From big city lights, a European tour, and finding love, University of Texas A&M-Texarkana  (TAMUT) student Maddie Carruthers has experienced plenty in life. Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Carruthers enjoyed the advantages of living in a big city. She stated in comparison to the nightlife of Texarkana, “There are more open later like restaurants and theaters. There is more to do. There are more bars, clubs, and family entertainment.”

 In 2016, she had the opportunity for a two-week European tour that others can only dream of. Her church provided the trip and they were able to make stops in Poland, Italy, and drove through the sights of Germany. The beautiful architecture and breathtaking beauty of Italian lilies made Italy her favorite stop. Carruthers stated, “Italy was pretty, and I had a lot of pasta.” Enjoying the cuisine and sightseeing is a memory that will last her a lifetime.

Next, her priority was graduating high school and selecting a college. Like most teenagers, Carruthers wanted to leave home for a change of pace. Texas A&M University -Texarkana was the solution for her. She stated in comparison to other schools in the DFW area “It’s far away and affordable.” She made the transition from Fort Worth to Texarkana to start her freshman year in 2018. Reflecting on the campus pre-pandemic she stated, “There was a lot of hustle and bustle and a big community feel.”  COVID-19 hit in the spring of 2020. College campuses across the U.S. were required to do remote learning. She had a difficult time with this stating, “I did not like it. I couldn’t sit at the computer 3-4 hours a day and watch videos.” Happy to be back on campus and learn in a classroom she stated, “They know not everyone can handle online learning and they’re doing their best to adjust back to classes and keep everyone safe.”

While attending college in Texarkana, she was also able to meet her fiancé in the city. The two met in August of 2019 and started dating.  A camping trip in March of 2021 became a lasting memory for the couple as she accepted the proposal. Their ideal wedding is in the winter of 2022.  Unfortunately, the pandemic is still prevalent. The couple is taking their time since it is hard to plan. For now, they are enjoying this process and their time together. Moving to Texarkana has given Carruthers experience, education, and a piece of her future family. Upon finishing her degree, she stated, “ We talked about moving back to Fort Worth because I have all my family there.”  As she is thankful for her time here, nothing can replace the feeling of home.