Brinson Stephen outlines her pluralistic identity through her cultural circles which include her family's history in Texas back to the late 1800s. She describes her family's involvement in ranching and agriculture throughout the generations and how it continues to impact her life growing up on family land in College Station, Texas. Gender roles and religion are also explored across the generations. Brinson hopes to pursue a career in the oil field industry while maintaining her family's agricultural heritage.

1. PLURALISTIC IDENTITY
PROJECT
Brinson Stephen

2. 1. American
2. Christian
3. Texas A&M Aggie
4. Caucasian
5. Dancer
6. Texan
7. Republican
8. English
9. Middle Class
10. Female
MY CULTURAL CIRCLES

3. 4TH GENERATION
Alta McCullough (1908-1987): homemaker, inherited 9,800 acre Ranch in
Bryan, Texas via her parents. Born in Bryan, Texas
Wilmer (Mac) McCullough (1906-1977): owned a funeral home and ambulance
service. He also operated a cow and calf operation on the ranch (sell meat at
the market). Born in Bryan, Texas
Wilmer and Alta McCullough had 2 daughters: Jean and Carol McCullough,
born and raised in Bryan, Texas

4. 3RD GENERATION
Jean McCullough (1933-present): teacher, volunteer, homemaker, University
of Texas Zeta sorority. Born in Bryan, Texas
Joe Stanley Stephen (1933-2014): UT law school, SAE fraternity; was the first
UT student to graduate from UT law school in the shortest amount of time.
Was a Navy Jag officer after graduation. Born in Brownsville, Texas
Jean and Stan Stephen had 3 children: Brian, Brad, and Suzanne Stephen.
“Brinson, when you’re looking for a man, make sure he treats you right and
has drive and a passion for success in order to provide for you. Don’t worry
about how cute they are. If they treat you right and can provide, keep them!”
–Jean Stephen

5. 2ND GENERATION
Brian Stephen (1959-present): Born in Long Beach, California where his parents
were stationed. Moved back to Bryan, Texas when he was 5 years old. Attended
Texas A&M University for a Semester, then worked in West Texas in the Oil Field,
finished his Business degree at Sam Houston State University where he met his
wife, Lesli LeBeau. Brian started up an Appraisal Business which took off and
branched into Commercial and Residential Appraising along with, Owner
Financing Houses, and Property Tax Protesting.
Lesli Stephen (1964-present): Born in Slidell, Louisiana. Moved to Houston, TX at
the age of 12. Attended Sam Houston State University and moved to College
Station after her and Brian got married. They moved to Tomball and later into the
house that was on the family land (a lot of remodeling had to take place because
the house was previously rented out to Texas A&M students). Lesli was a teacher
for 16 years until her 3rd child when she retired to be a full time mother.
Brian and Lesli Stephen have four children: Brinson, Callie, Cade, and Lacy

6. ME
Brinson Stephen: was born in Houston, Texas and moved to Bryan, Texas at
the age of 2. She attended Texas A&M University and worked her way
through college to gain experience in the real world at an early age. She hopes
to pursue a career in sales in the oil field industry.
“Although I grew up with a blessed life, my parents wanted me to know the
true meaning of hard work… they wanted me to know what work ethic was
and that in order to live a blessed life, hard work must be put into the
equation.” –Brinson Stephen

7. SOCIAL CLASS
Great Generation: white collar/ rancher/ homemaker
Grand Generation: white collar/ professional/ middle class
Parents: middle class
“Why don’t you become a nurse
Brinny? You are good at taking
care of me.” –Stan Stephen
“I got offered a bonus when I was
at the law firm and I turned it
down to move to Bryan, Texas so
I could teach my sons how to hunt
and fish… family is more
important than money” –Stan
Stephen

8. RACE AND ETHNICITY
All generations are considered white.

9. GENDER ROLES
Great & Grand Generations: the males provided for the family financially and
made decisions for the family as the head of the household. The females took
care of the home and raised the children.
Parents: My mother and father both worked full time until they had their 3rd
child. At this point my mother retired and stayed at home with the children.
They make decisions for the family as a couple, but my dad is still the primary
contributor for our family financially and plays the dominate male role.
“Papa was a work-aholic, and now I am. Just like I hope one day you will be.
In order to succeed, you need to put in work and perseverance.” –Brian
Stephen

10. RELIGION
-My mother grew up in the church as her parents were youth ministers and
missionaries. Church was a big part of her life.
-On my dad’s side, church was attended occasionally but not religiously like
my mother’s family. Wilmer McCullough actually had a heart attack in First
Baptist Bryan. My Papa (Stan Stephen) had a heart attack the Sunday of
church when he was waking up to get ready to usher.
-Currently, my family occasionally attends church, but we make it a priority to
pray, give thanks, and appreciate God’s glory. I attended Pine Cover Christian
Camp for 8 years, and this enriched my spiritual and religious views to this
day.

11. IMPACT OF AGRICULTURE
Agriculture remains a way of life for my family. My family currently lives on 800
acres of the remaining land that was first bought by Coon Williams (my
grandmother’s father). Coon Williams bought the land by trading cows, loaning
money to people, and running a pawn shop where he would collect saddles, tools,
etc. The first track of land was bought in 1877 and was initially a cotton farm.
Coon Williams built the house that my family lives in. We still have the brand on
our entrance, white picked fence, windmill, and yellow and red barns. We have
updated by turning the windmill into a water well reservoir and have added solar
panels to our land. We still manage the land for cows and wildlife. My sister is a
barrel racer and loves the country and her horses. I cannot imagine growing up in
the city. I grew up on the land, learning how to identify animal tracks, and learning
how to hunt. We are currently about to drill for oil and gas on our land, as our
previous wells have dried up. As the land and city of College Station continue to
develop, our wish is to maintain and preserve the land that we have been so
blessed to inherit and appreciate.

13. MUDDING BEHIND OUR HOUSE!
Notice all the hay bales
that were recently baled
after growing our own
hay in the pasture.
When the weather dries
up, we will transport the
bales to store and sell
for the rest of the year.