Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
As the summer of 2024 rolled in, Sylvia Briones stepped into a role that would allow her to shape the experiences of hundreds of new students at Texas A&M University. As the Logistics Director for Palm Camp, Briones took on the challenge of organizing an event that not only introduces freshmen to the university’s rich traditions but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.
“I’m really excited. This is really fun to do,” Sylvia enthusiastically shared when asked about her role. Her excitement stems from the position’s responsibilities and her connection to Palm Camp. Having attended the camp as a freshman the previous year, Sylvia knows firsthand the impact that this event can have on a new student’s introduction to university life.
Palm Camp, or Passionate Aggies Leading McAllen Camp, is a crucial orientation event for incoming freshmen at Texas A&M University’s Higher Education Center at McAllen. The camp is designed to introduce new students to the traditions and culture that define Texas A&M while also providing an opportunity for social integration.
“Texas A&M is really a big family. We have many traditions here, so we want to give them a chance to learn about those and see what it’s like here,” Sylvia explained. This sense of family and tradition is at the core of what Palm Camp aims to convey. By engaging in activities highlighting the university’s customs, freshmen can feel more comfortable and connected to their new environment.
One of the highlights of Palm Camp is the involvement of the Yell Leaders, a group that plays a significant role in Texas A&M’s culture. The Yell Leaders lead the student body in various chants and yells during sporting events and other university gatherings. Their presence at Palm Camp offers freshmen a taste of what it means to be an Aggie.
“Our biggest thing here is we’re having the Yell Leaders come down. They’re a really big part of the A&M culture,” Sylvia emphasized. She recalled how much the Yell Leaders’ participation meant to her when she attended Palm Camp as a freshman, stating that it’s “probably going to be a memory I will always cherish.”
Sylvia’s journey from a freshman participant to the Logistics Director of Palm Camp is a lasting impact that such events can have. “Last year, I was a freshman, and I attended my Palm Camp, and I had so much fun,” she recalled. This positive experience inspired her to take on a leadership role to ensure new students could have a similarly impactful introduction to Texas A&M.
Her personal connection to the camp and her desire to give back to the university community emphasizes the importance of student involvement in perpetuating the traditions and culture of Texas A&M. By taking on this leadership role, Sylvia is not only contributing to the success of the event but also continuing the legacy of Palm Camp as a meaningful and memorable experience for all who attend.
Originally from McAllen, Texas, Briones’s proximity to the university has made her role as Logistics Director both manageable and enjoyable. “It’s not too bad of a drive. I’m only about 15 minutes away,” she mentioned, accentuating the convenience and familiarity of being close to home. This closeness likely contributes to her comfort and effectiveness in managing the logistics of Palm Camp.
Briones’ role as the Logistics Director for Palm Camp exemplifies Texas A&M University’s commitment to fostering leadership and upholding traditions. Her transition from participant to leader reflects the university’s emphasis on student growth and involvement. By allowing students like Briones to take on significant responsibilities, Texas A&M ensures that its traditions are preserved and celebrated by new generations of Aggies.
Palm Camp’s success lies in its ability to engage students from the moment they step onto campus. By introducing them to the university’s traditions and connecting them with their peers, the camp helps to ease the transition to university life, setting the stage for a positive and fulfilling academic journey.
As the first major school year event, Palm Camp leaves a lasting impression on new students, many of whom, like Briones, will carry the memories of this experience long after graduation. “It’s really a big family,” Sylvia reiterated, capturing the essence of what Texas A&M University is all about—a community where tradition, leadership, and connection are cherished and passed down through the generations.