I met Alexis Enriquez at the Memorial Student Center at 5:11 on a Wednesday evening. She had messaged me after reading my Aggie Heart Ring article, she explained our undeniable connection, although we'd never actually met. Alexis has a sister, Alyssa, with Down syndrome, and she has wanted to get her sister the Aggie gold since 2013, which is when Alyssa graduated from Texas A&M's PATHS Certificate Program. The PATHS program prepares graduates to be Direct Support Professionals or Child Care Professionals. In more general terms, graduates will be equipped to serve people with disabilities or children. But enough about this amazing program, I'm here to tell you Alyssa's story:

Alyssa grew up in an Aggie family. Tradition shaped her childhood. Her dad, Rene, is one of the biggest Aggies you'll ever meet. As a student, he was in the Corps of Cadets, and he loves this university. Rene's Aggie ring is one of his most prized possessions. Her mom, Adelina, is a converted Ag, and as Alexis put it, "She is fully maroon-blooded now." The Enriquez family has a special tradition; they have coined it the Aggie Ring fund. Piggy banks are placed throughout their home to accumulate loose change. Once full, these piggy banks are used to help current students purchase their Aggie Ring. Alexis said, "We've probably helped anywhere from 10-12 Aggies get their rings."

Wow! What an awesome family and act of selfless service. I was in awe as Alexis continued to tell me about her sister. In 2013, when Alyssa was 22, she applied to PATHS and was accepted, which was a huge accomplishment in itself. However, she still had to prove her independence and capability through a summer trial run. While living at Cambridge, Alyssa proved her independence. She woke up and consistently made it to class on time; she even learned the Aggie Spirit Bus system! At this point in the story, Alexis fessed up to her own lack of transit know how. She'd gotten off at the wrong stop to meet me that day, but then again, is there a student who hasn't done this? Anyways, after passing her trial run, Alyssa was (pardon the pun) on the quick path to success at PATHS. She enjoyed every minute. Her best friend, Jenni Morris, was in the program as well, but Alyssa made lots of other friends too. Alexis remembered receiving a call from Alyssa at 2:00 in the morning. Shocked, she asked, "Where are you?" Alyssa was at Whataburger with her friends and the great mentors that help with the PATHS program. This portion of the story always makes me smile because what college student doesn't love a late-night Whataburger run? Alyssa truly flourished at PATHS. She completed projects, received grades, and had a blast being a college student. But before she knew it, the time came to graduate, and she had to close this chapter as a current student.

Now a former student, Alyssa yearns for an Aggie Ring. She sees so many of her family members wearing the Ring, and she wants to wear it too. Alexis told me that in the past, Alyssa has asked for an Aggie Ring for Christmas (Few! That part get's me every time!). This is all especially hard for their dad, Rene. He has helped so many other Aggies receive their Rings; he just wants to do the same for his daughter.

I must commend Alyssa; she has accomplished so much. Her parents and sister have never told her that she can't. They have always encouraged her and told her that she can. Alyssa is not defined by her disability. She is defined by her outstanding work ethic, her loving heart, and her Aggie Spirit. Personally, I am amazed by this woman, but she has had the most profound impact on Alexis. So it is with Alexis' words that I want to close.

"Throughout grade school and the past two years here at Texas A&M, Alyssa has been my number one encouragment—my steady rock. As my older sister, she inspires me, yet I protect her like she is the younger one. Without her, I would not have the motivation to be in school or to work hard. She encompasses every core value we hold so dear. Alyssa has made me the Aggie that I am today by being the best Aggie she can be every day. In my eyes, she has done more than I ever will or ever could do to deserve that Aggie gold."

Here's to hoping we can get Alyssa an Aggie Heart Ring soon.