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by Zoie Walker
We all know how much of a blessing the Terry foundation is in our lives. They have given us one of the greatest gifts: an education. One of the most valuable aspects of being part of such an incredible program is the family that you will develop with your peers. I have met my closest friends in college through the Terry program. Now that the Tech Terrys are growing so rapidly, we have connections throughout campus. If you want to learn more about student government, we have incredible leaders. If you are interested in engineering, we have some real Terry brainiacs in that department. Nursing, education, agriculture, business, architecture, you name it… Terrys are everywhere. You have access to an immediate family at college that most freshmen dream of having. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Upperclassmen can help you figure out which classes are the most interesting and which professors to avoid. Most importantly, don’t forget to learn from and support those around you. College is hard, and the friends that you make during this time in your life will be there to help you when you need it most. Who you know in college can make you or break you, so don’t throw away the chance to get to know your amazing Tech Terry brothers and sisters.
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by Andrea Hess As I round the last corner of my undergraduate career, I have spent the last few weeks thinking about my next step as well as reflecting on these past four years at Texas Tech University. The Terry Foundation has not only made these last four years possible, but has also introduced me to the people and opportunities that have filled my time here at this great institution. Here are my tips to make the most of your time at Texas Tech and in Lubbock. ***If you don’t read them all, at least read #8. It’s my favorite***  1. Appreciate the Terry Foundation for your freshman living situation. Between Murray Hall and a built-in family of Terry Scholars, adjusting to a brand new town and life doesn’t seem so hard. Getting to know the other Terry Scholars in your class can build a lot of friendships and create a lot of avenues toward opportunity. 2. DO NOT SIT IN THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE FOR HOURS ON END. If you have any financial aid or scholarship questions, go straight to Mrs. Medley. Her office is West Hall 205. map 3. On the same note- when in doubt, go to Mrs. Medley always. It is unbelievable the knowledge she has about everything Texas Tech and the connections she can make for you. If there is anyone on campus that wants the best for each Terry Scholar, it is Mrs. Medley, and she can make things happen. 4. Don’t be overwhelmed by the innumerable opportunities thrown at you, including organizations and clubs, Greek life, employment opportunities, study abroad, and research. Take the time to go to information sessions, even if you are only slightly interested. Figure out what fits you best and try those out. As a rule of thumb, try to join THREE organizations- one that relates to your major, one that focuses on service, and one just for yourself be it career-driven or different or just plain fun. 5. Your Terry mentor is a great resource and you should take full advantage of his or her knowledge and willingness to help you. If they can’t directly help you with something, it’s very likely they know someone who can. 6. Be a Terry mentor. After being in their shoes, you have a better understanding of what it’s like to be an incoming freshman. It is not time-consuming, looks great on resumes and can be extremely beneficial to mentees. 7. Learn to make some simple (or gourmet) recipes. It’s almost guaranteed that you will get sick of campus food, eating out can add up quickly, and your significant other (current or future) will appreciate it. I’m a nutrition major so I can’t stress this one enough; plus, your future self will thank you for avoiding the Freshman 15.  8. STUDY ABROAD. I don’t care where. I don’t care for how long. Just do it. Depending on your major and your preferences, there are study abroad opportunities for each and every one of you. Plus with the new Terry Study Abroad stipend, there is no financial pressure holding you back. I studied abroad in Spain for a spring semester, and it was easily the best decision I have ever made. It was a life-changing experience that I could talk about endlessly, so if you have any questions feel free to contact me (andrea.hess@ttu.edu).  9. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to figure out which opportunities fit you best. Whether it’s taking an officer position in an organization, doing research, interning, volunteering, finding a church or Bible study group, finding a job that fits your schedule, etc., there are more than enough opportunities to make the most of these next four years. Take advantage of the support and connections provided by the Terry family. 10. In whatever you do, be grateful for the Terry Foundation each and every day.
Wreck ‘em! Andi Hess by Matthew McCutchen Before we get too far in to this new semester and lose sight of our New Year’s resolutions, I simply challenge you as a Terry Scholar to lay out some goals for yourself so that you can look back at this year as the most successful and fulfilling yet. Back in 2014 I had a life changing experience through setting realistic but challenging goals. I served this organization as a freshman mentor and asked my mentees to join in with me as we worked together to become the best versions of ourselves possible. In my personal life, that meant to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. I sought after help when the hardships of the semester came and went and was encouraged often. My first tip to you this semester is to create accountability with close friends. Allowing others to come into your life and walk alongside you in any aspect you are seeking to improve will be beneficial. Likewise, you will have new found opportunities to help others and grow deeper in friendships and relationships.  When considering the overwhelming cluster of goals to set, I suggest a short period of reflection. Ask yourself where you succeeded and what improvements should be made this semester. Make a list or take notes of these items, categorize, and prioritize them. Consider the amount of time you will spend on your classes, your existing involvement or job, and then add or subtract when necessary. Be careful when adding more class hours or involvement, and be as realistic and honest with yourself as possible. Over commitment can add stress to your life and prevent you from being well-balanced. I also want you to consider setting goals that are SMART. SMART goals are Specific, Meaningful, Action Oriented, Realistic, and Timely. The last thing I ask of you once you have written out your goals is to put it somewhere you can see it every day. Former Chancellor Kent Hance attributed his success in life by taking 5 minutes out of each day to plan or reflect on his days while focusing on the goals he’s set.
Whatever you decide to tackle this semester, I hope that setting goals forces you to be uncomfortable and stretches you as a person. If you continue to remember the great gift you have been given from the Terry Foundation and use it to pursue your passions and interests, you are sure to be successful this year!
 We are so pleased with the effort and commitment that our scholars have shown this semester. Please join us in congratulating these outstanding scholars.
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