use our education to lift others. Whether heading to corporate boardrooms, research laboratories, or starting your own ventures, remember that true success is measured by the lives we touch and the positive change we create. I urge everyone to carry that spirit of collaboration and service with you. The world needs more people willing to roll up their sleeves, listen to one another, and work towards the greater good. So let us go forth as agents of change - entrepreneurs launching innovative startups, policymakers shaping equitable solutions, educators inspiring the next generation, and advocates fighting for a sustainable future.

Remember, our Aggie roots run deep. We are a community bound by shared values of excellence, integrity, and selfless service. No matter where life takes us, we will always have this foundation to draw our inner strength. So let us celebrate this milestone, reflecting on how far we've come and looking ahead to the infinite possibilities that await.

Congratulations, to the Class of 2024! Gig 'em!