The dictionary defines “cocky” as a behavior that is conceited or arrogant. I define Cocky as my mascot. Cocky is also 34,000 other students’ mascot. Cocky is behaviorally cocky himself actually. Cocky is the mascot of the University of South Carolina, home to the Gamecocks. He controls the atmosphere for major events, including Saturday football games. His battle cry ignites a stadium-packed crowd with cheer and excitement. The Williams Brice Football Stadium would not be the same without Cocky.

Speaking of Willy B, let’s be cocky about our pre-game, “Welcome to Williams Brice” video that is played each game day. Word for word, it is a passage of inspiration and truth for all Carolina students who enter Willy B and become one with the crowd:

“Under a Carolina sky I stand, under the palmettos and beneath the crescent moon. I am a structure forged from concrete and time. As strong as our pride, as enduring as our passion, tradition originates from my core. History echoes through my walls. For seven decades, I’ve given rise to legends and today, I await the next one. I am not a desert, but a Sandstorm builds within me. I am a sea of garnet and black with a sound that doesn’t just pierce the air, it penetrates your soul. I am the place where every odyssey starts with 2001. Where your wakeup call is our battle cry. Trespassers beware, to enter, is to sacrifice. It is Saturday in South Carolina. Welcome to Williams-Brice.”

To be cocky about being a student at the University of South Carolina is completely reasonable. Completely acceptable! Our campus is beautiful. Our professors dedicated to their students. Our city inviting and filled with so much opportunity. Walking on a campus built from history and intellectual passion is an honor to say the least. We have students from all different backgrounds and countries that walk alongside us. We have incredible resources on campus to help students with any and everything you could think of.

Shoutout to President Pastides. His commitment to our campus and the success of our students does not go unnoticed. He doesn’t just sit in his admiringly beautiful home on the horseshoe but he goes out of his way to connect with students on a personal level. He’s not afraid to be silly and express himself. You rock Pastides, the University would be totally and abnormally different without you!

I am proud to attend the University of South Carolina. I’m proud to be a Gamecock. I’m proud to further my education alongside future innovators, educators, engineers, entrepreneurs and world better-ers. Hey Merriam-Webster, being cocky isn’t so much a bad thing. Being cocky doesn’t come lightly, you’ve got that right. What you have wrong is the passion and the drive behind it. What you’re missing is the passionate expectation that comes with being cocky. You should talk to Cocky himself and see what being cocky really is all about. Until you do that, I will believe with all my heart and soul in the real definition of being cocky as a Gamecock.