They do say “everything is bigger in Texas” and that very well could be true. In the case of Texas Eta Avery Fowler, a native of Plano, Texas, “big” was something she was used to. Texas A & M University (TAMU) enrolls more than 50,000 students each year; a staggering number for those interested in an intimate college experience. So when Avery decided to attend TAMU she was committed to being more than just a number.

“It is more than could have ever expected,” Avery said about her experiences so far. “People are so kind and willing to help and be there for you. I didn’t think it was possible.”

Avery thinks back to the time she was deciding to switch into the Business Honors program. A Pi Phi sister who was already in the program took the time out to sit down to explain how to be successful in the program. Additionally, they conducted mock interviews and reviewed her essays, essentially walking Avery through the program. Once in the program, the relationships with the individuals in her cohort only helped encourage her. To Avery, there was always someone willing to give a nice smile or help her; there was always someone willing to go study or to hang out.

Avery considers herself lucky to have so many support systems on such a large campus. In fact, it is rare that Avery is ever alone. She currently lives in the chapter house with 40 other Pi Phi sisters. It has been an awesome experience to have people a few steps away, whether it is to run an errand to the grocery store or to sit and chat with or sometimes to have a dance party in the common room with; it is the small moments like that which bring people together. “It’s weird to think it is only once in a life time and I will not live with 40 other women in a house ever again.”