Hector Cortes, 21, is a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American and plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and a minor in leadership studies in communication in December 2012. Cortes has been an active member in the University through his employment in the Office of Residence Life and his research experience in the psychology department. He has served as a resident assistant (RA) since Fall 2009 in both the Unity Hall dormitories and the Bronc Village apartment complex. His time as an RA has allowed for growing a community on campus as well as providing students with academic and personal advice. As a member of the Student Leadership Program, Cortes has served as both a mentor for incoming freshmen and as an intern to a community leader. His has 160+ documented hours of volunteer experiences, including the completion of a community project directed by two fellow students that aimed to raise funding for the Penitas, Texas Public Library, which resulted in 7,000 books. In the area of research, Cortes has worked under the supervision of Dr. Jerwen Jou in the conduction and collection of data of various experimental memory experiments. Their study is directed at the completion of two ongoing scholarly journals of which he is second and third author. Cortes has recently presented their research in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences 2012 Sixth Annual Research Conference.

Awards/Honors: Texas Grant, 2008-present; Student Leadership Program scholarship; and Dean’s List, Fall 2008-Fall 2011.

What are your plans after graduation? My plans after graduation include the continuation of my academic career at UTPA through a master’s program in the area of experimental psychology, specializing in applied behavioral modification. I will continue to search for opportunities to develop my research and critical thinking skills within the community.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley? I plan to stay in the Valley due to the opportunities available for the growth and practice of an applied behavior analyst. There is a need for bilingual speaking analysts to practice their methods, as well as spread awareness about autism and other mental health related issues.

What has your education done for you? My experiences as both a psychology and philosophy major have increased my love toward education, mainly the value of knowledge as a centerpiece of life. It has increased my ability to explore the world and the way through which I learn what it has to offer.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? UTPA has always offered a great number of academic and personal development opportunities for every type of student on campus. I feel that I have taken advantage of these resources and have complemented them through the direction of my professors and program directors.

What is your best tip for success? Always have a vision of what you hope to accomplish and work toward it. Never stop asking questions and always be willing to keep on trying.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? College can be an environment of great change and opportunity. Experiment with your interests so that you may choose a good major that suits your personality and goals. Don’t be afraid to enroll in more than one philosophy course; they can complement your major and help you grow in more ways than one.

Yolanda Rodriguez, 20, a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American, plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and two minors in Spanish and English in May 2012. Rodriguez graduated from Valley View High School in 2009 as one of the top students of her class. During her undergraduate years, she has been involved in the following: Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society (ALD), Golden Key Honour Society, Sophomore Academic Mentoring Program, Catholic Campus Ministry, Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, Psychology Club and The Rafael A. “Felo” & Carmen Guerra Honors Program. Her involvement on campus extended to earning the “Order of the Torch” national title for the UTPA ALD chapter, being recognized for the development of her research during local and national conferences, and the successful completion and defense of her Honors Undergraduate Thesis. Rodriguez has also dedicated her time to the community through events such as HESTEC, 16 de Septiembre Celebration, and religious retreats such as Bronc and Scorpion Awakening. During her senior year, Rodriguez mentored more than 32 sophomore students and provided them with the tools for a successful college career. She has also been part of the Tropical Texas Behavioral Health staff where her internship allowed her to gain experience in the field that she loves.

Awards/Honors: UTPA Concurrent Enrollment Scholarship, 2008; T.E. & Anna Mercer Scholarship, 2009; State Top 10 Percent Scholarship, 2009; Selden Leavell Scholarship, 2010; Jesse H. & Mary G. Jones Scholarship, 2011; State Top 10% Renewal Scholarship, 2011; Dean’s List, 2009, 2010, 2011; Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, 2011; AALD Delta Pam Graham Graduate Fellowship, 2012; Academic Dean’s Outstanding Student Award, 2012; and Honorable Mention, Honors Program Thesis Presentation, 2012.

What are your plans after graduation? I plan to attend graduate school and earn my master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology. My goal is earn the experience and knowledge necessary to open my own clinic. My dream is to open a foundation in which I could provide free services to those who need it the most.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley? Since my plans for education are not offered in the Rio Grande Valley, I would probably need to relocate to finish my education. I would then enjoy returning to the Valley and aid students in their college career.

