It's a great day to be a bobcat. It would be so easy to just say that and click post, but that would be doing a great injustice to why exactly it is a great day to be a bobcat. So, here we go, the story of how I fell in love with the best university in Texas.
I am the first person to say that I wasn't too excited to be a bobcat. I had my heart set on another university but because of financials, it was looking like I would have to go to Texas State. Now you may be asking what happened? How did I go from not being excited to being madly in love with Texas State? Well, that answer is Cat Camp.
For those who don't know, Cat Camp is your regular college orientation on STEROIDS! I have never been in a room filled with so much school spirit! The second I saw all of these camp councilors dancing around like crazies, not caring if anyone was judging them, I knew I was where I was always supposed to be.
We were all separated into groups, there were about 20 with 15 kids maximum. Each group came with a fun cat name, my little Cat Camp family was called Catman and Robin. Clever, I know. We were a full group with 15 new bobcats and 2 leaders, Rachel and Joey. Rachel and Joey are fantastic, they were always there to answer any questions and encouraged my intense love of competition. But, hands down the best part of Cat Camp was my group. I have never been a part of a group of people who were so accepting and loving.
Now don't get me wrong, the group and the competition was a blast (mainly because Camp Gold won, because we are awesome) but the moment that really made me fall in love with not only Cat Camp but Texas State, in general, was when we were all gathered together sharing what makes us proud to be a bobcat while the sun was setting over the gorgeous Texas State. Hundreds of us were sitting there in that little amphitheater holding these little electric tea candles listening to why everyone was proud to be a bobcat and it dawned on me. The reason I love being a bobcat and the reason I fell in love with Texas State is because of these beautiful people. Being in that amphitheater with hundreds of people all sharing their stories and feeling comfortable enough to tell a plethora of strangers their stories was breathtaking. I love being a Texas State Bobcat because it is truly one of the most accepting communities I have ever been a part of, and I have Cat Camp to thank for showing me that.
However, since I am so madly in love with the community that means that this love story isn't only mine, so in order to show you all just how much Cat Camp has changed not only my life, but the lives of others I asked members of my little Cat Camp family to share why they love Cat Camp and Texas State.
"Cat Camp helped me come out of my comfort zone and be myself for the first time in a long time" - Cece Nunez. Cece also celebrated her birthday on our last day of Cat Camp!
"Cat Camp is honestly a must do for all incoming freshmen. It really helps kick start the college feeling and experience in the safest way possible. I feel like the friends I've made are gonna be my friends for a long time. More importantly, though, it made me feel better about the transition into college. If I could do it again, I would." - Haven Pottinger
"Cat Camp confirmed my belief that Texas State is the nicest university. People have been helpful, friendly, and genuinely interested in the success of those around them, regardless of which event or camp I was attending. Also, it is awesome that the upperclassmen are so kind to all the newcomers. I'm so glad I went."- Emily Drumm
"As someone who has been a camper, crew member, and counselor, getting involved with Cat Camp is probably the best decision I've made in college. I've met so many amazing people that have helped shape me into the person I am today. The staff is like family to me. I feel so loved and accepted when I am at Cat Camp and I wish everyone could do it" - Joey Grasso, one of the kick-butt, AWESOME counselors of Cat Camp!
"Cat Camp gave me the hope of a better future, one that I can make for myself. It gave me a home [even though] I wasn't sure I wanted to go to Texas State"- Becca Clearman
"Cat Camp is the best decision I've ever made and it is seriously like a family. All the counselors are so close and we love working with the campers!"- Rachel McCaughey, our other counselor who is fantastic!
"Cat Camp made me feel more prepared and excited about starting college, I was able to make new friends and learn all about Texas State traditions in a safe and welcoming environment" - Maddie Gannon
As you can see, Cat Camp is for many a truly welcoming and caring environment. I know for myself that Cat Camp itself, and the people I have met have already changed my life. They are the reason why it's a great day to be a bobcat. Eat 'Em Up Cats! I can't wait to start this journey with all of you!
