News & Announcements

Carlos Cruz ’27 is a Public Health major on the pre-med track and a First-Generation Peer Mentor with Texas A&M Residence Life. As the first person in his family to attend college, Carlos brings real-world experience to his role in helping other Aggies from similar backgrounds.

Carlos was born and raised in El Salvador and moved to the United States at the age of 15. When he first became a student at Texas A&M, he quickly realized how challenging it could be to navigate college without familial guidance.

“Neither my parents nor I knew how to navigate the educational system,” he shared.

That experience led him to apply for the first-gen peer mentor role when the program first launched.

“I saw the position opening online, and it was the launch of this program. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I just knew I wanted to help students like me who are first-gen and trying to live their best life in college.”

Now in his second year as a mentor, Carlos plays a crucial role in supporting students both behind the scenes and directly working with them. A typical day includes checking emails, reaching out to students, preparing marketing and helping coordinate events.

“We interact with students, help answer questions, clean up and then talk together about how everything went.”

First-generation peer mentor events range from academic workshops to social and community-building programs. “We host events that are academically and socially focused,” Carlos said. “We help students with resumes, we have events to teach them how to use AI for professional use… we even host painting and music events where students can just relax.”

Many people do not realize how much planning goes into these programs. “People wouldn’t expect us to be the ones right behind everything that is planning,” Carlos said. “We come up with ideas… so everyone can be interacting.”

Balancing his responsibilities requires structure. Carlos relies heavily on his online calendar to manage work, school and personal life. “My calendar is my best friend,” he said. He blocks everything out by time, “From waking up, to having lunch, to what I’m doing in the office that day. That’s how I get through every single day.”

For Carlos, the most rewarding moments come from everyday interactions with students. “Whenever I’m not working and I’m just sitting around campus, and students say, ‘Hey Carlos,’… that’s what makes my day,” he said. “I know I’m making an impact in their life and changing at least a few things in their experience.”

Carlos plans to become a doctor and sees his mentor role connected to that future goal. “One of the most important skills I’ve learned in this job is interacting with people,” he said. Carlos’ motivation to pursue medicine is rooted in his childhood and community. “I want to be a doctor because I want to make a change in my community,” he said. “I come from an underserved community, and I want to provide quality healthcare.”

Through his work as a first-gen peer mentor, Carlos continues to support students navigating college for the first time, just as he once did.

As we begin to have shorter days with the time change, many students notice a change in their energy, mood and even motivation. With fewer hours of daylight and the building workload of the end of the semester, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, no student is alone. The Residence Life Wellbeing Ambassadors shared several strategies to help students care for themselves.

Practice Supportive Time Management
Falling behind on schoolwork or chores can bring anxiety, but staying organized can give someone a sense of control. Try keeping track of deadlines and exams using a calendar or a planner. The Pomodoro method, working for 25 minutes and taking a short break after, can make studying feel more manageable. Forming a study or accountability group can also motivate you and help you feel more connected to your friends or study groups.

Be Flexible With Your Commitments
College comes with plenty of opportunities to be involved, but it is important to prioritize your well-being and mental health. It is okay to say “no” to commitments that are not required if your schedule becomes overwhelming. Protecting your time and energy is an important part of staying well.

Ask For Help When Needed
If you need help or support, reach out. Professors, supervisors and peers are often more understanding than one might expect. Asking for advice or help balancing responsibilities can make a world of difference. Students can also connect with campus support services, like:
• Aggie Peer Connect
• Academic Peer Mentors
• Wellbeing Ambassadors

Recognize Your Emotional Resilience
Resilience is not just about pushing and moving through stress. It can look like taking a step back and returning to your work after a break or adjusting your approach to something. Give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made. Small steps forward are still steps forward.

Build Self-Care Into Your Routine
With sunset and finals arriving earlier each day, it’s important to create time to slow down. Try to reserve at least 30 minutes daily for an activity that helps you feel relaxed, whether that’s walking outside, reaching out to a friend or simply resting.

Source: Texas A&M Residence Life Wellbeing Ambassadors (tx.ag/WBCU)

For aerospace engineering major John Mark Connally ’28, starting his sophomore year at Texas A&M University has meant stepping into a new role as a resident advisor.

“I really like interacting with people,” Connally said. “It was a great opportunity to help some people who are moving into campus on their freshman year feel more welcomed into the community and also be that first community that they interact with.”

A Day in the Life of an RA

As a first-year RA, Connally is quickly learning the ins and outs of the role. He explained that duty rounds are one of his main responsibilities.

