My first halloween!

By Ayushri Jain 

As a student from India, my journey to Texas A&M University in College Station has been a whirlwind of new experiences and cultural discoveries. Among the many things that intrigued me during my time here, Halloween and the local ghostly legends are what I’m eagerly looking forward to as Halloween is today. The festive atmosphere, the pumpkin patches, and the eerie decorations that adorn houses, stores, and even the Texas A&M campus are hard to miss. It’s impossible not to be intrigued by the holiday that embraces the supernatural and the spooky. As someone experiencing Halloween for the first time, I am eager to immerse myself in the excitement of this unique American celebration.

One of the most exciting aspects of Halloween is the creativity that goes into costume preparation. The opportunity to dress up in a fun and spooky costume is a unique experience. The idea of carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns and participating in the timeless tradition is both enjoyable and a great way to bond with friends. I can’t help but feel the sense of camaraderie and the thrill of the unknown that Halloween brings with it. Walking from door to door, asking for candy, and sharing treats with neighbors and friends are heartwarming experiences that are enriching my understanding of American culture. Beyond Halloween, the Bryan-College Station area boasts its own share of ghostly legends, adding an extra layer of intrigue to my experiences here.

The AI Engineering Building at Texas A&M

On November 14, 1959, a tragic event unfolded in the AI Engineering Building. Roy Simms, a meat locker room foreman, lost his life in the building’s basement. The legend tells of Simms’ fatal mistake of not wearing a butcher’s apron, which led to a gruesome accident. Since that night, reports of blood-curdling screams and ghostly elevator rides have continued to circulate. While some remain skeptical, the legend persists, making the AI Engineering Building a place where the boundary between the living and the supernatural blurs.

The LaSalle Hotel in Bryan

Downtown Bryan’s LaSalle Hotel has a history intertwined with eerie happenings. Once a nursing home from 1959 to 1975, it witnessed patients come and go, some departing through the exit, while others passed away within its walls. Although the hotel was restored in 2000, stories of strange occurrences persist. Reports of lights flickering, knocks on windows, and unexplained incidents during the night continue to keep the spirits alive. It is said that the energy of those who once occupied the LaSalle Hotel lingers, raising questions about the persistence of souls and their connection to our world.

My first Halloween experience in the United States, particularly in College Station, is providing me with a unique cultural immersion. From embracing the traditions of the holiday to carving pumpkins and exploring haunted houses, Halloween is becoming a bridge connecting me to the vibrant customs of my new home. The ghostly tales remind us that every place has its history, and some spirits may choose to remain connected to our world. Whether celebrating Halloween or exploring ghostly legends, the Bryan-College Station area offers a mix of wonder, curiosity, and thrilling experiences, making it an unforgettable part of my journey in the United States.