To be completely honest I never thought I could get here and be able to write a part two about one of my absolute favorite topics in Texas State. I am excited to announce that I have been hired onto the Cat Camp staff for the summer of 2017 and I am so ready to welcome all the new students and show them how much I love Texas State and all of our traditions.

For those who don’t know, Cat Camp is Texas State’s only pride and traditions camp. We have a great time, play games, bond, and learn all about the fantastic school that is TXST. Something that really makes me happy is that I can return the favor that Cat Camp did for me.

Cat Camp gave me a community that I could turn to no matter what. My group (shout out to Catman and Robin) has weekly dinners where we all catch up and have a good time. Having that core group has kept me sane during the harder times as a student. Whenever I need a friend or a shoulder to cry on, I know I can always turn to my Cat Camp group, and that’s the thing I want my campers this summer to have.

Having met most of the staff I can already tell that I found my people. Having a quick round of speed dating and having to tell a complete stranger what sort of power tool I would be was made completely comfortable due to the people that I was around. No one is a stranger at Cat Camp and that is something that is insanely rare to find. I never once felt uncomfortable or awkward in a conversation, which is saying a lot because I am very socially awkward when I am with strangers. That’s something that speaks loads about this new staff, everyone is so welcoming and loving that you just feel at home the second you walk through those doors.

Something else that is fantastic is that these people is that they’re down for anything. The first day we had our meeting a good number of us all grabbed lunch. I went home after and decided to go to the opening game for our baseball season; I out a quick text out in our group chat and within 5 minutes I had a buddy to go to the game with. Even when it comes to a study day in a local coffee shop they are down to do it as a group. I’m writing this piece with three of my fellow staff members, all talking, studying, and enjoying each other’s company.

Cat Camp was hands down one of the best decisions I’ve made as an incoming freshman at Texas State, and I cannot wait to be able to return the favor for the class of 2021. Not to mention I can't wait to have the opportunity to make this piece a continuous saga so I can keep sharing my love for this fantastic organization.