I just began my journey as a distance learner here at Texas A&M.  I wasn’t sure how I would balance my classroom, family, and going back to school. I tossed the idea of going back to school for the past four years. I only wanted to go to Texas A&M, but I was too nervous to apply, and I always seemed to find a way to talk myself out of it. Last summer while binge watching Games of Thrones I decided “now is the time”, to take a risk and just apply. So, I called my friend and said, “I am going to apply for graduate school through Texas A&M’s distancing learning program. Do you think I have a good chance?” She said, “Absolutely! I will apply with you and we can do it together.” The following the day we applied for financial aid and the program. I was hopeful and nervous about getting accepted. As I waited for a response regarding my acceptance, I began to second guess my decision.  I am fortunate I have a strong and supportive husband and family to encourage me and not let my worries get the best of me. My friend and I received our acceptance letter on the same day, and I was over the moon excited to be accepted. 

Since I chose to stay at home for my undergraduate course work, I told my friend I want to experience and embrace as much of the Aggie Spirit as I possibly can.  My friend is part of the Aggie class of ’01 and she has always told me being an Aggie is like being part of a big family. I had my doubts until we went to the orientation for the distance program. We walked in, were greeted by name and nicknamed the M.Ed twins.  When Dr. Miranda welcomed us and began to speak about how we were selected and that our ability to write was an influential factor in the selection process. As he went on to speak, he explained how everyone in the room had read our essays and pointed out various experiences he had read in our essays and to my surprise one he shared was my experience. My jaw dropped, because I could not believe they took the time to read the essays I submitted. On the way back home, I shared with my friend how I just couldn’t believe how they knew us by name, that I didn’t feel like a number, and it felt like a family. I am very proud to finally become part of the Texas A&M family and in just a short five months I can honestly say, “I bleed maroon!”

---Dorian Massey
Dorian Massey is a Masters student in the College of Education & Human Development