COLUMN: The True Aggie in all of us, minus the smooching
When I say True Aggie, you think of only one thing. That ritual that happens four or five times a year. The opportunity that according to legend, is the only thing which can make a tuition-paying, hard-working, event-attending student a “True Aggie.” That animalistic event of lip-to-lip that can only happen on the Old Main Hill.
Don’t get me wrong, having participated in this affair myself, I have nothing against this fun, innocent activity. This excuse to get action only adds to the richness and atmosphere or our beloved university. But this is not what should make someone receive the coveted title of “True Aggie.”
Having been involved with USU since 1998, I feel a unique love for the designated Cache Valley grounds known as Utah State University.
No, I have never been student body president, and no, I have never been head cheerleader. No, I have never been president of the Culinary Arts Club, the ICE club, a member of the Academic Council or an agriculture senator.
So what makes me feel this stewardship, this ownership, this loyalty, this territorial?
I represent a larger population. One to which most of you belong. I am a true blue, through and through Aggie.
Since my freshmen year in 1998 I have sweated my way up the stairs on Old Main Hill, stood in line for 45 minutes to clear one class with the registration office. I have been bombarded by student clubs and campaign groups when I walk through the Taggart Student Center, and I have moaned in despair with you as we have watched some of our sports teams choke (no need to specify).
I have fought and waited for parking spaces. I have checked myself out in the window of the Eccles Conference Center as I walked by.
I have waited for the Merrill Library elevator for 15 minutes (because I am too lazy to walk up four flights of stairs), and later that day worked out at the Fieldhouse, after which I consumed a double scoop of Aggie Ice Cream.
I have worn my pajamas to class, and fell asleep during mandatory educational videos.
I have attended the student leadership debates just to receive free bread and have filled out a credit card application just to receive a free Aggie T-shirt.
I have waited for WebMail to come back up and changed my major twice.
I have failed Andy Anderson’s physiology class and have had marathon computer lab sessions.
Through all the bliss and the bad I have fought and come out on top with my well-earned diploma soon in hand.
Yes, my Aggie friends, these are the things that make us True Aggies. May I say with allegiance and loyalty to this great university to which I have had the opportunity to attend: Once an Aggie, always an Aggie.
Sylinda Lee is a writer for the Utah Statesman. Comments can be sent to syllee@cc.usu.edu.