Longhorns?

I have to admit, when I first heard that UT's symbol was the longhorn (years ago, I'm sure) I was a little skeptical. Did I want to be a longhorn? What were longhorns even like? Of course, back then I didn't actually think further than that - I simply considered the idea of a longhorn for a few minutes, if even that, before dismissing the entire topic.

Is this what we look like?

Since we as a class are going to be inducted into the Longhorn Tribe soon, however, wouldn't it be great if I knew more about longhorns before then? I do now, and I know how I want to be more like them.

A few things stuck out to me after all the readings; longhorns like to blaze their own trails. They have a sheer bull-headed stubbornness that I find admirable; that I would like to emulate. They have a certain trait about them; they are "free to roam the wilderness" and, while arguably I am also free, I haven't yet taken the chance (I don't even know what I would want to do) (178). That individual spirit and fire put together create amazing, powerful animals that are determined to do as they please. The "majesty" that they have in their own actions as well as how they cooperate with humans is kind of amazing (181); the anecdotes about how many longhorns have interacted with humans were very interesting to read. Overall, I'd like to take away the trail-blazing attitude of theirs, especially how they manage to take care of their own interests even while working together. They embody the spirit of Texas as well, and I'm looking forward to becoming one next class.

Now imagine a longhorn next to this sign.