What has your education done for you? It has taught me that knowledge is the greatest tool one can have to achieve one’s dreams. Having the opportunity of earning a college education has opened many doors for me and showed me that there are no limits for a determined individual.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? UTPA has been a marvelous university. It was the institution that gave me opportunities I had never imagined before. My college career presented many challenges that helped me grow as a professional and embrace the richness of the Valley.

What is your best tip for success? True success can only be achieved with love, care, and passion. Trusting in the Lord, being perseverant, believing in your own strengths, and being passionate about what you do are the strongest tools that lead to success.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? Appreciate every moment of your college career and prepare for the future. Learn about your career and take the necessary steps to success. Know that the only difference between success and failure is determination. Learn from your mistakes and never lose sight of your family, your career, and your dreams.

Carlos Alberto Tijerina Ibarra, 21, a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American, plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering in May 2012. Tijerina Ibarra is a native of Nueva Rosita, Coahuila, Mexico and lived in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico from 1998 until 2008, when he came to UTPA. He has been an active member of the Association for Computing Machinery  since January 2009, as well as a member of the Engineering Honor Society and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers since November 2011. In his freshmen year, Tijerina Ibarra was selected to play as a midfielder in the Bronc Soccer Club, representing UTPA in the Texas Collegiate Soccer League until 2011, when the club was disabled. Last year, he had the opportunity to attend the HENAAC Conference in Orlando, Fla., where he gained professional experience.  He is currently a mentor in the Computer Science and Engineering Mentoring Program directed by Gustavo Dietrich and works as a research assistant for Dr. Yang Liu in the Computer Science Department and as an algebra tutor with the Quality Enhancement Program  in the Mathematics Department.

Awards/Honors: Dean’s List, First Honors, Fall 2008, Fall 2009, Fall 2010, Spring and Fall, 2011; Dean’s List, Second Honors, Spring 2009 and Spring 2010; Xerox Scholarship, 2011; Gateway Scholarship, 2008-2009; L.A. “Red” Youngman Scholarship, 2011; Selden Leavell Scholarship, 2010-2011; G.R. and Lidia Ranganath Scholarship, 2010-2011; and Texas State Bank Engineering Scholarship, 2012.

What are your plans after graduation? I recently accepted a formal employment offer from Silicon Alley Group Inc. in Iselin, N.J. as a software developer.  I decided to find a job because I want to gain professional skills and experience. I want to continue to earn my master’s degree but graduate school for an international student is something that I can’t afford right now.

Do you plan to return in the Valley? I plan to return to the Valley in the future because my family is from Reynosa, Mexico. I really like to go every weekend to see my family and friends over there. It would be nice to complete a master’s degree here in UTPA, but we’ll see. I am not worried about where I am going to be in a couple of years, I know I will be fine.

What has your education done for you? My education is one of the most valuable things in my life. I feel that all the sacrifices of my parents are now being recompensed. Everyone knows that finding a job in this country is really hard for an international student, but I knew that I could do it. My education has made me realize that I can achieve any goal that I set for myself.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? It has been a great journey. I can say that I made a lot of friends; it is nice to walk to class every day and always find someone to talk with or have friends in most of your classes. In my opinion, UTPA provides a top quality education and every student should feel honored to be part of it.

What is your best tip for success? Efficient time management. If you manage your time in an organized manner, everything will go smoothly. I personally don’t like to be stressed; instead, I prefer to prioritize my activities to accomplish them calmly, on time and well done.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? Get together with friends when you study, it is better than studying alone.  Also, you must appreciate the fact that you are getting a college education, so you have to make it count. Getting good grades is not always the most important aspect, but I can assure you that it helps a lot in the process.

Sarah Smith-Cantu, 25, is a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American and plans to graduate in May 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in science, kinesiology certified and a minor in biology. She earned an associate degree in kinesiology from South Texas College in 2009. Smith-Cantu, who is married and has a 15-month-old daughter, is actively involved with the Health and Kinesiology (H&K) Club, serving as secretary in Spring 2011 and as vice president for the 2011-2012 academic year. She has represented the H&K Club as a volunteer for Special Olympics. Smith-Cantu has volunteered as a coach at the Boys and Girls Club and participated in the Relay for Life from 1999-2010. She has also donated her hair to Locks of Love in 2005, 2008 and 2010. Smith-Cantu has worked in a number of campus offices and been a group fitness instructor throughout college in various Valley gyms. Additionally, she has officiated at all the intramural sports offered at UTPA’s Wellness & Recreational Sports Complex. Smith-Cantu is currently doing her student teaching at Nikki Rowe High School in McAllen.

