Why I Love Tech

by Bruce Wilson

My nephew drew this at school... He says he want to go to Texas Tech like his uncle.

My family moved to Lubbock when I was 10, and at that point I knew that one day I had to go to this wonderful university. The community of Lubbock bleeds red and black, and it wasn’t long before I too bled red and black. It's easy to fall in love with Texas Tech.  As high school graduation approached, I learned many of my friends would be attending Texas Tech in the fall.  I, on the other hand, would not. I decided that after graduation that I just was not mature enough to attend college and opted to join the work force. In my heart I always knew that one day I would get to attend Tech, even if I was an old man, I was going to be able to call myself a Red Raider.

Fast-forward 11 years; I have decided to begin my journey to Tech. I enrolled into South Plains College, and worked really hard to keep my grades up while maintaining a full time job.  I was getting into Tech this go around, and nothing would stand in my way. On February 26, 2015, after spending a year in community college, I decided to apply for a transfer to Tech. Then March 3, 2015 I received the email, “Congratulations, You’re a Red Raider!” which was the best thing I’ve ever heard, or at that time it was.

After that things just kept getting better too. I applied for a prestigious scholarship for transfer students. I didn't believe I was the type of candidate they were seeking, yet I still applied.  It was a great surprise when I was selected to go the next phase of the process: the interview. That summer on July 8, 2015 at 8am, it was interview time.  Interviewing with a panel of previous Terry Scholar recipients for my opportunity to join this prestigious organization was wonderfully stressful.  Finally, the results were in and I open my email to read…"Congratulations, The Terry Foundation is pleased to welcome you as a 2015 Terry Scholar at Texas Tech University!

I read that line over and over. Now this was the best news EVER.  

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Life at Tech is amazing; I have learned so much in such a short time. Being a Terry Scholar and Red Raider has allowed me to meet people that I not only consider friends for life, but family. I am doing things, such as getting to study abroad, that I would never have imagined would be possible.  I love everything about campus life here, and this is an opportunity I will never forget. I am thankful everyday for the opportunity. 

There is truly no place I’d rather be than at TECH!

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