TiAna Marshall

Less than a week from today 200 students will walk across the stage in A&M Texarkana’s greatest tradition–graduation.

Already, the pure thought of it is overwhelming for multiple reasons. Financial hardships, family struggles, will all lead up to that moment when names will be called. Degrees will be given, and happy tears will be shed.

I’m one of those graduates, and I am having constant flashbacks of where I was when I first came to A&M and where I am now. So many incredible people have touched my life in one way or the other, giving a push (sometimes friendly, sometimes not) whenever I needed it. To think that is all coming to a close in what seems such a short time, breaks my heart.

I will sit next to the rest of those graduating with me, I know I will feel a sense of pride. Being able to watch this school grow and the growing up it has caused me to do.

December 11th. A date echoing in my mind, as I am sure it is in the other 199 graduates. But what happens next? For some it will be grad school, while others will begin their careers. As for me, I’m willing to go where opportunity leads me, and I am not scared to have only that to say. The thought of life after graduation once scared me, but now it lights a flame of excitement.

As cliché as it is to say, there truly is a light at the end of the tunnel. What I once felt as fear is now an incredible feeling of confidence. There is no better feeling than to know that I can be proud of what is soon to be my alma mater. I can conquer the world if I choose to, and I have my A&M family to thank for that.