Did you hear of Grad Camp prior to coming to Texas A&M? Did you hear about Grad Camp during your time at Texas A&M? If you answered “yes” to either of those questions, then the program has succeeded at bringing awareness of this opportunity. If you answered “no”, this blog post is to describe this incredible program open to all graduate and professional students attending A&M.
 
Grad Camp was founded in 2009 and lies within the Graduate and Professional Student Council. Its focus is to encompass each of the Aggie Core Values (Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect and Selfless Service); while at the same time providing insight on many of the famous Texas A&M traditions, culture and opportunities for new graduate students to learn. Featured speakers are a range of diverse, prominent researchers, faculty, staff and coaches. In addition, allowing incoming graduate students to grasp many traditions history, a unique opportunity. As much as this great experience is filled with learning about A&M and the rich traditions, this program has ignited friendships and professional connections that will last a lifetime.

I was so fortunate to have heard of Grad Camp as an incoming doctoral student. Having a father who went to A&M (Class of ’86), I knew there were so many traditions and I felt overwhelmed with what “I should know” as a student. Thankfully Grad Camp was there to fill that slot. My first few days in College Station I was surrounded by fellow Aggies in my same shoes, starting a PhD at this remarkable university. As the camp went on I not only learned about A&M and student culture, I also met some of my best friends who are current and now former students.


Photo credit: Stephanie Duck

I truly had an incredible experience and thus I have continued to stay involved as a counselor for the past 3 years. I believe this opportunity is unique for graduate students, as we are an atypical population to be at A&M; we all have been to four year universities, been involved on past campuses and likely attended and cheered on our college athletic events. You can still love your alumni and cheer for them; however, if you haven’t grasped it yet, Texas A&M University is an extraordinary school that has so much history, it is unlike any other.

As your lab and department accept future graduate students, tell them about this one-of-a-kind opportunity to be immersed into Texas A&M University right from the start.

Check it out: http://gradcamp.tamu.edu/about-grad-camp/

Thanks and Gig’em,

Kristen Hicks MS, RD, LD, PhD Candidate | Nutrition and Food science

Kristen Hicks is a PhD Candidate and Registered Dietitian in BCS who aspires to improve the health of all Americans.