02/26/2016
Voting is officially closed! I just want to take this time to attempt to tell everyone just how truly grateful and blessed I am for this incredible experience. Words cannot do how amazing the past few weeks have been justice. On February 8th, I prepared my announcement for candidacy and stared at my computer screen, heart pounding, for about 10 minutes. All I had dreamed about for so long, everything I had sacrificed and done to try to reach this goal, it came down to the click of a button. Within minutes of pressing that button, I was more than blown away by the outpour of love and support that everyone showed! I was left absolutely speechless and, and it took my computer crashing 5 hours later to remind me that I actually had to get some sleep that night! I never expected the magnitude of what was to come next. The messages flooded in, even from people who I had never met before - they were inspired. Inspiring others, that is more than I could have ever asked for! This experience has been the greatest, most challenging, most eye-opening, and rewarding experiences ever. I have learned, taken, and grown SO much from it - including my love for A&M which I didn't even know was possible. But it would not have been the same without the love and support from YOU! You were the voices. I am so, unbelievably thankful and blessed. This was something that I felt I was truly guided to pursue, and to have you all backing me up through all of this is something that I can never thank you all enough for! It would not have been what it was without you. At the end of the day, this was not for me. This was for the 12th Man. To give you the opportunity to instill your trust in someone to serve you in the absolute best, most passionate, way. I pursued my dream in running for this because of the undying love and passion I have for this school, the 12th Man, and the spirit and traditions that make the Aggie family so so special! Regardless of the outcome, the experience was greater than I could have ever hoped for. And I could not be more proud of my fellow candidates - it was an honor running along side you and seeing your utmost love and passion for this university, and I trust that the 12th Man will be proud! Thank you all more than I can put into words, God knew just was he was doing bringing me into the best family in the world! - Thanks and Gig 'Em, Viona