2008 Woodie Awards
I've got spirit, how about you?
Susan Trawick
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: Opinion
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A recent "catch-up" conversation with some high school friends turned into more than just a casual passing of time. The subject of the universities we attend became the topic-leader and this little social encounter soon became a verbal combat of collegiate superiority. As Texans, we are no stranger to the ever-popular "Hook 'Em Horns!" and "Gig 'Em Aggies!" saga, but how does a small, Catholic, private university like UST have a fighting chance in measuring up to these statistical powerhouses? Simply, by following my example of school spirit and pride when faced with the challenge of "holding your own" and successfully defending UST in the midst of a debate involving multiple Longhorns, Aggies, and even a Cougar.
The arena of competitors was made up of college seniors who have all attended their respective universities for their entire collegiate careers, so it is safe to say that the representatives from each university knew their schools well. After a quick plunge into NFL "small talk," in which the Texans received praise, the topic soon shifted to college football, which somehow led to the three Aggies, two Longhorns, and one Cougar debating over the general quality and superiority of each of their universities. As soon as I recognized where things were headed, I threw a penalty flag on the conversation, and insisted we just keep our college pride out of the mix of our evening fun. My suggestion was ignored and while the others continued to argue, I paused for a moment of inner thought, which brought forth a powerful realization. This was one of those moments. A "movie moment," as I like to call them, where you are compelled to do something because you know you should and you know that maybe someday, somewhere, your actions will amount to something great.
I saw myself graduating in May and I knew that, if I wanted to hold my head high as I received my diploma from UST, I better do something right now. Loudly and abruptly, I jumped into the conversation and with all of the pride for UST that I possess, I fought to conquer these other boasting buffoons. A matter of clarification is in order, in which I will say I have nothing against any of the aforementioned.
The arena of competitors was made up of college seniors who have all attended their respective universities for their entire collegiate careers, so it is safe to say that the representatives from each university knew their schools well. After a quick plunge into NFL "small talk," in which the Texans received praise, the topic soon shifted to college football, which somehow led to the three Aggies, two Longhorns, and one Cougar debating over the general quality and superiority of each of their universities. As soon as I recognized where things were headed, I threw a penalty flag on the conversation, and insisted we just keep our college pride out of the mix of our evening fun. My suggestion was ignored and while the others continued to argue, I paused for a moment of inner thought, which brought forth a powerful realization. This was one of those moments. A "movie moment," as I like to call them, where you are compelled to do something because you know you should and you know that maybe someday, somewhere, your actions will amount to something great.
I saw myself graduating in May and I knew that, if I wanted to hold my head high as I received my diploma from UST, I better do something right now. Loudly and abruptly, I jumped into the conversation and with all of the pride for UST that I possess, I fought to conquer these other boasting buffoons. A matter of clarification is in order, in which I will say I have nothing against any of the aforementioned.