Alex T.
Name: Alex Toney
Class: 2010
Hometown: Prosper, TX
Major: English Lit.
Favorite Aggie Tradition: Student Involvement. I tell my friends from other schools about spending time in the student government office. For fun. And they just laugh at me. I think you have to be an Aggie to understand how much our school values its student activities.
Useful College Advice: Wear comfy shoes? Look, you’re going to be here for a few years, so you’ve got to be comfortable with who you are. If you’re not, and, be honest, then write down why, and try to get past that. Get to know yourself, and the the things you like. A little self-reflection is like Dr. Scholl’s for the soul. Or sole.
Favorite Organization Involved With: My Freshman year, almost on a whim, I decided to apply for a FLO. I had no idea at the time how much it would change my life. The people I’ve met because of my Freshman Leadership Organization have made me smarter, and better, and they’re my best friends to boot.
Interesting/Little Known Fact: I like entering contests.
Favorite Everyday Phrase: “Blurg!”
Where is your favorite spot on campus and why? Starbucks Northgate. Sure, it’s not technically on school property, but it’s part of my idea of “campus.” Plus, Phil loves students (he’s aptly named, no?) more than most professors do. I think that counts for something.
Favorite Dream Vacation: Last summer I lived in Barcelona, Spain, and I would love to go back. It’s probably true that I hablar español like a tourist, but I can eat like a local.
Favorite College Job/Internship: This summer I’m crossing my fingers for an internship in TV production. If I can land one, it will definitely garner the superlative “favorite.” Until then, I’m favorite-free.
Greatest Pet Peeve: I don’t handle honking well. Sure, I know most drivers are going for the gentle nudge of a honk, the – “Hey, the light’s green!” honk – but it always comes across like SOMEONE IS SCREAMING AT ME. Under normal circumstances, I’m a pretty even-keeled guy, but when somebody honks at me…let’s just say I go over to the dark side of the force.
Ideal Post-College Career: writing television.
Which classes do you think have helped you for your future? I had a class sophomore year, British Novel 1870-present, that was taught by one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. This tiny professor-woman used to scrawl huge ideas across the board and then connect them to other ideas with her little genius-scribbles. She was brilliant, and engaging, and she taught me to think less…narrowly. Plus, she was wicked funny.
Best Life Advice told to you: “Tell the truth, tell the truth, tell the truth.” That, or “Don’t do anything just because somebody else says you should enjoy it.” I may or may not have gotten that last one from an Oprah magazine.
Favorite Out-of-Texas experience? I went to visit my friend in Paris this summer. He was working as a tour guide and living in an apartment that looked like it had been decorated by the 70s-era Yakuza Clan. We had a blast.
One thing you would like people to know about A&M: 48,000 people go to school here. Whatever your weird niche is, you can find students who share your interests. Have you heard about the furries? Well, they’re real. And you didn’t hear about them from me…