Awards/Honors: Texas Scholar, 2005; Tech Prep Scholar, 2005; and Dean’s List, 2011.

What are your plans after graduation? To obtain a teaching job in biology as well as a coaching job in volleyball. If I am needed in any other sports to coach, I will be open to them.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley? I do plan on staying in the Valley. I grew up here and I have no reason to leave. I really enjoy being close enough to the beach since that is the one place where I can enjoy being outside all day. Plus, the Valley will always be the place I call home.

What has your education done for you? Education has really changed my perception of things in life which has made me want to be an educator myself. I want to improve our next generation by keeping them active in the classroom mentally and physically.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? My experience with UTPA has had its ups and downs. I felt that the reason I had some bumps in the road was because they were tests to me, to make sure I was where I belonged and really wanted to further my education. Once I found the right path, I really felt the connection with my peers and professors. Knowing that I have the support from everyone, they had mine.

What is your best tip for success? Never Give Up.  I have had my moments of wanting to give up, but knowing that I am not a quitter keeps me going and, also,  knowing that I will reach my goal no matter how long it takes. Sometimes I felt like I would never reach my goal, but here I am today about to graduate with my bachelor’s degree. Reaching your goals may take time because everyone has a different path to follow.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? To know your reason for being in college, which is to succeed in life by earning a degree in an area that you will love doing for the rest of your life. I’m not going into teaching to make money, but I want to teach to make a difference!

Laura Crystel Aguilar, 23, a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American, plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering in May 2012. Aguilar graduated from Rio Grande City High School in 2008 and with no English background was able to graduate in the top 10 percent of her graduating class. She has been a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the Engineering Honor Society (EHS) since October 2010 as well as a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Golden Key International Honour Society since August 2009. She has served leadership positions with SHPE as CMPE representative and with ACM as recruiter. She has also served as captain of different soccer teams. Besides school, Aguilar has managed her time efficiently and been working part time for two years for the Department of Computer Support Services at UTPA, where she has helped thousands of students, faculty, and staff to solve their account and wireless issues. Aguilar has attended some national conferences in Cincinnati, Ohio and Orlando Fla., where she gained friendships and a lot of experience.

Awards/Honors: Engineering State Scholarship, 2009; Kenedy Memorial Scholarship, 2010; Smart Grant, 2010; AT&T Scholarship, Spring 2010; Floyd Cunningham Engineering Scholarship, 2011; Xerox Scholarship, 2011; Texas Grant, 2009 to present; Deans List, Second Honors, Fall 2008, Spring 2009, Spring and Fall 2010 and Spring 2011; and Deans List, First Honors, Fall 2009.

What are your plans after graduation? My plans after graduation are to keep getting educated by finding a job where I can maximize my engineering skills. At the same time, I plan to save some money so I can go back to school and obtain a master’s or a doctorate degree in another engineering field that I know I will also enjoy.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley? Unfortunately, most of the opportunities for recent college CMPE engineers are out of the Valley, but once I get the experience and the knowledge that I want, I would definitely love to return home. I would then be able to apply for the big positions that require experience or maybe initiate my own business.

What has your education done for you? Education has done a lot of things for me. It has opened doors for new experiences that I never thought I would encounter. My education has made me realize that I can achieve any goal that I set for myself.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? I feel that I have truly gained the full college experience. I have struggled with some difficult classes, pulled all nighters, and drank coffee like crazy, but at the same time I have also enjoyed many fun college activities and made the best of all the experiences.

What is your best tip for success? I would say that my best tip for success is to have faith in God and oneself. Also, dedication, hard work, and desire are three basic requirements for success.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? My advice would be to leave the fear behind and think positive. Nothing is impossible to achieve in life. Also, I would advise college-bound students to think very carefully on what they want to do after graduation. Choosing a major is probably one of the most important decisions in life. I would recommend new students to get involved in everything they can and to take advantage of all the social, economical, and academic opportunities that UTPA has for you.

