For many in the Corps of Cadets, their membership in the organization is just one of several ways they choose to develop themselves as well rounded leaders. With over 1,300 student organizations offered on Texas A&M’s campus, cadets can add to the Corps’ developmental experience in a variety of ways.
One cadet, Julianna Ramirez ‘25, a member of C-Battery in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, has chosen to continue a long time passion of hers through an organization that her mother, Marciela Ramirez ‘96, helped establish during her own time at Texas A&M.
"I started dancing ballet folklorico when I was five years old. I chose to join the Ballet Folklorico Celestial organization at Texas A&M because I wanted to continue pursuing my passion for sharing my culture and I wanted to be a part of the organization that my mom helped shape as the President,” Ramirez explained.
Coming from Pearland, Texas, Ramirez says that her participation in Ballet Folklorico Celestial has helped make Aggieland feel more like home.
“When I first moved to College Station, I quickly realized that it looked very different from home. I missed dancing folklorico and I knew there was a group on campus. This was my way to get off of the Quad, meet people who have some of the same interests as me and a way for me to relax and do something that I love,” Ramirez said.
Though similarities between the Corps and Ballet Folklorico Celestial may not be immediately discernible, membership in both organizations has reinforced skills that Ramirez will use even after college.
“One of the biggest things I have gained is the ability to manage my time. I’ve learned that there are two types of things, plastic things and glass things, and you have to juggle them. Sometimes it will cause more of a hassle to drop a glass thing that you need to do, versus dropping a plastic thing that you want to do more,” Ramirez said.
“Being a member of the Corps of Cadets and the Aggie Band is a large time commitment, but I also think that making time to do something you love is important. We always say that the Corps is a leadership lab, and it really is. It teaches you how to respond to different situations, with different people, with different stress levels,” she continued.
The Corps of Cadets provides students from all backgrounds the space and opportunity to develop as leaders, prepare for the future and pursue their passions. Through her involvement in both the Corps and Ballet Folklorico Celestial, Ramirez has crafted a Corps experience that is uniquely her own.
Story By: Robin Nelson '22