From the historic traditions, to the classroom, being a Red Raider isn’t just a status symbol; it’s a lifestyle that you will carry with you forever.

Anytime you step foot on Raiderland, you just know that there’s something special about this place. Right in the heart of the beautiful campus is Memorial Circle, which salutes the fallen heroes of this country. Memorial Circle is just one of the many traditions that unites the Red Raider nation as one. For instance, you know it’s game day in Raiderland when the entire city of Lubbock is excited, and everyone, and I mean everyone, is dressed in nothing but scarlet and black.

There is no greater sight to see than watching the masked rider lead the Red Raider football team onto the field. The crowd is roaring Raider Power, tortillas are flying, and our guns are up the entire time. Our school means more to us than anything, and it wasn’t until the TCU game that it dawned on me how much love the Red Raiders have for our school.

After the loss tragic loss against TCU, I felt like I had just gone through one of the worst break-ups of my life. More than 12,000 Tech students attended Jones AT&T Stadium to cheer on Texas Tech football through the rain and shine. It was ultimately one of the greatest experiences of my young adult life.

As soon as you enter the stadium, the student body becomes one unit, and that’s what makes the experience so special, the hype and the chants of the students will send goose bumps down your spine. There is nothing better than watching a crowd of thousands with their guns up. Yes, we lost.

But the Texas Tech Red Raiders did not go down without a fight. After the game, I received text messages saying, “y’all lost.” I know. I was there. And do you know what? I am proud of my team. I am proud of my colors. I am proud of my school, and most definitely I am proud to be a Red Raider.

I am proud to be a Red Raider because our campus is beautiful. Many people have asked me, isn’t Texas Tech boring? The answer is no, it’s not, and the rest of the student body can agree with me on that. We live in a booming college town, and Texas Tech is the centerpiece of it all. The campus is gorgeous and offers so many activities to students. The city of Lubbock takes pride in its school and caters to all Tech students. How can Tech possibly be boring with a school of more than 30,000 college students? There is always an event going on; it doesn’t matter what day it is. Texas Tech students will continue to keep the city of Lubbock alive. Also, it doesn’t matter where you go, chances are that you will likely run into someone you know.

I am proud to be a Red Raider because we are passionate. Win or lose, we still hold true to our school. Red Raiders are passionate about everything, whether it is inside or outside of the classroom. We love to excel in everything that we do. And each year, we try to achieve something greater than the year before. Most importantly, we are passionate about our Red Raider football. Texas Tech has one of the loudest student sections nationwide, and we definitely take pride in that. Last year, we were voted best student section by ESPN, and we will continue to hold that title. Tech students wait for game days as if it were a national holiday.

I am proud to be a Red Raider because our traditions will reign forever. Our school is going on 90 years strong, and each year, Tech continues to grow. So what keeps us coming back? Why does the school keep setting new attendance records? Well, our traditions for one. Texas Tech has built a foundation of traditions.

Prior to game day, the Saddle Tramps decorate the campus in red and black to bring hype for game day. The sounds of the Goin’ band will electrify the land. But lets not forget about the Carol of Lights that amplifies the holiday spirit, or Arbor Day in the spring. There are so many traditions; it's hard to keep count. It’s these traditions that keep the spirit of Texas Tech alive, and the bond between Tech students strong.

I am proud to be a Red Raider because we strive for honor. Being a student at Texas Tech has taught me how to be a leader. It’s made me grow out of my comfort zone. And with that, I was able to gain new opportunities and make new friends that will last a lifetime. This university has definitely prepared me for adult life.

And lastly, I am proud to be a Red Raider because Texas Tech showed me the best college experience, and I have gained memories that will last a lifetime. There are certain things that only happen in college. Regardless of whether it is spending game day with your friends or staying up in the library all night with your peers for finals, the college atmosphere is one of the best things about this university.

So thank you, Texas Tech, for helping mold me into the person I am today. I'm grateful for the experiences and opportunities this university has given me. Even if I’ve had to take an 8 a.m. class, or relied on three cups of coffee to get me through the day, or if Red Raider football gave me anxiety like no other — win or lose, I am a Red Raider, and there’s nothing like the memories of being a fearless champion at Texas Tech University.