Freshmen Friday: Freshmen Representative

Hi y’all! My name is Carson Faith Wienecke, and I’m a freshman Traditional Terry Scholar from Lometa, Texas. I’m majoring in Natural Resources Management: Conservation Science, with a minor in Agricultural Communications. I served as the freshman representative for my Terry class the past two semesters, and it was a fantastic experience!
In high school, I was involved in everything from UIL Speech and Debate to One Act Play to the FFA. I sought out leadership in those organizations, as well as National Honor Society and Student Council. I was the girl who made leadership a habit. It was much a part of my personality as my sense of humor or my work ethic. What didn’t occur to me was that after graduation, I no longer had an organization to funnel this part of myself into. I was going to have to fill my leadership void with new organizations in a new community. The thought of this scared me.
It wasn’t until they sent out the applications for Terry Freshman Representative that a lightbulb went off. Finally, I had found a type of leadership I could pursue in college. I filled out the application with nervous excitement, and submitted it. A few days later, I was tagged in a post and found out that I had gotten the position. I celebrated like any typical college student: I made a trip to Sonic.
As a high school student I thought I was as involved as a student could possibly be, but this past year has taught me what the true meaning of a balancing act. The first semester my Terry group went out together as much as possible. We planned events and activities for us to do as a group and put together a fundraiser, in order to have the money to do what we had planned.  All in all, the first semester was a walk in the park. My grades were good, my fellow Terrys and I had been allowed ample opportunity to socialize, bond and support one another, and I learned that Raiderland was meant for me.
This second semester has proven to be more difficult. With everyone taking more work-intensive classes, we were spread thin and opportunities for activities have been few and far between.  I am thankful we had that first semester to strengthen our relationships, because this semester when we needed one another most, we were there for one another. The students in my Terry class have never failed to be in the study lounge at all hours of the day. After getting out of class, you can always stick your head in and say hello, knowing that there will always be a Terry smiling back at you. 
Being a Freshman Representative is for someone who lives, breathes, and loves leadership and responsibility. If you don’t fit those qualities, this position might be a bit hectic for you. My suggestion: If you want to apply, apply for it. The worst that can happen is you get to lead your Terry class and fall in love with Texas Tech University.
I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. I can’t wait to meet the new Freshman Representative next semester. You’ll get to lead your Terry class, plan events, and make some of your closest friends. This position has been the best experience of college so far, and I can’t wait to serve as Vice President for our organization next year. As always, keep calm and Terry On!


Carson Faith Wienecke