“One of the nights of the week you’ll have duty, which involves making two rounds at night,” Connally said. “You do one between 8 to 10 p.m. and one after midnight. Rounds look like going through all the floors, all the stairways, and just making sure everyone’s OK…. It’s mainly just to make sure that no one’s out in the halls, you know, being too reckless or that everyone’s all right in general.”

Between safety checks and community interactions, no two nights look the same, and Connally said he’s learned to adapt quickly while keeping his residents’ well-being at the center of his routine.

At the beginning of the year, his role included more creative tasks.

“I had a lot of training and then I had to make some door decs, which are the fun little images that go on people’s doors with their name,” he said. “I also make bulletin boards, which are informational to help people”

Building Community Through Activities

Community builders are a key part of his work.

“I think that community builders are probably what is not seen or would not be expected from the resident standpoint,” Connally said. These events give students a chance to connect beyond their rooms and create lasting memories within the hall.

“For me, that looks like an intramural soccer team and intramural flag football team that I’ve put together,” he said. “Which has been a super cool experience to get to know the residents better, but also it’s just a lot of fun competing against other teams.”

Outside of RA work, Connally makes time to unwind and enjoy his favorite parts of campus life.

“My favorite spot on campus is probably Penberthy,” Connally said. “There’s a lot of people out there most of the time… and so that’s been a fun way to make friends and still compete in college without being a part of like the teams here.”

A Supportive Team

Behind every successful RA is a strong support system, and Connally said he’s grateful for the one he’s found.

“I have really enjoyed working with the other RAs,” he said. “We really have a good team... I was a little worried about all of the different tasks that you have to do and the learning curve of trying to know how to do everything. But my team has been super helpful, and the other RAs have really mentored me into the position and I definitely would not be able to do it without them.”

Making an Impact

Connally hopes residents know they can rely on him.

“I hope to be like someone that all of my residents can come to,” he said. “I really try to say hello to everyone in the halls, and I know that not everyone wants to be friends with the RA and that’s OK.”

Even so, he remembers what it was like to be new on campus and wants to be someone students can trust. “Like my freshman year, I wasn’t like exactly outgoing to my RAs. But I do want them all to know that they can always come to me with any issues they have.”

Camp F.I.R.E. (Forging Impactful Residential Experiences) returned to Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas, bringing together more than 85 students and 25 graduate and professional staff members for a weekend centered around leadership development, reflection and connection.

The three-day retreat, held from Friday, Oct. 17, to Sunday, Oct. 19, created opportunities for students from Living Learning Communities and student organizations within Residence Life to connect across campus, explore and exercise leadership concepts and strengthen teamwork skills.

This year marked the introduction of breakout sessions, which gave students the opportunity to choose from four interactive workshops centered on collaboration, self-awareness and navigating challenges. Students were also placed in small groups with mentors to explore their personal leadership styles and practice communication and problem solving.

“My favorite part was the new breakout sessions, especially those led by student leaders,” said one Residential Housing Association member, Class of '27. “It was inspiring to hear from peers who brought their own experiences and perspectives into each session. Their energy made the learning feel authentic and relatable, and I appreciated how the topics connected to real leadership challenges and personal growth.”

Throughout the weekend, students participated in sessions and reflective activities designed to help them understand their strengths and styles of leadership. Upon arrival Friday evening, participants were welcomed with dinner and an opening ceremony to kick off the tone for the retreat’s focus on growth. Later that afternoon, small group introductions and team breakout activities allowed attendees to meet their mentors and peers.

Saturday was filled with activities to further explore their strength. The morning started with leadership sessions before heading into their chosen breakout topics. Between workshops, participants enjoyed the outdoors and community challenges that encouraged collaboration and deepened connections.

In the afternoon, Assistant Managing Director of Mentorship and Business Operations Kelli Hutka ’97 from the Career Center shared a keynote speech, to reaffirm the importance of leadership development and reflection.

“I’ve learned that there’s no one right or wrong way to lead, and that everyone contributes in their own way,” said a Living Learning Community member, Class of '29. “After learning my leadership styles, I can more easily use my skills and talents.”

Evenings at Camp F.I.R.E. gave students time for reflection on takeaways from the day’s sessions by writing in personal journals and discussions. The retreat concluded Sunday morning with a closing ceremony and group reflections, where participants came together to celebrate their growth and the relationships formed throughout the weekend.

