As officers of the Planet Longhorn student organization at the University of Texas at Austin, we pledge to uphold six foundational ideals:

I. The personal value of international education

The experience of living, working, and especially studying abroad is invaluable to the understanding and subsequent tolerance of people from other cultural backgrounds. Through personal exposure to the customs, languages, and environments of other cultures, a worldview free from the confines of prejudice and caprices of bias, may be established. Adapting to the complexities of a new culture can be challenging, and my experience will ultimately provide a will, based on empathy, to serve the Planet Longhorn community. Thus, I believe international education to be of vital importance for myself, towards success in a globally interconnected world, and to others, towards fostering worldly compassion and personal humility.

II. The significance of my position as an ambassador of my own culture

Whether abroad or with Planet Longhorn, it is crucial that I understand that I represent myself, my university, my state, my country, and my way of life, simultaneously. Though I do not assign undue superiority to these cultural entities which I call my own, I am devoted to the motivation of goodwill and tolerance towards them.

III. The integral role I play in the betterment of the UT academic and social atmosphere

By providing leadership with vision and foresight, aligned with the mission of Planet Longhorn, I am directly responsible for the improvement of the quality of studentship at UT. I serve as a role model for those interested in pursuing an international education, developing leadership and communication skills, integrating into the UT social community, networking with individuals worldwide, and attaining a balanced worldview as a result.

IV. The strength of friendship through hospitality

Helping someone in need is always appreciated and never forgotten. The wisdom of benevolence – whether it is manifested in an airport pickup or a couch to sleep on – defines my relationship with the members of Planet Longhorn.

V. The promotion of diversity and inclusion for all members

Planet Longhorn seeks to create a community of students, bonded by basic commonalities rather than divided by outward differences. These commonalities include the search for genuine friendship, personal improvement, cultural understanding, and academic challenge. However, each member of Planet Longhorn will seek these goals in their own unique way, and my mission is to cater to each member individually. Though majority opinions may arise concerning these goals, I uphold the vitality of the minority.

VI. The longevity of Planet Longhorn and devotion to its long-term goals

Planet Longhorn provides a truly unique set of services to the UT community. Over time, these services will increase and improve in the spirit of its long-term goals. My term as a leader in Planet Longhorn is, first and foremost, devoted towards progress towards these goals: developing community prominence through volunteering and philanthropic events, maintaining a sustainable, not-for-profit organization whose services are made progressively cheaper and more efficient for our members, and providing increasingly better living-opportunities for our members.