My reflection of Bonfire Memorial

By Ayushri Jain

The vibe at the Bonfire Memorial is different. It was like this hush of respect just wrapped around everyone there. You could feel the weight of the moment, like it meant something big to each person standing there. And for me, as a grad student from another country, it was like a crash course in the university’s history and the strength of its people. People were sharing memories in these quiet talks. Stories passed around, each one heavy with the sadness of what had happened here before. But what hit me the most was how we all felt connected, like we shared this loss and respect for the folks who shaped this place. It was not about knowing them personally. It was about honoring their part in the university’s story, remembering something bigger than ourselves. Every name spoken aloud felt like a sincere nod to these people who were so much more than names on a memorial. Seeing all of this unfold from my perspective as an international student, it was like a sneak peek into the soul of the university. It painted this vivid picture of its culture and the importance of its traditions. Watching the community come together, supporting each other through tough times, made me feel a deeper bond with this whole scene. Leaving the memorial, I couldn’t shake this deep appreciation for the unity among the Aggie Family. It hit me that memorials and traditions are not just about what you see. It is about the emotions, the connections, and this strong spirit that ties a community together, no matter where they are from or what they are about. This experience totally changed how I see university life. It’s not just classes and tests. It is diving into this shared pool of feelings, beliefs, and experiences that weave all kinds of people into one close-knit community.