Malaysian Aggie
By Ain Lockman Whenever I tell people that i go to Texas A&M University, it is uncommon that I receive puzzled stares especially from non-Americans, Some would wonder why I would place myself in what is the stereotypical view of Texas (that being desserts with scattered cactuses and cowboys riding across the sunset). I am sure you, the reader, would think of Texas the same way too. Some of you might even ask yourself, 'What kind of school could it possibly be in the middle of the dessert?". Before I came to Texas, I too conjured up an image of the Wild WildWest. Most of my friends are in universities in cities like London, Hawaii andLos Angeles. I know Texas and College Station (where Texas A&M is located)is not glamorous compared to its star-studded cousins, but I wouldn’t have itany other way. At this point, I could mention substantially about the schoolitself – how highly it is accredited and what not. However, I assume you wouldhave figured how good the school and town is by now… or else, you wouldn’t bereading this portion of the website :) I have been an Aggie for almost a year as I am writing this. I havebeen to numerous schools before and in my honest opinion, Texas A&M is thebest. I did not regret spending hours on my application and proof-reading myapplication essay an infinite number of times to get into this school. If astudent’s life could go on forever, mine would. If I could pick 3 things I likeabout Texas A&M and College Station it would be: 1) Its accreditation (See“Why A&M?” or www.tamu.edu for more information), 2) Its convenience, and3) The people. College Station is one of the most convenient towns I have been to.Everything is within 10-15 minutes driving at most. In fact, even without acar, one can still survive as most Aggies take the bus, walk or cycle their wayaround. I have to give points for the reduced expenditure on fuel and theincrease in exercise without much effort!The best word to describe the people in A&M = Friendly! Unlikeother places, it’s not awkward to smile at a stranger, say “Howdy” (a TexasA&M greeting) or even strike a random conversation at Starbucks. Thiscreates a warm and welcoming atmosphere (As all Malaysians should feel outsidetheir home country). A&M’s friendliness is evident in the people who directyou when you are lost or even just asking how you are adjusting to collegelife.
Last but not least, I have to mention about the Malaysian Students’Association (MSA) in this school as well. I’m happy to say that we get alongpretty well and enjoy each other’s company outside school life. I’m fortunateto have people who remind me of home and making me feel close to it even thoughMalaysia is 20 hours away by flight (plus transits). Even though our schoollives are hectic, it’s nice to get away and laugh about it. Even though ourcooking skills, like all young people, will never be good as our parents’, it’snice to have familiar Malaysian tastes sometimes. I don’t know what I would dowithout the MASA. I’d probably be studying on Friday nights and forget what Malaysianfood and company feels like completely. I hope, you, would consider applying to Texas A&M University. The Malaysian Student Association here at A&M would look forward to seeing you as an Aggie sometime soon.
