Aggielife
The Battalion Page 3 • Tuesday, June 8, 2004
Aggf eland 101
New Student Conferences focus on Honor Code,
community in line with University goals
By Amber Gray
THE BATTALION
To this day. Tiffany Dillon fondly remembers her New
Student Conference. During one assembly the freshmen
became a little confused as the yell leaders began teaching
pass backs for the yells.
“All of us fish just did exactly what they did: pointed
back at them and did the pass back," Dillon, a junior
mechanical engineering major, said. “They all laughed at
us saying ‘No, only we point.’ It’s kind of a stupid story,
but I still laugh about it.’’
Teaching the Aggie traditions is only one of the
focus points during New Student Conferences.
“I had heard about Bonfire and the Corps before coming
toA&M,” Dillon said, “But I didn’t know what it meant
to be an Aggie.”
By the second day of the conference, Dillon was learn
ing that by being accepted into the University, she was also
being accepted into the Aggie family.
“That was a great feeling for me,” she said. “And even
more so for my family, who knew that I would be well
taken care of here.”
Cynthia Hernandez, coordinator of New Student
Programs in the Department of Student Life, said current
conferences are not only focusing on academics and
degree plans, but emphasizing that the new students are
joining the Aggie community.
“We want the students to feel like more than just a
number,” she said. “We want them to know we are here
to help.”
The Conference also aims to instill several objectives of
Vision 2020 into the Class of 2008.
“Following with one of Dr. Gates’ initiatives, the Aggie
Honor Code in and out of the classroom is woven through
the orientations,” Hernandez said.
Ivan Flores • THE BATTALION
With the many changes accompanying the new year at
A&M, students at the conferences are discovering what
it’s like to become part of the Aggie community.
“With the increase of diversity on campus we are
teaching the freshmen to appreciate others,” Hernandez
said. “We all need to respect the diverse population
of students here at A&M.”
Throughout the past few years many changes have
been
made to the conferences to meet the incoming
students’ needs and interests. One change made this
year was shortening the conference from a three-day
schedule to a two-day program.
Due to remodeling in Duncan Dining Hall, the loca
tion of check-in became another major change.
Partnering with the 12th Man Foundation and The Zone
Club, students’ first program during the conference is
held in The Zone.
“Meeting in one of the million-dollar rooms of The
Zone has been really neat this year,” Hernandez said.
“The students get a great view of Kyle Field, and for
most this is their first impression of the University.”
It is also important for the incoming students to
learn more about the activities and organizations on
campus to get involved during their time at
the University.
“The Corps luncheon and ice cream social is one new
change we’ve made to the program this year,” Hernandez
said. “They serve as an opportunity for students and
parents to learn more about the Corps and to even join.”
Another new development this year was the
implementation of Freshmen Dinner, where students get
to eat and relax as a class.
“From what I hear this has been a tremendous benefit
See Conferences on page 4
I
"Troy"
Starring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom
Warner Bros. Pictures
Troy is undeniably a good film overall, but it
has shortcomings that weaken its credibility.
the famous Battle of Troy on- screen
is an astonishing opportunity, but for anyone who has read or stud
ied “The Iliad" by Homer, he would be disappointed by the very
altered storyline, which is full of holes in some areas. The ‘love is
worth war' theme is upheld and seen in various forms in the film, yet
facts and myths are changed to make the story compatible with the
Hollywood movie screen.
Some of the changes do not matter in the long run, but others
greatly alter how the great epic of the Battle of Troy should be
remembered. The greatest disappointment is that the film does not
explain how the gods and goddesses impacted the beginning and
outcome of the battle. Achilles’ half mortal, half immortal nature
and his origin is never discussed, which leaves loose ends.
But in terms of talent, “Troy” is bursting with it. Pitt as
Achilles and Bana as Hector do a remarkable job portraying their
characters’ roles as emotional and physical leaders of each army.
Pitt is amazing as he steals the spotlight from others in several sit
uations. Bloom portrays the youngest prince of Troy, Paris, in a
stately manner and captures characteristics few others would have
managed. The roles of Priam, King of Troy (Peter O’ Toole),
Agamemnon, ruler of Greece (Brian Cox) and Menelaus, King of
Sparta (Brendan Gleeson) are strongly played and strengthen the
purpose and storyline of the feature.
The graphics for this film are stunning and highly enjoyable.
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The kingdom of Troy is a fantastic landscape castle along the
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The talent and visuals, added with precise clothing and weapon
replication, make “Troy” the award-worthy movie that it is.
-Christina
Teichman
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