Jake Ryan is a sophomore Agriculture Business major from Kingsville, Texas, and is one of the young men running for Junior Yell Leader this year. He’s been bleeding maroon and white for as long as he can remember, and his genuine passion for Texas A&M and its students was shining loud and clear this afternoon. I got the chance to sit down and get to know Jake a little bit better, and I believe he is an excellent candidate to consider when voting later this week.
When did you know you wanted to go to A&M?
I don’t think there was ever one moment where I knew that I would come here. All three of my siblings, my parents, aunt, uncle, everyone- had gone to A&M. I think I knew since I was younger that I would come to A&M. I was surrounded by a lot of influential people that had gone here before me, so it felt like a very natural choice.
What has been your favorite memory since starting school?
Getting to go back to Lakeview as a counselor was really, really cool. Not only did we get to help the freshman experience their first tradition, but I got to make 197 new friends. I got to learn about each one, and why they chose this university. Hearing everyone say why they chose A&M really fuels my love for this school. I wanted to impact the freshman coming into A&M, but it turned out that they impacted me more than I could have ever imagined.
What is your go-to Starbucks order?
If it’s in the morning I really like straight black coffee. But I really do like coffee frappuccinos too.
If you were a superhero, who would you be, and why?
Superman, I think he’s kind of like the iconic superhero.
What’s the best coffee shop in College Station?
Sweet Eugene's. I love it.
Do you have a celebrity crush?
Blake Lively.
It’s 8:00 on a Tuesday night. What are you most likely doing?
Meeting up with friends, gearing up to go to Breakaway.
On a scale of a longhorn to a yell leader, how redass are you?
George Bush riding Reveille into Kyle Field.
In your opinion, what is the best thing a yell leader can do for A&M or the community?
Yell leaders are these public figures that get to interact with students on a regular basis. They get to be incredibly good and kind ambassadors and connect with other students. They appreciate our differences and recognize what makes us one Aggie family. I think the best thing they can do is share kindness to each individual student, and interact with everyone on an individual basis. Be a friend to everyone. Respect them.
What is the best piece of advice you could give an incoming freshman?
Listen to advice! Make friends, socialize, and understand that everyone's here to help you if you need it.
What is your best pick-up line?
I know you’ve had like 11 boyfriends before, but I could be your 12th man.
What is your Favorite A&M tradition?
Aggie Muster. It perfectly exemplifies the honor we have for every Aggie, both current and former students. It’s incredibly special that we can stand by each other, and honor those that have fallen. Its’ an amazing experience to stand in solidarity and unity with 60,000 other Aggies, and it’s a part of what makes A&M special and keeps the Aggei spirit alive.
How would your friends describe you in three words?
Rowdy, genuine, loyal.
What is the first thing you would do if elected yell leader?
My family will all be here, so I’d hug them all and then I'd shake the hand of everyone who had run against me.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“There's no dishonor in losing a race, there’s only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.” - Garth Stein
Voting opens on February 23. You can vote at https://voteyell.tamu.edu .
To find more about Jake and his campaign, visit his page at https://www.facebook.com/Get-Rowdy-for-Ryan-182831...
