A column in which we discuss a call with a friend.
Welcome back to the Mailbag.
I got an interesting phone call a week or two ago.
It was from a number I didn’t recognize and, like always, I let that go to voicemail.
When I checked it, I heard a voice from the past, an old friend who asked me to give them a holler. They heard I worked at Texas Tech University and were searching for a bit of information.
Now, admittedly, I’m not the best about calling people back, but when the same number popped up on the phone a second time, knowing who it was, I picked up.
After scolding me for the lack of a return call, my old friend got right down to business.
“So, my kid is starting to look at colleges and somebody told me you were working at Texas Tech,” they said.
My first thought was confusion as to how somebody my age could have a child about to start college. After doing a little math in my head as to the age of myself and that of the normal college freshman, I came to the conclusion that my friends and I are, in fact, old.
My second thought was that they were calling after all these years to find out about Texas Tech, and I was right about that one.
One for two ain’t bad.
They wanted to know all about Lubbock and Texas Tech and how I thought their child would fit in out here.
“Well, you’ve come to the right place,” I told them, and we proceeded to discuss this town and this school for a good half hour.
I’ll be honest, I may have exhausted them. There were times I know they thought I was overselling it but, in truth, I felt like I was barely scratching the surface.
They asked about the campus, and I told them how nice it was and about Arbor Day and the spring look. They asked about various programs their child might be interested in, and I gave them the information I had off the top of my head. They asked about the weather, and I told them it gets a little breezy from time to time (see, I told you I wasn’t overselling it) but the wind was a small price to pay to miss out on the swampy humidity back home.
Then they got down to brass tacks. As a parent they’re worried about their child.
While the friend is back in our hometown, they explained to me that their family has bounced around a lot for work. They’ve gone to other states and countries and their child hasn’t had the stability of being in one environment for more than a couple years. Fitting in has been an issue, and my friend was wondering if it would be an issue here.
And that, my friends, is where I was more than ready to share my knowledge of Texas Tech.
You see, I’m blessed to have the job I have. It allows me to meet people and build relationships.
If you’re wondering what actually makes this place special and you think it’s our lovely campus, the facilities for classes, the great programs, the graduation rates and career opportunities, the support systems, the Goin’ Band, the atmosphere at the United Supermarkets Arena or Jones AT&T Stadium, the rec center or the SUB… you can make your case and I won’t argue it too much.
In fact, if you ask me what I love about Texas Tech, my general response is, “What’s not to love?”
But what truly makes this place special is the people.
I told my friend that I just met a first-generation student from Rhode Island whose parents immigrated to New England from Guatemala. He has found a home at Texas Tech. I met another student with dreams of being a rock star who had to struggle before finding the right path in college. He found his place on this campus.
I’ve done stories on everyone from an international student working on his doctorate in hopes of making vaccines more effective to a local kid who got a scholarship at Texas Tech through the Make-A-Wish program. I’ve written about inspiring people fixing to graduate and take on the world and those just getting started with their journey on campus.
I’ve talked to alumni who have gone on to do great things. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of our deans, vice provosts, vice chancellors, department chairs, professors, associate professors and program directors. And I’ve gotten to work with some of the amazing staff members across campus who really keep this place ticking.
Through all of that, what I’ve come to understand and admire about this university is that there’s a place here for everyone. You may not find it right away. On a campus this size it can be hard. But it’s there.
The more people I meet on this campus, the more sure I get of that fact,
I can’t say for sure if my friend will be sending us another student. I don’t think any decisions have been made. But I do know if they come to Texas Tech, our campus community will make them feel right at home.
More Mailbag
- Mailbag: Getting the Boot
How many citations until you get a boot on your vehicle? Is there a campus nurse? - Mailbag: Print the Legend
Is Texas Tech the second-largest contiguous college campus in the country? - Mailbag: Playing Chicken
Exploring the world of campus crosswalks. - Mailbag: Halloween Happenings
How best to celebrate All Hallows Eve. - Mailbag: Beyond Okay
Mental health, and what Texas Tech is doing to help. - Mailbag: Home for the Holidays
Planning your holiday travels? We’ve got you covered. - Mailbag: Thanksgiving Extravaganza!
