Welcome to the WT family!  First, take a deep breath and relish in the fact that you have almost completed your first week of college life.  For some it may have been a breeze, for others, not so much.  This time away from home can be difficult and exhilarating all at once.  As this first week comes to a close we here at The Prairie would like to offer some words of advice:

First and foremost, don’t ever be ashamed of who you are.  One of the most interesting aspects of college life is that you, along with everyone else around you, come from varying walks of life.  No matter what end of the spectrum you most associate with, it is important that you don’t shy away from what is truly in your heart.  You can love your boyfriend or girlfriend without fear.  You can attend worship service with like minds and even find a home with those who love video games.  There is truly a place for everyone on campus.  This is your  new home, take the time to fill it with family.

Get involved!  It is easy to be the wallflower and watch as everyone else finds their niche.  Take this time to delve deeper into your passions or hobbies, or take a chance and try something new.  We admit, that not every meeting or group you seek out will be for you.  But that is part of the learning process. At the very least, you can say that you tried.  Click on this link and check out what WT has to offer: http://wtamu.edu/student-life/current-campus-organization-list.aspx

Lastly, but equally as important as everything else: Treat everyone you encounter with respect and dignity.  It is easy to default to the negative aspect of humanity with dealing with people on a daily basis.  But the moment you begin to tear someone down, rather than build them up, is the day when you have chosen the easy wrong over the hard right.  Think back when you were the one treated bad…its not a good feeling.  Live up the standard that is WT and treat your fellow Buffs with respect and dignity.

Welcome to the WT family and good luck in everything you do.  We here at the Prairie are looking forward to reporting the great things that will come from the class of 2020!