David Gaspar, 21, plans to graduate from The University of Texas-Pan American in May 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Gaspar graduated from Edinburg North High School in 2009 and started classes at UTPA the following semester. He immediately joined UTPA’s Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and has been involved in a number of activities including competing in a programming contest against other universities, helping to host events such as high school programming contests, and showcasing a display during HESTEC. He also obtained an officer/leadership role in ACM as the programming contest coordinator. While attending UT Pan American, Gaspar also held several internships, including serving as a technology intern at a local Edinburg elementary school where he helped students and teachers set up and use equipment. He also spent a summer interning at Hamer Enterprises developing web applications for the company. Now he is interning with the Edinburg School District as a programming intern maintaining and developing web applications for the school district. Gaspar’s senior project is a video game that he will be presenting to his professors and hopefully be released on Xbox Live’s Indie Marketplace.

Awards/Honors: Dean’s List, Fall 2009-Fall 2011; Jones Academic Scholarship, Fall 2009; Edinburg Rotary Club Scholarship, Fall 2010; James W. Petticrew Scholarship, Fall 2010; Computer Science Alumni Scholarship, Spring 2012; and Computer Science Department’s Outstanding Student, 2012 Engineer’s Week, Spring 2012.

What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I plan to stay here at UTPA to pursue a master’s degree in computer science while assisting my professors as a research assistant. Afterwards, I want to pursue a doctorate degree and become a professor.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley? I love being here in the Valley. Everything I know and love is here. Graduate school for my doctorate degree and my career may take me out of the Valley, but I do hope to return and live here if I can.

What has your education done for you? My education has given me a new set of talents to set me apart from the crowd. It has given me the knowledge and preparation I need to obtain a career I like in an otherwise congested and competitive world.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? UTPA has provided me with a friendly and great learning environment. UTPA not only provided me with the skills I need for success, but the connections as well. I’ve met, learned, and worked with other students with similar interests whom I would otherwise rarely find in the community. My professors were very understanding and would help me if I asked. My experience here has been nothing but a positive stepping stone in my life.

What is your best tip for success?

• Knowledge is the key!
• Know yourself.
• Know what you want to do.
• Know how to get there.
• Know what you need to do to get there.
• Know what is holding you back.
• Know how to overcome those obstacles.
• Know that you can make the difference in your life.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? College is a major step toward your future. Make sure you keep a fine balance between work and play. Don’t procrastinate. Work tends to take longer than you think it will and you’ll end up either staying up all night and/or turning in half a project. Communicate with your professors. Their goal isn’t to fail you, but to prepare you. Don’t hesitate to talk with them or their assistants if you need help. UTPA provides you with what you need to be successful. You just have to put in the effort.

Christopher Garza, 22, a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American, plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in Spring 2013. Garza has been a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) since 2008 and has served as its recruiting officer, external vice president, vice regional student representative-South Texas, and is currently president/vice regional student representative-North Texas for 2011-2012. He is also SHPE’s Regional Leadership Development Conference (RLDC) chairman. Garza organized the 2010-2011 Viva Engineering Design Competition for middle school students hosted yearly by SHPE UTPA. The competition brings in 200+ students and assigns them team projects to give them a better idea of engineering and enables outreach to students and their teachers about STEM fields and the opportunities SHPE and UTPA have to offer. As RLDC chair, Garza expects more than 200 undergraduate and graduate engineering students on campus from Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Tennessee universities as well as engineering professionals representing some of the most prestigious companies in the nation. He is currently working as a technician’s assistant at UTPA’s Engineering Department.

Awards/Honors: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), “Spirit of SHPE Award,” 2010-2011 Regional Award.

What are your plans after graduation? To join the professional world as an engineer. I would like to gain experience in the aerospace or automotive industry. Once achieving this goal, I will be able to help my family and give back to them the support and confidence they have given me. I want to be able to provide a better living for them.

Do you plan to return to/stay in the Valley? Ideally, I would like to stay in the Valley. Even though the demand for engineers is not so high, I will be looking for local opportunities. However, I’ll go wherever I need to go to accomplish my goals.

What has your education done for you? My education as an engineering student has taught me very technical things that will surely help me succeed in the future as an engineer. The rest I’ve learned outside the classroom. I’ve learned valuable skills and have gone through unforgettable experiences. These experiences are what keep me motivated. I am inspired by a positive attitude and great faith. I believe the most valuable things you learn, life teaches them to you. The SHPE Familia taught me many great things and changed my life. I want to continue changing the lives of people and little by little create a better world to live on.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? UTPA has been an awesome experience. I found a family of friends that support me every time I need it. My professors have been extremely nice, helpful, and have given me good advice. I am proud to be a Bronc and will always represent the university that helped me transform into an engineer.