Funded by the Department of Residence Life, Camp F.I.R.E. continues as a signature leadership experience where students leave with confidence and connection with other student leaders and peers.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M University’s Department of Residence Life hosted the 12th Annual Sustainability Dinner and Awards on Oct. 8, bringing together exceptional students, faculty and staff to celebrate and recognize campus-wide sustainability initiatives.

The afternoon combined networking and conversation on sustainability. Guests and faculty in attendance included Dr. Kyle McCracken, interim executive director of Residence Life; Kenya Reeves, sustainability coordinator for Residence Life; Caroline Gamble, sustainability specialist at Texas A&M; Tyson Livingston, creative manager for Residence Life; Dr. Zofia Rybkowski, professor of construction science; Dr. Gunnar Schade, professor of atmospheric sciences; and Dr. Jorge Alvarado, professor of engineering technology and industrial distribution, among others.

The dinner also featured a locally sourced vegan meal from Century Oak Catering, including items from truffle potatoes to vegan steak topped with mushrooms.

Residence Life recognized several individuals for their contribution to sustainability efforts:

• Adam Gruver, Creative Innovator award
• Mason Marsh, Friend of Sustainability award
• Breanna Allen, Waste Reduction award
• Mary Gruver, Green Tradition award

The annual dinner reflects Residence Life’s continued commitment to ongoing sustainability efforts within the community, inspiring students to take part in sustainable living practices and activities on campus to make sustainability an Aggie tradition.

When stress builds, it can be tempting to fall into habits that hurt more than they help, like skipping class, neglecting health or leaning on risky coping strategies. The key to avoiding destructive behaviors is knowing when to reach out for help, using the available resources around you and leaning on the Aggie community to help support your success. 

Take care of your mental health 

Stress, anxiety and burnout are common in college, but falling into destructive habits shouldn’t be. Reaching out makes a difference. 

• University Health Services offers medical and mental health services as well as medication management. 

• Counseling & Mental Health provides individual counseling, group therapy and crisis resources. 

• Psychology Clinic offers affordable, sliding-scale services to students, staff, faculty and community members, providing therapy, psychological evaluations and developmental disability assessments regardless of ability to pay. 

• National Crisis Text Line is available anytime. Text or call 988 for free support. 

• TELUS Health Student Support App connects you with confidential help 24/7, even during breaks. 

Students who feel supported and connected in their living environments are more likely to thrive academically and personally. According to a 2021 national housing study by the Association of College and University Housing Officers, students who live on campus often report stronger feelings of safety, belonging and engagement, all of which contribute to healthier behaviors. 

Stay on top of your academics 

Academic stress can lead to destructive behaviors like procrastination or skipping class, but small, consistent healthy habits can help prevent burnout. 

• Academic Success Center provides tutoring, supplemental instruction and academic coaching. 

• Student Resources (Office for Student Success) connects you to wellness, food and engagement services alongside academics. 

• Aggie One Stop helps with financial aid, registration and emergency relief funds. 

• Routh First-Generation Center supports first-generation college students by providing tailored resources, mentorship and community to help them thrive academically and personally. 

For many students, moving into a residence hall is the first step into independence, which is equally exciting and overwhelming. Community on campus makes a difference. When living on campus, students are surrounded by opportunities to connect, but building a
lasting community on campus is more than simply sharing a hallway. It’s about getting involved and creating meaningful relationships that can last throughout college and beyond.

Attend Events
Residence Life offers many opportunities and events to connect. Shared events that RAs host, Study Spectacular or Dessert with a Dean are what turn a residence hall into more than just a place to sleep. To make the most of them, stay in the loop: follow Residence Life’s social media for event updates and keep an eye on the bulletin boards in your hall for
flyers.

Show Up Consistently
Trust and belonging grow when you spend more time with others. Keep showing up. Maybe that means going to hall events, attending wellness events, or even going around campus with your roommate(s) or neighbors. Consistency shows others you care, and those small actions add up to stronger and long-lasting bonds.

Use Empathy
College is a time for much growth and change, and it looks different for everyone. Being open to listening, offering support when a roommate is stressed, or sharing resources or cool spots on campus, helps create an environment where everyone feels valued.

Treat Others How You Want to Be Treated
Help a neighbor with class notes or even invite someone to go to the dining hall with you. Celebrating others’ successes builds support and an encouraging environment.
Community starts with small steps, and the best way to begin is by taking advantage of what’s right outside your door. Check your hall’s bulletin board, follow @tamureslife on social media, and pick one event to show up to this week.