Profiles: Jonny Wilson

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Upon entering Texas A&M University in the fall of 2004, my life was definitely lacking direction. I was a typical student in high school, living for the weekends and hoping to make the best grades possible with minimal effort and a nap in every other class. As senior year came to a close, I was disappointed to be turned down for full admission, but relieved to find that the Blinn Team option had been offered to me knowing the work that would be required to attain full time admission.

I entered into the Corps of Cadets’ Freshmen Orientation Week a week before fall classes started, and found myself being challenged in ways I had never been before. Sleep did not come easy that first week, but I felt that for the first time in my life I was being pushed to become someone better and stronger. In addition to the normal obstacles a fish faces, I was given an extra opportunity to grow by being roommates with Zachary Davis, the first blind cadet ever in the Corps. Zach’s laid back mentally and belief in taking advantage of life’s opportunities regardless of what odds stand against you helped me push through some grueling times that first semester. The feelings of motivation and esteem I had for the Corps carried over into my studies as classes began and I found myself more dedicated to academics than I ever thought possible. In addition to fish life in the Corps and classes, I also joined the Fish Drill Team and went on to compete in the Tulane Drill Competition in February 2005 where we won first overall against competing schools such as WestPoint, Air Force Academy, and The Citadel. It was a great feeling of accomplishment as all of our hard work, blood, sweat, and tears throughout the year paid off.

Sophomore year saw new and different challenges with a more difficult course load and a chance at experiencing what it means to be a direct leader in the Corps. This year I had a better understanding of what was required of me, and how to meet the goals I had set for myself. I managed to pull two strong semesters and was awarded with membership into O.R. Simpson Honor Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and full time admission to Mays Business School and off the Blinn Team program in spring 2006.

In the fall of 2006, my junior year academically and in the Corps, I was blessed to be inducted as a member into the Ross Volunteer Company. It was a great honor and humbling experience that presented new challenges that I am truly proud to have partaken in. At the end of the fall semester, I was also accepted into the Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) Group 16 at Mays Business School. Spring semester was hectic with interviews and recruiting events with public accounting firms, in addition to classes and my active participation in the Corps.

Looking back at how far I have come since entering Texas A&M, I feel fortunate to have found myself and be where I am now. I know my involvement on campus through the Corps, as well as seeking out the assistance of others such as faculty and fellow students, has been more beneficial than any other decision I have ever made in my life. I encourage everyone at Texas A&M University to find a way to plug themselves into this amazing campus. Whether through the Corps or not, there are countless organizations that will allow the development of relationships with others and provide the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

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