Excitement Rises in College Station as Students Embrace New Semester and Competitive Spirit

Excitement Rises in College Station as the Campus Comes Alive

College Station, a vibrant hub of activity, is buzzing with energy as students return to campus for a new semester. The cobblestone walkways are filled with familiar faces and new ones, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Among the most exciting elements on campus is the growing popularity of intramural sports, particularly pickleball!

A Game to Remember

The Aceholes, an intramural pickleball team led by industrial engineering junior Kyle Nguyenphu and civil engineering sophomore Elvin Jaya, made headlines last week by crushing their competition in a thrilling matchup. Their teamwork and strategic gameplay were on full display as they took down several teams in a spirited display of athleticism and fun. Kyle and Elvin are not just teammates; they are friends who enjoy the challenge and camaraderie that sports bring to their college experience.

Campus Life: Finding Balance

As students saunter down the walkways, it’s hard not to notice the shift in energy. With midterms on the horizon, you can feel the tension building in the air. My favorite time of year is when my fellow students finally decide it’s socially acceptable to start skipping class, one student mused, chuckling about the emptier parking lots. It’s a quirky survival mechanism of sorts—balancing the demands of academia with the desire for a bit of freedom.

High-Stakes Debate Sets the Stage for Elections

Kamala Harris faced off against former President Donald Trump in their first debate, an event that captivated over 57.5 million viewers across the nation. With the election set for November 5, the candidates discussed a range of matters from foreign affairs to pressing domestic issues that resonate with the Texas A&M community.

Key Quotes from the Debate

The debate tackled several critical topics that deeply impact students at Texas A&M. For starters, the economy was at the forefront:

Harris: “My plan is to give a $50,000 tax deduction to start-up small businesses, knowing they are part of the backbone of America’s economy.”

Trump: “Everybody knows what I’m going to do: cut taxes very substantially and create a great economy like I did before.”

Foreign Relations and Energy

Another significant issue discussed was foreign relations. With a diverse student body consisting of individuals from over 50 countries, the stakes are high.

Trump: “I created one of the greatest economies in the history of our country. I’ll do it again and even better.”

Harris: “We have got to invest in diverse sources of energy, so we reduce our reliance on foreign oil.”

Women’s Health Issues Take Center Stage

Women’s health and the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade ignited passionate responses. With over 47% of Aggies being women, this topic resonated strongly:

Trump: “As far as the abortion ban, no, I’m not in favor of it.”

Harris: “When Congress passes a bill to put back in place the protections of Roe v. Wade, I will proudly sign it into law.”

Healthcare Remains a Top Concern

Lastly, healthcare remains a pressing issue for many students navigating the costs of education:

Trump: “I would run it as good as it can be run.”

Harris: “Access to healthcare should be a right and not just a privilege of those who can afford it.”

Engagement Continues

As College Station buzzes with activity—from the spirited pickleball matches to the intense political debates—the community continues to thrive. It’s a reminder of how interconnected sports, academics, and current events influence the vibrant life here at Texas A&M. Whether it’s on the court or in the news, Aggies are ready to engage with the world around them!