Spring Break
Fish Camp president plans for class of 2013
By: Vicky Flores
Issue date: 6/17/09 Section: News
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Putnam was involved in numerous clubs as a freshman, and went through Fish Camp in 2005, following the lead of her two older sisters.
"I fell in love with the organization, their mission and what they do," Putnam said, "so I applied to be a counselor that next year and got it."
Putnam was a counselor for two years. She then became a co-chair in 2008, she said, in order to have more of a leadership role through out the organization. She became co-chair for session D, with the Abbott namesake.
Putnam is selfless and committed to serving others, said co-chair Morgan Turpin.
"She is a very humble leader and someone you can always trust to do the right thing."
Students need to know that Putnam is very dedicated to everything that she does, said Turpin, and is motivated to make the world a better place.
During Fish Camp one of Turpin's favorite memories of Putnam was the "G-Sway" where all the counselors got in a group and swayed to remind them of their unity. Turpin says this was Putnam's favorite thing to do.
After much thought about whether or not continue with the organization after being a co-chair, Putnam said she decided there was still much to do in leadership, and the direction that fish camp was going in, so she applied for director.
"I wanted to make sure that every freshman was getting the best experience possible," Putnam said, "and what is the best way to do that but going ahead and applying for the position of director. And I received it, which was such an honor and I am so thankful every day for that."
Fish Camp makes giving freshmen a hearty 'Howdy!' top priority, Putnam said.
"I really wanted to make sure that we were creating good leaders and good mentors, and role models," Putnam said, "people who could transition these freshmen in an inclusive environment where they felt welcome, accepted and really excited to be Aggies."
Since joining the organization, Putnam has created co-chair committees and implemented new training techniques so that students taking part will have more of a leadership role than before, she said.
Putnam oversees six other assistant directors and the organization as a whole. Putnam is also in charge of working with people outside of Fish Camp, including those in the University and various other stakeholders.
This summer Putnam is overseeing registration in preparation for the class of 2013.
Putnam has earned internships and is also involved in volunteer organizations.
She has interned at Moody Gardens Aquarium in Galveston, where she worked with sea lions, seals and penguins everyday. The internship led her to take an interest in a career working with animals, she said.
Putnam joined MSCC Hospitality her freshman year and remained a member for three years.
She will graduate in December, but is still deciding on her career path, she said.
"I will probably be working with a zoo or a wildlife rehabilitation clinic," Putnam said, "but there is always, in the back of my mind, doing something with student affairs or student development because I have really come to love working in that type of environment."
When Putnam is not volunteering or involved in organizing the details of Fish Camp she said she enjoys spending time with loved ones.
"I love reading. I love catching up with my family and my friends," Putnam said. "It's all relational, spending time with the people I have developed relationships with during college."
Putnam said her greatest accomplishment is being able to have the chance to help and encourage other people in accomplishing their goals and to help them have the confidence to succeed.
One of the most influential people in her life, she said, is her older sister Dawna Putnam. Putnam has watched her older sister grow through A&M and said she admires the path that she took; she has become one of her greatest role models.
Dawna also took on leadership roles in Fish Camp.
"Kim is really one of my favorite people in the world," Dawna said. "She gets along with almost any kind of person. She is totally genuine; what you see is what you get with her."
Putnam allows people to feel comfortable with who they are, and is there for her friends when they are in need, Dawna said.
What do you love most about being an Aggie?
What I love most about being an Aggie is how unique our school is and the opportunities it provides to students. No where else will you find a University with the support that you find at Texas A&M; our family network extends far beyond College Station and well past our four our five years in school. I am thankful for everyone who makes possible the cultivation of strong student leaders.
If you had three hours of free time, what would you do with it? I would catch up with friends and family, and sleep! I would definitely read, relax or spend time with people I do not get to see often.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child I was very much a dreamer. I wanted to be everything from a veterinarian or a teacher to a pilot or actress. The sky was the limit!
What are your goals for after graduation? After graduation I hope to travel a bit before settling down to work. I will be working in a zoo or aquarium training animals and increasing awareness about conservation.
What is your favorite memory made at Aggieland so far? I will always cherish the football games, days spent lounging on Academic Plaza and lunch in the 12th Man. My best times at A&M have been freshman year adventures, Midnight Yell, volunteering on campus, silent nights at Silver Taps, watching Aggies get their rings, dressing up for Fish Camp events, Muster, and the random hangouts that happen on campus.
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