Flash-Back Friday!

It is official - My first year of Grad school is over! Woo woo!! One down, one more to go.  There is a light at the end and I can see it my friends.  In the words of my daddy "closer than I've ever been!"

So, the other day I was going through my pictures at home and I started going through the ones from Spring 2007 (when I got my Aggie ring and when I was finishing up undergrad).  Memories make me happy and what better way to share memories than through pictures, right?! So, for fun and in the spirit of wrapping up another semester, I thought I would do a flash back post to show you guys me getting my Aggie Ring in 2007 and what it means to dunk your ring!! 

First - For those of you who do not know much about Texas A&M University and our Aggie Ring, here is a little background:

One of the greatest moments in the life of any Aggie is the day that they receive their Aggie Ring. This moment began with the Class of 1889. The original ring is very different from the ring worn today. At that time several companies made several different versions of the Aggie Ring. It wasn't until E.C. Jonas, class of 1894, designed a ring for his class that the ring we know today came into existence. It has remained exactly as Jonas designed it, with one exception; in 1963 the Legislature of the State of Texas changed the university's name from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas to Texas A&M University, and the name on the ring was changed accordingly.


The ring worn by all Aggie graduates is the same except for the class year. This serves as a common link for former students. When an Aggie sees the ring on another Aggie's hand, a spontaneous reunion occurs.

The Aggie Ring is one of the most symbolic of our traditions. Everything seen on the ring represents a value that an Aggie should hold. On the top is a large shield, which symbolizes the desire to protect the reputation of the university. The 13 stripes on the shield represent the 13 original states of America. The five stars on the shield refer to the phases of development of any Aggie: mind or intellect; body; spiritual attainment; emotional poise; and integrity of character. The eagle symbolizes agility and power, and the ability to reach great heights.

The large star on the side of the ring symbolizes the Seal of Texas. The five-pointed star is encircled with a wreath of olive and laurel leaves symbolizing achievement and a desire for peace. The live oak leaves symbolize the strength to fight for our country and our state. The leaves are joined at the bottom by an encircling ribbon to show the necessity of joining these two traits to accomplish one's ambition to serve.

An ancient cannon, a saber, and a rifle are on the other side of the ring and symbolize how citizens of Texas fought for their land and are determined to defend it. The saber stands for valor and confidence, while the rifle and cannon stand for a preparedness and defense. The crossed flags of the United States and Texas recognize an Aggie's dual allegiance to both nation and state.

Traditionally, students wear their ring with the class year facing them to signify the fact that their time at A&M is not yet complete. During Senior Weekend at the annual Ring Dance, the student's ring is turned around to face the world proudly, just as the Aggie graduate will be ready to face the world.

Got my ticket - Waiting to go in!

My parents presenting me with my ring!

Me and my Daddy and our matching Aggie rings :)

Yeah! I have a ring!!

It is now time for the NEXT part of getting an Aggie Ring.  Now, not everybody does this for many reasons but, I dunked my ring.  Again, if you are unsure about this tradition, here you go:

Once you get your ring, you will want get as many of your friends and family together as possible. Grab a pitcher and fill it up with your favorite beer. (For me, I dunked in Michelob Ultra.  Yes I am a girl. Deal with it).  You want to pour your beer a few hours a head of dunk time.  In order to make it easier, you spend the next few hours transferring the beer back and forth between pitchers to A) get rid of the carbonation and B) to warm it up.  Gross I know but it makes drinking an entire pitcher or beer a heck of a lot easier!

Now, once the beer is ready, get everyone together, drop your ring in the pitcher and CHUG!!!!  You are suppose to catch your ring in your mouth at the end (people have been known to swallow it) and try not to throw up!  For the record, most people DO throw up... I however, did not.  I am amazing.  Fact.

Friends and the group of girls I dunked with!

In case you didn't know - That is a LOT of beer.

Beer on the shirts.  Rings in the mouth. Ta-Dah!

I finished in 93 seconds!

Afterwards - Feeling good and clean!

ahhh memory lane... Enjoy! :)