Appreciating Auburn

The Campus

I always forget how beautiful this campus is. Every time I come back from summer break, I’m reminded why I chose Auburn in the first place. The iconic buildings of Samford Hall and even the Haley Center remind me of all the students who came before me and everything they accomplished. They also remind me of what I want to get out of my own experience here. The consistent architecture across campus gives Auburn that true southern college feel that’s hard to find anywhere else. Auburn has always had a work-hard mindset, but it’s also about slowing down. For me, that means watching the sunsets, spending time with friends, and really taking in my time in college.

The Sports

Win or lose, the Auburn game day experience is truly like no other. Our athletic department puts so much thought into every little detail to make each game special. Heading into my senior year, I’ve found myself reminiscing on how fun all the home football, basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer games I have been to were. Auburn has always excelled at creating fun, unforgettable fan experiences. I can’t wait to be back for the fourth quarter Swag Surf, the flyovers, the light shows after touchdowns, and of course, those delicious Ben’s Pretzels.

The People

The people I’ve met through Auburn are people I know I’ll stay connected with for the rest of my life. My classmates and coworkers have turned into friends, and my friends have become family. That’s what I love most about Auburn. From the moment I was accepted, I felt surrounded by a huge support system. Whether it’s people from my hometown or complete strangers I meet who are Auburn grads, there’s always an instant connection. But more than anything, I’m so grateful for the friendships I’ve built here. These are the people who have seen me at my best and my worst, who have made the ordinary days feel special, and who have turned Auburn into a place that feels like home. They’re the ones I laugh with, grow with, and lean on. I know these friendships will last far beyond my time here. Auburn gave me more than just an education, it gave me my people.

The Tradition

The history and traditions at Auburn are something I’ll never take for granted. I cannot wait for football season to start again. Tiger Walk, the eagle flying around Jordan-Hare Stadium, the fourth quarter light show and Swag Surf, and rolling Toomer's Corner after a big win are all things that make being an Auburn student so special. This year, I really want to soak in every moment and not take any of it for granted.

Outside of sports, one of my favorite traditions is Hey Day, which started after World War II as a way to rebuild a stronger sense of community on campus. Today, it still does exactly that as students wear name tags and go out of their way to say “hey” to people they pass by. It may seem small, but it reflects what Auburn is all about: connection, kindness, and community. The Auburn Creed ties us together, reminding us to believe in people, in working hard, and in achieving our dreams. As I head into my final year, I’m excited to take it all in one last time and truly appreciate the people and traditions that make Auburn feel like home. At the end of the day, I believe in Auburn and love it.

Be Well, Auburn.