Jewish Aggie of the Week Presents
What is your name?
Erin van Creveld
Where are you from?
Dallas, Texas
Where did you go to high school?
Plano East Senior High School
Why did you choose Texas A&M?
I originally came to A&M because I wanted to pursue a career in Veterinary medicine and because it was close to home. Although I have since changed my career path, I have fallen in love with the atmosphere, Jewish community, Alpha Epsilon Phi family, and friends I have made at Texas A&M and can’t image being anywhere else.
What was your major and why did you decide to pursue such a degree?
I am currently majoring in Meteorology. I decided to pursue this career because of my interest in severe weather and love for math.
What do you look forward to when coming to Chabad?
I look forward to coming to Chabad because of the welcoming atmosphere. It is a place where I feel I can be myself and am accepted for who I am.
What do you love about Jewish life on campus?
I love that although it is smaller compared to some other campuses, it is very close-knit. It is such a united and strong community and something I am so grateful to be a part of.
Do you have any siblings?
Yes, I have two younger sisters and one younger brother.
What is your favorite food?
Pasta
What is your favorite Jewish childhood memory?
My favorite memory from my childhood is spending Rosh Hashanah with my family. Ever since I was little, I can remember sitting around the table with my closest family and friends for hours on end, talking, laughing, and eating. Spending Rosh Hashanah with my family is still something I look forward to every year and will continue to for years to come.
Have you ever traveled outside of the United States? If so, where?
I have traveled to Israel, South Africa, England, Mexico, and the Bahamas. My favorite place was Israel for more reasons than I can even name!
Have you ever been to Israel? If so, what was the most moving/amazing/inspirational experience you had?
Yes! Israel was one of my most favorite places I have ever been to. I especially loved visiting Independence Hall. I was very moved by the experience and enjoyed learning about the history. The trip would not have been the same if it weren’t for my amazing Aggie friends who were there experiencing everything with me.
If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
I have always wanted to go to Dubai, Tokyo, or Fiji.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Every summer my family goes to Cabo San Lucas. I love spending a week or two there relaxing, snorkeling, and going deep sea fishing with my dad.
If you could start university again what would you do differently? Absolutely nothing. I do not regret any decisions I made or didn’t make. I have had such an incredible experience at A&M and wouldn’t change a thing.
Do you have any animals? What is their best trick?
I have three dogs. One of my dogs does a “kosher” trick. When you give him food or a treat and tell him “treif,” he won’t eat it until you say “kosher.”
Did you prefer living on campus or off campus? What would you recommend to freshmen?
I have always lived off campus. Freshman year I lived at The Stack, a student apartment complex directly across from campus, and then sophomore and junior year in a house. I prefer living off campus because of the freedom it gives you. Freshman year, I had to become independent and grow up very quickly since I did not have access to some of the on-campus amenities, like dining plans. For me, living off-campus was the right decision. My advice to freshman about housing would be to take everything into account – Do you have a car? Do you know how to cook? Do you have a place to do laundry? – before making the decision. Determining where to live is a big decision and is one that should be made with a lot of thought.
Do you have a message for future A&M students?
Make the most of every moment. I know a lot of people say that, but your time at A&M truly passes by quicker than you will ever imagine. Don’t be afraid to join an organization you are interested in or make friends with someone sitting next to you in class. You don’t want to end your four (or more) years at A&M with a bunch of “should haves” and “could haves,” but instead with no regrets and a lifetime of amazing memories.
What has been your most enjoyable class?
I really love math, so probably any math class, even the difficult ones. The math class that stands out to me the most is Math 151 because of my professor. JD Kim was one of the funniest and most caring professors I have ever had and he made class so enjoyable. I also enjoy all of my meteorology classes because of the small class size.
How did you get involved with Chabad?
When I was in high school, I came down to A&M for a dance audition. I arrived on a Friday and one of my friends, who already went to A&M, convinced me to go with her to Shabbat at Chabad. I remember being super overwhelmed but loving it. Growing up I also attended a Chabad in Dallas for half of my life, so I was familiar with it. When freshman year began, I would go to Shabbat each week and other Chabad programs. Before I knew it, Chabad had become my home-away-from-home and a place I spend a lot of my time.