What is your best tip for success? Success is related to a positive mindset and happiness. Always be happy for the good things you have. You will never have all you want at once, so don’t waste time regretting things didn’t go right or wondering about stuff that may have or have not happened. Highlight the bright things about your life since this is what will keep pushing you forward. There is always room for success, learn from your mistakes.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? Don’t settle for just being another student. Take on every challenge you can. Don’t be afraid to fail. Everyone in this world will fail sometime. Listen to the ones who have failed before. They will now know the right path to follow and will guide you through. If you want to become a leader, you have to first learn how to follow directions.

Xóchitl Pablos-Velez, 20, is a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American, and plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in chemistry, Spanish, and medical Spanish in May 2012. She currently serves as president of the Student Association for Medical Spanish and as chair of Physician Recruitment for Medical Brigades. Pablos-Velez previously served as a senator representing the College of Science and Mathematics in the Student Government Association. In November 2011, she completed the pre-requisites to become a Bill Gates Millennium Ambassador. During her undergraduate career, she has been actively serving the community as a youth instructor at the Jordan Seventh Day Adventist Church, volunteered at multiple elderly homes, served as secretary at the RGV Food Bank and, in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, organized the “Broncathon” which collected more than 500 toys for children from low-income families. In addition, Pablos-Velez has accumulated more than 200 healthcare related shadowing hours. During Summer 2010 she was accepted into the Cancer Research Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), and under Dr. Alex Bishop’s supervision she performed a diverse array of biological experiments at the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute. Currently, she conducts research in conjunction with Dr.Glenn Martinez on the language effect of heteroglossia in diabetes self-management education.

Awards/Honors: Hidalgo Early College High School 3 year graduate, Spring 2008; Bill Gates Millennium Scholarship, Spring 2008; Pan-American Student Forum Scholar, Spring 2008; Dean’s List, Fall 2008-Fall 2011; Golden Key Honour Society, Spring 2009; 2nd Place Research Poster Presentation, UTHSCSA Summer Cancer Research, Summer 2010; Speaker, University of Michigan Undergraduate Conference on “Language Variation and Language Contact,” Spring 2012; Fifth Annual Clinton Global Initiative Conference, Washington, D.C., Spring 2012; and Presenter, Sixth International Workshop on Spanish Sociolinguistic, Spring 2012.

What are your plans after graduation? I will be pursuing a master’s degree in public health, and continue to pursue further education in the field of medicine.

Do you plan to return to the Valley? Definitely! I can’t live without authentic Mexican food. I really hope to someday return to this region as a MD/MPH and bring healthcare to people who aren’t fortunate enough to afford it. The Valley is a region in much need of Spanish speaking and understanding healthcare providers.

What has your education done for you? Education is one of the most valuable tools a person can have because, in utilizing it, one can achieve their hopes and dreams. The more a person gets exposed to new information and experiences, the better equipped they will be to resolve problems as well as welcome tough challenges they might face in the future.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? Staying at Pan Am empowered me with an excellent education, and kept me in touch with the most prevalent issues in the Valley.

What is your best tip for success? First, determine what you personally find success in; there is no concrete definition because what I find success in, others may not. Also, I’ve noticed that motivation is contagious; socializing with people with high ambitions will aspire you to work harder to achieve your personal goals.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? I once heard in a leadership conference that to be considered an expert in music, you must have dedicated 5,000 hours in practicing the instrument by the age of 20…so my advice is start drinking coffee. If you want to succeed in college, you must be dedicated to it and make it a priority. Anything you do reflects who you are, so study hard, don’t cheat, and be proud of your accomplishments. And always remember, stay positive!

Kezia Correa, 20, a junior at The University of Texas-Pan American, plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in biology Premedical and a minor in chemistry and medical Spanish in May 2013. She is the youngest in her family and first generation to attend college. Correa graduated as valedictorian from Valley View High School in 2010. She also graduated with honors from South Texas College, receiving an Associate of Biology in 2010 through the Dual Enrollment for Medical and Science Academy. She is certified for CPR and first aid training. She has accumulated more than 250 volunteer hours at the Rio Grande Regional Hospital since 2008. She has also completed community service in her local Nuestra Clinica Del Valle, RGV Food Bank, Adopt an Angel, Adopt a Beach, and reforestation projects Valleywide. Correa is currently a member of the Student Association for Medical Spanish (SAMS). She went on a humanitarian trip to Puerto Rico in August 2011 with SAMS. She will also attend the 2012 Clinton Global Initiative University program in Washington, D.C., with SAMS to put forth an initiative of having medical Spanish translators at Rio Grande Valley hospitals for Hispanics to facilitate better communication from doctor to patient and vice versa.

