Why FishCo is Cool A love story by the Class of 2018

Kilian Bresnahan ‘18 "Howdy Class of 2019! Getting involved in FishCo was one of the best things I could have done my freshman year. If you love to be involved, meet active people, and are interested in representing your class, Fish Council is for you. Being involved in the amazing traditions here at A&M is one of the many things where you'll play an active role. I would recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and apply. You won't regret this opportunity." Thanks & Gig 'em

Jessica Fritsche ‘18 “What does FishCo mean to me? What do I love most about FishCo? FishCo in my opinion is the true definition of family. The FishCo class of 2018 had some great moments, but we also went through some really tough times. No matter the situation or event occurring your fellow FishCo members were there 100% either cheering you on or helping you up. What I loved most about FishCo is the crazy, fun filled atmosphere that everyone contributed to. Everyone tells you that you’re going to be different from a lot of people you see on campus, but you’ll always having being a part of the Aggie family in common. FishCo is a true testimony to that. When we all first came together, I was blown away at how diverse we were. But I soon realized that we were just a group of freshmen trying to figure out how to conquer A&M all the while having fun along the way. Maybe we haven’t quite conquered all of A&M, but we definitely took over Koldus, which says a lot!”

Austin Ramirez ‘18 “Joining Fish Council was one of the best decisions I made freshmen year. I was able to meet other passionate Aggies and experience the Aggie Traditions first hand. It was so exciting to be able to play a role in putting on the traditions that make Texas A&M so unique.”

Clare Campbell ‘18 “Joining Fish Council was by far one of the best decisions I made my freshman year. Originally, joining a flo was not even on my radar. But the most spectacular things happen when they are not planned. Through Fishco, I was able to develop myself as a leader, aggie, and friend. I was given many opportunities to work on real life skills such as interviews, event planning, and business tasks. I started off the year not knowing very many Aggie traditions and now, because of Fish Council, I can officially call myself redass by actively being involved in all of the traditions and aspects the 12th Man has to offer. But most importantly, the relationships I made throughout my freshman year through Fish Co were surreal. Not only did I not know a single person on day one, but at first I considered myself very different from the people within Fishco. However after so many fun social events, I discovered that I actually was very similar to these people in my flo even though we may have been different in High School. Now some of these people are my closest friends at A&M and I will get to spend the next 3 years with them in Class Councils, which is unique compared to other flos. These are just a few reasons to join Fish Council 2019… You won’t regret it!”

Taylor Lauten ‘18 “Over and over again I heard that joining a FLO was amazing and you make friends for a lifetime, and I was excited but didn’t really understand the seriousness and reality of that statement. Coming into FISH Co, I felt beyond welcomed, cherished and supported. That mutual respect turned into friendships and those friendships have turned into the most positive relationships I have in my life. Beyond meeting the most amazing people ever, FISH Co allowed me to give back to my AMAZING school. Coming from out of state I worried I would not be viewed as Redass or as serious about A&M as someone else. Fish Co allowed me the opportunity and reaffirmed that I am just as Redass as anyone and that I can truly make a difference at A&M. It is nice to be directly involved with some of the traditions that make Texas A&M SO unique. I also learned a LOT from being a part of this organization. I learned quite a bit about myself and how I want to act as a friend, co worker, volunteer and an Aggie. I learned insights into college, and what time management really looks like- which I can’t even begin to describe how thankful I was for that transition. Most importantly, I would like to point out that I was scared coming into a big school, knowing no one… In the very beginning I hadn’t found my place at the school and felt very,well, lonely. Then FISH Co happened… It clicked and I found my place. And almost every Fun, exciting, cherished memory I have from school was because of this incredible organization.”

Zan Hanks ‘18 “I joined Fish Council in Fall of 2014, I was a nervous freshman, as most were, and I have got to say the people who I became council members with ended up being some of the greatest people in the world to me. I mean we had it all- engineering students, business students, liberal arts, honors and a few other majors thrown in. My class was able to run some of the most successful traditions last year- we ran Maroon Out, Pull Out Day, Day, Elephant Walk and Jr. E-Walk; it really gave myself a drive to become a more serving member of my class, less of a 2-percenter and to take up leadership positions when the opportunities appeared. I will say that one of the best decisions I made my freshman year was joining Class Councils and serving my class.”

Chad Ruesink ‘18 “Fish Council to me, means family. It is truly amazing to see how 50 strangers can grow to become best friends so fast. I know I can count on my Fish Co. family to be there for me no matter what. While you could probably say that about most organizations on campus, Fish Co. also goes above and beyond to ensure that we are shaped into the next leaders of this world. With Class Councils housing the class officer positions, Fish Co. members are able to interact with some of the most influential leaders on campus. Even as freshmen, we are able to work on some of the important traditions that separate Texas A&M from other universities; including Maroon Out, Elephant Walk, and Ring Dance. Upperclassmen and advisors are readily available to help us along the way with the many leadership opportunities open to us. Through these various director-level and committee positions open, we are able to establish and grow our leadership abilities throughout the year. Fish Co. is an amazing organization, where you can grow as a leader and make lifelong friendships along the way.”