Even before I considered Texas A&M for the place I wanted to spend the next four years, I knew that there was a certain magnetism that Aggies have. Just about everyone that I met, whether they were a current student or an alum, would reaffirm the things that I had always heard about Aggies: they are a well-rounded bunch. I knew that whether or not I decided to attend Texas A&M, I would always respect and appreciate those who did, considering the character I had seen demonstrated by countless Aggies.

Now, in my second semester as an Aggie, I can definitively say that my first impressions of who would be my future classmates have been proven right on a daily basis. From each and every one of my Aggie peers, I have seen all of the qualities that I would one day like to perfect and exude. However, some students in each class exemplify these qualities in an outstanding way, whether through athletics, academics, spirit, leadership, or service, and they deserve to be recognized.

This is where the relatively recent tradition of Class Stars comes in and plays a huge role. Through Class Stars, students are encouraged to nominate their peers for the aforementioned categories for the sole purpose of giving some exceptional Aggies a shout out for their consistent hard work and dedication; because Aggies do not portray these qualities for the praise—they do it because they want to. (Think you have the perfect nominee for one or all of these categories? Nominate an Aggie here by March 4!)

Nominating Class Stars for each class (one per category per class) does such a service to both the university, by advertising the exemplary students here in each of these categories, as well as the student body, by giving them leaders who serve their class through their example. Many winners have moved on to do great things for their respective communities, and all continue to uphold the Aggie values that garnered the well-deserved attention of their peers in the first place.

We all did something right in the past in order to end up at this great university, and many of us continue to excel in what made us stand out as exceptional applicants. However, a few of us embody the Aggie spirit in a way that makes the rest of us want to strive to be better and push harder, and those who do deserve a night, an award, and a celebration in their honor. Therefore, I'm imploring my fellow Aggies to nominate their exceptional classmates, give them that recognition that they deserve but don't necessarily always receive, and bolster this university's "stars". Thanks, and gig 'em!