Awards/Honors: Texas State Valedictorian Scholarship, Fall 2010-present; Texas State Top Ten Percent Scholarship, Fall 2010; Early Graduate Scholarship, Fall 2011; Texas Grant, Fall 2010-present; and Gateway Scholarship, Fall 2010.

What are your plans after graduation? After graduating from UTPA, my plans are to attend medical school and specialize in pediatrics.

Do you plan to return to the Valley? After graduating from medical school, and specializing in pediatrics, I do plan to return to the Valley. I want to apply all my knowledge to help improve the health of patients in the Rio Grande Valley, but more importantly, to be able to communicate with the patients who are Spanish speakers.

What has your education done for you? Education is something you can gain, but you must want it. Education has opened my eyes and made me realize that without it, you can’t progress. I have learned through education that “the more you learn, the less you know.” Passion has to come in, and you must actually strive for what you desire.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? My experiences at UTPA and volunteering have made my eagerness grow toward success. As an individual, I have grown to be a better person due to experiences and people who have touched my life. My experience at UTPA is awesome and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

What is your best tip for success? Tips for success are:  be determined, goals oriented, and never give up. Also, have faith in yourself and believe that anything is possible. After the hard work, there will be the great feeling of accomplishment that nobody can take away.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? College bound students, get involved in student organizations, enjoy college life, believe, have faith, learn, study, don’t be afraid of change and never give up. “Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Gandhi

Rolando D. Garza, 21, plans to graduate from The University of Texas-Pan American in May 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Garza graduated from San Isidro High School in 2009. At UTPA, he has served as a UTPA Ambassador since Fall 2010 and as a concurrent enrollment and MUSE counselor since Summer 2010. He has also served as a GEAR UP counselor. Garza is a member of Artists Unanimous and the Design Collective. Garza has volunteered more than 30 hours of community service to organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and at events such as Bronc Round Up.

Awards/Honors: University Scholar Scholarship, 2009-present; Dean’s List, Spring 2011; and UTPA Ambassador, Fall 2010-present.

What are your plans after graduation? My current plan is to continue on my education in the design field, specializing in 3D modeling and digital illustration. Hopefully after that and some life experience, I would like to get my Ph.D. in art therapy and psychology.

Do you plan to return to the Valley? I actually do wish to return to the Valley for three reasons: 1. I want to become a professor at UTPA and hopefully bring in a game design or 3D modeling program to the college. Being a son of two teachers and a mentor to many students has given me the drive to be able to educate the adults of our future.  2. I want to come back to help expand the art community here in the Valley. I believe the unique location we live in does not deserve to be underserved when it comes to the arts and I want to change that for the better. 3. It is a long shot for now, but, I want to raise my kids in this area and send them to the same school system I went to, San Isidro ISD.

What has your education done for you? Well, my education itself is very varied. I have changed my major around five times, so I have a background in psychology, engineering, sciences, and now art. I believe that the programs that I have been through, beside expanding my knowledge in varied areas, helped me become a more sensible and well-rounded person.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? I honestly love my UTPA experience! I came from a rural community out there in the ranchlands of South Texas and never really lived in the city. My graduating class had 21 students, so I had quite a bit of a culture shock when I came here. However, ever since I have been here, I have loved every moment. All the people one meets and experiences you have with those people are the real deal college life.

What is your best tip for success? As cliché as it sounds, it is as simple as following your dreams and loving your life. I have had people constantly putting me down for whatever I would be doing, especially now with people’s perception of me as going nowhere, just because I am earning an art degree. But I do not let their words hold me down, because deep down doing what I love makes me happy. Also, having friends and family who support me help me get through life’s hardships. Now if I, a small town man, can do it, why not you?

What advice do you have for college-bound students? Never be afraid to ask. So many times I see people lost or scared because they did not ask a simple question. You may be actually surprised, as I have been, on the results when you ask a question. There are surprising numbers of warm, happy people who are willing to go above and beyond what you ask them; not everyone is cold and callous. It is love that will make you stronger.