Spending time with Kenny was an amazing experience. Just in the hour that we were chatting, I could already tell that this guy was definitely going to go places. His passion and love for A&M could be seen from a mile away. I hope you enjoy this interview with Kenny, and hopefully get to know him a little better!
Bio: Howdy! My name is Kenny Dao and I am a Marketing major from Dallas, Texas, but more importantly, I am a loud and proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2018! A-A-A-A-A!!!!! I chose Texas A&M because my first experience with A&M was my senior year of high school when I went to Big Event, and I knew nothing about Texas A&M. All I really knew was Johnny Manziel, but when I got to the A&M campus, and I got to see 13,000 students coming together for Big Event, I realized that this was the family atmosphere that I wanted to be a part of. That’s when I realized how powerful the Aggie family really was. After that I decided to go to Texas A&M. I went to fish camp, and learned about all the traditions, and that’s when I realized, again, what the Aggie family was all about. I had two DG parents and a plethora of other freshmen plus counselors and co-chairs that really helped me out and gave me more of a reason to love Texas A&M.
1. What inspired you to run for Yell?
When I saw the passion of all the students at Big Event prior to my freshman year here at A&M, and watching the Yell Leaders at Fish Camp, I saw a passion that burned in me to this day, and makes me want to give back to this school and inspire others to go out of their comfort zone by running for Yell Leader or running for Student Body president. I always tell my campaign team, “winning would be an amazing experience, but that’s not why I’m running.” At the end of the day what a Yell Leader is is an ambassador to Texas A&M, and as somebody that exemplifies the core values here and acts as a role model for all students. So if I had just one person come up to me next year and tell me “Hey Kenny, I’m going to run for Yell leader next year because YOU inspired me,” then that’s all I really need.
2. What was your overall response when you decided to run?
People were really excited! The first time that it became real was this summer as a Fish Camp Counselor. I remember all the kids were very enthusiastic about it, to the point where they made a Kenny for Yell chant; it was at that point when I realized how much of an impact I could make on the student body. When I saw them doing the chants I couldn’t help myself, I felt overcome with emotions by the fact that these students believed in me. That response continued to grow as I spread the idea of running for Yell Leader.
3. What would you say to anyone who is opposed to you running for Yell Leader?
Don’t be afraid of change. Change isn’t about breaking the foundation of tradition, it’s about staring at that mighty wall, and deciding where to add another brick. My goal as Yell Leader is to be an ambassador of Texas A&M University and unify the 52K+ members of the Aggie Family, while paving a path for all Aggies by challenging the status quo.
4. If you win, you would be the first Asian Yell Leader in A&M’s history. What are your thoughts on this and do you think this is a big responsibility?
I really don’t like putting the emphasis on my ethnic background, because that’s not what it’s all about. It’s about showing the Aggie family that anyone can be Yell Leader. Yes, I think it’s a huge responsibility because I do have the chance to inspire and impact the lives of others in ways that I can’t even imagine.
5. Last week, there was a major racial incident on campus. If you become Yell Leader, how do you think you can use your position to combat such problems?
I think I would use my position to open doors for conversation, because I think that’s the first part of getting past any kinds of racial indifference; is starting a conversation. Coming to college, we’re really in a melting pot. People come from all walks of life; They come from big cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin and smaller towns also. I think within college we learn how to be accepting of others and see things from a different perspective. I see the Aggie family as the most accepting family in the world and I don’t want what one group of people do to define who we are and what we stand for.
6. What are your favorite A&M Traditions?
My favorite A&M tradition is Muster. My freshman year one of my teachers from my high school passed away, and she was part of the Fightin' Texas Aggie class of ‘79. She played a huge role in me choosing Texas A&M because of what kind of person she was. I believed that she lived out the core values of A&M every day and she inspired me to be a better person each and every day. One thing that I always say is that Texas A&M has molded me into the man I am today, but it is also molding me into the man I am tomorrow. It was powerful for me to see a bunch of students coming together in Reed Arena, “to solemnly stand and say here for the fallen Aggies”. It really shows that even though these people aren’t here anymore, their legacy lives on. It gives me comfort that the day that I leave this Earth, my legacy will live on.
7. Who are your role models and why do you admire them?
My mom because of how hardworking she is and how she sticks for what she believes in. I think she is a huge part of who I am today. I didn’t grow up with a lot, and watching her work hard for me year and year around to get me Christmas gifts and clothes made me really appreciative for what I have and the friendships and relationships that I make. Another person that I admire is my girlfriend, Amy. She made me realize the importance of making genuine relationships with others. Through the four years that we’ve been seeing each other, and through the ups and downs, she really taught me how to love unconditionally. Lastly, I look up to the Aggie Family. From saying, “Howdy” to saying, “Here,” they’re always there to help out another Aggie. I really stay true to the quote “We are the Aggies and the Aggies are we,” because it really exemplifies the family aspect of Texas A&M, something that is unmatched at any other school.
For More Information, Check out Kenny on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kenny4Yell/photos_streamhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBqnCl8M4cQ
Twitter: @kenny4yell2016
Instagram: @kenny4yell
