Alumni Story

Since becoming a Longhorn, my awakening has began. My eyes have started to open to the knowledge that my professors share. I can see their passions and their dreams in their lectures. Every once in a while, I like to picture the all knowing professors as students. I wonder what kind of students they were when they attended college? I wonder if they went to a small college or a big university or if they came from families that had a lot or a little of money. Being surrounded by students with amazing dreams and faculty that have done the unthinkable has opened my mind and has made me start to become aware. Through class readings, lectures and assignments, I have learned so much throughout just my first semester of school here and I cannot wait to gain more knowledge more strength and more experiences like the alumni have. Alumni Chad Oliver mentions in his memoir that, "We all know that many of the most important things that happened to us did not take place in the classroom." (870). I was surprised at first for him to say this, since most of these memoirs talked about the importance of their professors and the impact that they made on these people while they were students. After reflecting on the quote I realized he was right. The memories I have are from the friends I have made and the experiences and knowledge my professor had taught me. I can remember how happy I was to have a conversation with my father in depth about politics and economics that I could never talk about before I had taken these courses in college. I understand the importance of my professors and what they are teaching me. I never really realized it but what they teach me will stay with me forever. Even Oliver notes in his memoir that "the spirit of their teachings remains. It is in me, and it is in the thousands of other students who came their way." (874). "

The University of Texas transformed his life"(904). Broadcast journalist Bill Moyers became who he was today by coming to this amazing University. He even says "[he] became intellectually awakened here."(904). I have experienced the same feeling and am continuing to experience the awaking to such amazing knowledge. I too can credit the University of Texas to learning to be aware and I can credit my professors to teaching me how to think.  Two years have flown by and two more soon will come. I soon will join the list of amazing alumni and I cannot wait to share my story.