In which we answer two reader questions about Turkey Day. - Mailbag: Giving Thanks
The Mailbag stays in-house this week as we give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. - Mailbag: Highly Recommended
What to do when you need a letter of recommendation. - Mailbag: Let the Commencements Commence
Everything from parking at the ceremony to ideas about what to do afterward! - Mailbag: A Horse's A**
At issue is a certain horse's hindquarters, a college down south and if the two actually intersect. - Mailbag: Checking In
Parents with questions: where to see their student's grades and how to see TechAlerts. - Mailbag: Let's Get Judgy
What are Texas Tech’s world-class judging teams actually judging and how do they get judged themselves? We’re here to find out. - Mailbag: Happy Snow Day
What a snow day looks like at Texas Tech. - Mailbag: Evermore
We look at Texas Tech’s award-winning magazine. - Mailbag: All About Love
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so we’re sharing some Texas Tech love stories. - Mailbag: The Hub for Success
The Raider Success Hub is a new tool designed to help students succeed. - Mailbag: The Hub for Success
The Raider Success Hub is a new tool designed to help students succeed. - Mailbag: All About Love Part II
Two weeks back, we shared a couple of stories of Red Raiders in love. We liked it so much we’re doing it again. - Mailbag: Here with the Wind
A little bit (maybe a whole lot) of West Texas coming at y’all. - Mailbag: Spring Break Safety
Make good choices. - Mailbag: Service It Up
Take on the challenge and get those service hours counted. - Mailbag: More to Come
We hope you enjoyed our latest series, but we’re just getting started. - Mailbag: Was That Sky Water?
Talking about a rainy day. - Mailbag: Finish Strong
We’re looking at a fine way to close out your first year on campus. - Mailbag: How and Why We Ranch Horse
In case you were curious, we build champions around here. - Mailbag: What's Not To Love?
A column in which we discuss a call with a friend. - Mailbag: Looks Like You Made It
You’re Red Raiders for life now, no take backs. - Mailbag: Building Up
Texas Tech hosted its first topping out ceremony of its second century, but it won’t be the last. - Mailbag: Taking Over
What does it take to turn Dallas red? - Mailbag: Off to the Races
Texas Tech and LISD partnered on a STEM project involving races and student-built vehicles. - Mailbag: Everything Evermore All At Once
What does it take to become the best of the best? - Mailbag: Red Raider Community
In which we talk about what the Red Raider community is. - Mailbag: Happy Independence Day
Where we talk about summer, safety and making good decisions. - Mailbag: Two Mondays
A weird week of work and a couple other things you should know. - Mailbag: Why Semiconductors Matter
You may be surprised to learn how much is happening at Texas Tech. - Mailbag: Let's Go Dining
We’re talking about food, so please enjoy. - Mailbag: Clarion Awards
Another round of awards and a night to remember. - Mailbag: Leading from Lubbock
After a whirlwind week in the Big 12, it is worth noting the huge role President Lawrence Schovanec played in the latest round of realignment. - Mailbag: Let's Talk About the Weather
Fake fall came and went, but we learned some things. - Mailbag: Day of Giving
Texas Tech’s second Day of Giving was a massive success, thanks to all of you, but how does the whole thing come together? - Mailbag: What’s Up With Hurricane Season?
Hurricane season is clearly here, so we asked why they’re hitting left, right and center. - Mailbag: Life Advice from Jimmy Buffett
A legend has passed, but we can all still appreciate what he brought us. - Mailbag: The Villain of the Housing Market?
Short-term rentals are feeling the heat, but are they the true villains? - Mailbag: Hard-Working People
When trouble hits, the Operations Division responds. - Mailbag: What Texas Tech Has Always Been About
President Schovanec's State of the University highlighted many records while emphasizing Texas Tech's priority: our students. - Mailbag: Fall Agritourism
It's that time of year, so enjoy it and be respectful. - Mailbag: Help Is Near
Let’s talk about people, purpose and believing in good. - Mailbag: Get Out And Vote
Get to the polls and let your voice be heard. - Mailbag: Building a Reputation
With our hibernation over, we’re hungry and back on the hunt. - Mailbag: Texas Tech's Kansas City Connection
If you’re wondering where our support will be Sunday, wonder no more. - Mailbag: Helping While Feeling Helpless
Our community is in distress, and all of us should be concerned. - Mailbag: The Pursuit of Prime
Chasing the best there is to chase.
