Jewish Aggie of the Week Presents
What is your name?
Ryan Sukenik
Where are you from?
Plano, TX
Where did you go to high school?
Yavneh Academy of Dallas
Why did you choose Texas A&M?
The culture is what brought me here, I wanted to be surrounded by hardworking and dedicated people that would help me succeed and get to where I wanted to be after College.
What is your major and why did you decide to pursue such a degree?Political Science is my major and I originally picked this major because as cliché as it sounds I want to change the world and make it a better place for everyone, I’m not sure exactly what profession I want to go into yet however I know that in whatever I do, I want to help make the world a better place.
What do you look forward to when coming to Chabad?
I look forward to the homie feeling that I’m sure everyone who has been to Chabad can sympathize with, the feeling of belonging.
What do you love about Jewish life on campus?
I love the fact that the Jewish presence, at A&M is not too overwhelming or encompassing, however it is there when you need it and it is one of the most welcoming communities I have ever encountered.
Why do you think it is important to be involved in Jewish life?
I think it’s important to be involved in Jewish life specifically at A&M because of how small of a percent of the population Jews at A&M really are, and because of the potential the community has to be much greater than it ever has before.
Do you plan on going to graduate school at A&M?
Not sure yet.
Do you have any siblings?
Yes, a younger sister who is 16 and goes to Booker T. High school in Dallas.
What is your favorite Jewish food?
Matzah ball soup or Latkes with applesauce
What is your favorite food?
Oreo’s
What is your favorite Jewish childhood memory?
Going to Greene Family Camp
What is your favorite Chabad experience until now?
My favorite Chabad experience at A&M would have to be when I visited last year and toured campus, I stopped by the Chabad house and shook the lulav and met everyone there.
Have you ever traveled outside of the United States? If so, where? Which place was your favorite?
I went to Honduras and some small islands off the coast of South America; I loved these places because it broadened my understanding on how people live in the world.
Have you ever been to Israel? If so, what was the most moving/amazing/inspirational experience you had?
Not yet, I hope to go on the birthright this year either in the winter or in the summer.
If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
Israel
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Bahamas
How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I play Super Smash Bros competitively and I spend most of my free time on that.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Work with a presidential candidate and help get them elected.
If you could start university again what would you do differently?
I honestly have no regrets so far, and I hope to continue my university experience without any regrets.
Do you have any animals? What is their best trick?
I have a dog named Schmoopie and his best trick is he has the sense to know when anything walks past our house and barks every time.
Did you prefer living on campus or off campus? What would you recommend to freshmen?
I prefer living off campus at Callaway house and would recommend any freshman to live here, I have met some great people thus far and love my experience so far.
Do you have a message for future A&M students?
Take advantage of the resources available to you, follow what you love.
What has been your most enjoyable class?
Psychology is my favorite right now, learning about thoughts and the brain is fascinating.
What would enhance Jewish life on campus?
The only thing that could enhance Jewish life at A&M would be more people!
How did you get involved with Chabad?
I was involved with Chabad back in Plano because my mother is the Summer camp director for them and I was a camp counselor for many years, then when I heard about Chabad at A&M I immediately wanted to get involved and help out where I could.
Do you have plans for after graduation?
None specific yet, hopefully I can figure that out over the next four years.