PERF 226: History of Rock
Mackenzie Marak ’27, Kinesiology
My professor, Dr. Matthew Campbell, taught us about the historical importance of the rock genre while literally turning us into rock stars. His assignments led me to Hurricane Harry’s, where my classmates and I sang karaoke and danced the night away—for a grade! I was assigned this course as part of Texas A&M’s Gateway Program for students transitioning to the university, so while I didn’t choose to take it, I’m glad it chose me. Thanks to Dr. Campbell and the class, I made great memories and even better friends.
ACCT 229: Introductory Accounting
Ryan Lee ’27, Business Administration
I’ve never felt more welcomed, loved and seen by a professor than I did in Dr. Jacqueline Knoop’s class. From the first day, she established a positive learning environment. She values her students’ ideas and opinions and allowed each of us to be our unique selves. She even extended an invitation to those who didn’t have a place to go for Easter to share a meal with her and her family and attend an Easter Sunday church service. It’s not every day you meet a professor like Dr. Knoop who cares about students to the point of opening their home!
HORT 203: Floral Design
Ashton Hendrick ’26, Horticulture
With all the difficult courses Texas A&M has to offer, it was nice to set my worries aside and make flower arrangements in my floral design class. I could decompress while learning about practices that will ultimately benefit me in my career as a landscape architect, and I never went one week without a chrysanthemum or rose bouquet on my windowsill!
CHEM 227 and 228: Organic Chemistry I and II
Elise Miller ’26, Biomedical Sciences
When you think about favorite classes, O-Chem probably wouldn’t make the list for most people. The topics were extremely challenging, but they were also the most rewarding courses I’ve taken thus far. While I won’t directly use information from the class in my future as a veterinarian, I learned the importance of problem-solving and gained an appreciation for the process of finding a solution rather than getting a right or wrong answer, which has changed how I approach challenges in my classes and beyond.
AERO 351: Aerothermodynamics and Propulsion
Dustin Dillon ’25, Aerospace Engineering
From learning about rocket performance to how to analyze an engine nozzle, I learned so much valuable information in this class. It was pivotal in my understanding of how to analyze data and evaluate vehicle performance, which will prove useful as I, hopefully, head into my career as a flight test engineer. I enjoyed exploring such interesting topics and look forward to applying what I’ve learned in all areas of my major.
ALED 441: Agricultural Extension Organization and Methods
Sidnie Smith ’25, Agricultural Leadership and Development
Dr. Jeff Ripley and his class left an incredible mark on my educational journey here at Texas A&M. Coming into the course, I was a little hesitant to learn about leadership and community involvement and didn’t have super high expectations for the class. However, the way Dr. Ripley engaged with us during lectures was paramount in shifting my mindset. Through lively discussions, he established an interactive environment where every voice mattered. He transformed classes into unforgettable experiences of collective exploration and created an environment that prioritized shared learning and growth, and I’m so grateful for everything he taught us.
