I was told that when I visited the college that was right for me, I would know. I kept thinking they were insane, but my mother insisted that I visit every college I was considering. I had a hunch that I’d wind up at Tarleton, and as soon as we stepped onto campus for my tour, I knew it was the place for me. I had no idea that my time at Tarleton would hold so many surprises for me.
I knew I had to be a name, not a number, coming from a small community and graduating high school with 47 people. I knew I wanted to pursue a degree in agriculture, but I didn’t know exactly which one. I knew I’d be 300 miles away from my parents no matter where I went to school, so I had to decide what was best for me. I was looking for a school that felt like home and a community that was comparable to mine. After only a few months at Tarleton and living in Stephenville, I realized that this town and school was becoming my home.
I had no idea what to expect when I started at Tarleton in 2017. I told myself that I could join one organization but that I needed to concentrate on my studies. By 2018, I had joined nine different clubs and became a member of Student Government Association (SGA). I’d met some of the most amazing people, had some of the most incredible mentors, traveled with my college, and had even traveled on a study abroad trip to Prague. I had the notion of running for Student Body President in my brain, and my peers and family were encouraging me to do so. In 2019, I found myself campaigning for Student Body President and eventually being elected to serve the university’s greatest students. I had no idea what was in store for me!
My name is Tyler Schuster, and I am now a proud alumni of Tarleton State University and past Student Body President. During my time as Student Body President, we welcomed a new university president, celebrated four grand openings, and transitioned to a division I institution. I got to meet some of the most fantastic students, fight for student issues, interact with administration, and, most importantly, I strived to leave an impression on the university that had such a positive impact on me. Tarleton is, without a doubt, the best university, with a spirit that is difficult to describe. Where else would you find an organization called the Purple Poo?
As I’ve pondered on my time at Tarleton, I’ve compiled a list of some of the things I learned freshman year and how they influenced my time there and my life beyond Tarleton. These 5 things are something that I wish I had known or done better at in my first year as a Texan.
#1
Change is unavoidable. Things will alter over the next several weeks and months. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new people and develop new skills. You might even decide to switch majors (and that is okay). What you believed was going to be your next four-year plan will change. From my vantage point on the opposite side of the fence, I can assure you that change is always for the best. You will discover what you truly want to achieve and who you truly are.
#2
In every class, make a new friend. Introduce yourself to the individual next to you on the first day of class and collect their contact information. You never know when you’ll be unwell, unable to read your notes, or simply require a study partner. It’s wonderful to be able to text someone and have them clarify something you heard in class or edit your writing. Study pals frequently become lifetime friends.
#3
Make your way to class. This may seem obvious and something you’ve heard before, but it’s true. You are more likely to comprehend the topic if you attend class, and your professor is more likely to recognize you. When your professor recognizes you and knows you have been attending class, he or she is more inclined to assist you or spend office hours explaining topics to you.
#4
Do whatever you can. Your time at Tarleton will fly by faster than you realize, so become involved in all of the activities and traditions. I recommend eating pancakes at midnight and going to a bonfire. Stay up late and get up early because you are only youthful for a short time. Attending all of the activities helped me to meet new people and learn more about our university’s history.
#5
Participate. I strongly urge you to participate in at least one organization. You will be able to meet new individuals and get experience as a result of this. You are going to want to build your resumé and gather experience even if you are not thinking about it now. Activities and organizations will prepare you for the “real world”.
From midnight purple pancakes to beating the drum at 4 am, my time at Tarleton was truly amazing. I am so thankful that I found Tarleton and for all the people and memories I have. My freshman year was fun and exciting and helped lead me to opportunities that came later on. Your freshman year only happens once, so make the most of it.
