Bryan, TX was established in 1871 with the vision to place a powerhouse school (the soon-to-be Texas A&M University)  at the center of the town.  In 1871, Harvey Mitchell was given the opportunity by the Texas legislator to be one of three men allocated for the chance to have the agricultural and mechanical college of Texas established in any major city with at least 1280 acres of land available. The  Brazos County location was the perfect place, and was deemed by Mitchell as the “highest ambition of [his] life”. The commissioners were wined and dined by the three men, Mitchell, the Hon. W.A. Saylor, and Judge Spencer Ford, who discussed contributing a mass amount of money for their respective locations to be the location of the university.  These locations included cities such as Austin, Waco, and San Antonio. It was not only a matter of merit and charisma that led to Mitchell winning the allocated money for the school, but also a bid he made that toppled those of the other two men.  The deal was made on June 20, 1871, with Mitchell’s winning bid solidifying that the fortunes of Texas A&M University and the city of Bryan would forever be bound as one. 

The people of Bryan-College Station —  the ones that have seen it grow and mature throughout the years to become a hub of one of the biggest schools in the nation —  oftentimes do not receive the recognition they deserve. This also applies to international students who come to Texas A&M University in the hopes of building a community in America. These voices not only deserve to be heard but also provide great insight into how the city has changed with the university at its center. 

Two Texas A&M students were asked about their experiences both with the university and the Bryan-College Station area in general.  While both interviewees are current students, one was born in Bryan-College Station while the other one is an international student who came to the United States this August in order to pursue their Masters. 

The following are the answers from the Bryan College Station resident: Natalia Jones.

 How have you seen Bryan-College Station change over the years?

 “Over time, College Station has just gotten bigger while Bryan has become more gentrified. The need to fill as many college students in this town is causing locals to continuously be pushed about and moved as if their livelihoods are unimportant.” 

What is your view on Texas A&M University culture?

“I feel as if a sense of community and culture is important no matter where you go. Feeling safe, secure, and comfortable are necessities for human growth.” 

What is your view on Bryan College-Station culture?

“Love it! While the culture and connectivity has grown closer due to more community events being held, I still hope it continues to grow in a more positive direction and including those of all backgrounds”.

How can people better support Bryan businesses and locals?

“Go to them! Go to the business and try something new! If you have Facebook, there is a group called BCS Meals and Deals which is a perfect way to find great deals on meals while simultaneously supporting these local businesses. First Friday is also a perfect way to get out there and support the people, as well as make connections. Overall, just be present, aware, and open to try new things.”

The following are the answers from the international student: Nuha.

What is your view of Texas A&M culture before you came here versus now?

“Before I came to Texas A&M, I had some ideas about the university's culture based on what I had learned from research and seeing things in the media. I knew that Texas A&M was known for having a strong sense of school spirit, with students showing a lot of pride in their university. I also heard about the traditions that were a big part of campus life. People often mentioned that the community at Texas A&M was welcoming and inclusive, which made me excited to be a part of it.”

“After I arrived at Texas A&M, I got to experience the culture firsthand and it was even better than I expected. The school spirit was incredible, especially during football games and other events. The whole campus would come together to cheer on the team and show their support. One aspect of the culture that stands out to me is the strong connection between the city and Texas A&M University. The community takes great pride in the university and its achievements.” 

What is your view of Bryan-College Station culture?

“When it comes to the culture of Bryan-College Station, I didn't have much knowledge about it before I came here. But as I started living in the area, I found the community to be very welcoming and friendly. The people here are genuinely supportive of college students and I feel like they appreciate having us here.”

How did you find your community here?

“Finding my community here as an international student was important to me as I wanted to connect with others who understood the experience of studying abroad. Luckily, Texas A&M offers many resources and organizations specifically for international students. I joined cultural clubs, and attended social events, which gave me the chance to meet people from different countries and make friends. I also found support through campus activities, student organizations, and services provided by the university, which helped me feel like I belonged and had a place in the wider Texas A&M community.”

Written by Olive Okoro, Social Media: Camila Ponce