Nancy Limon Gonzalez, is a native of  Linares, N.L. Mexico. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Pharmacy and Biology from The Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. In 2010, she came to UTPA, where she has completed the pre-pharmacy requisites. Limon Gonzalez is the founding president of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), a national academic honor society, at UTPA and through very hard work she was able to bring about a successful chapter with 600 members. She has participated in community service, such as fundraising for the Edinburg Children’s Hospital, Christmas toy drive, RGV Food Bank, Beach Clean Up, health fairs, and letters for the troops. Her passion is to serve to the community through the health care profession. She is also a mother of three beautiful daughters.

Awards/Honors: NSCS Rookie of the Year Award, 2011; NSCS Gold Star Status, 2011-2013; NSCS First place, UTPA spirit week, Spring 2012; NSCS Integrity Award and Scholarship, 2011-2012; and NSCS National Officer Super Star of the Month, April 2013.

What are your plans after graduation? I am planning to apply to the MBA online accelerated program at UTPA this coming fall 2013, as well as to the transitional UTPA-UT Austin cooperative pharmacy program by next fall 2014.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley? Yes, I would love to come back to the Valley and give back to my community and to the visitors who come from Mexico.  I am aware of the shortage of pharmacists in the Rio Grande Valley. This is one of the main reasons for me to be applying to the transitional cooperative pharmacy program.

What has your education done for you? My education has given me the tools necessary to go further and be able to achieve my professional goals. As professional from Mexico I was able to gain experience in my field and contribute to the society.  As a UTPA student, I was able to gain knowledge and to participate in extracurricular activities that have helped me to improve my leadership skills, but more importantly to serve people. Education is one of the most important tools to be successful in life.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? I feel very fortunate to be able to attend UTPA because it is a very recognized University. I have been exposed to many great opportunities and experiences. UTPA has excellent professors who are always giving their best to the students, and motivating them to pursue higher education.

What is the best tip for success? In order to be successful in life I believe a person should posses the following qualities: integrity, responsibility and perseverance.  One should always do everything based on integrity because this is the key to be successful.  Be a responsible person and take actions when you make a commitment. Always do your best and never leave anything unfinished. Lastly, but not least, is perseverance; sometimes a person may face many obstacles to be successful, but with perseverance it is possible to reach one’s goals.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? To never give up.  There will be times where personal and financial problems may discourage students, however, students must always keep in mind how important their personal and professional goals are and they have to work hard to achieve them despite the current circumstances. The end product will be very rewarding and students will be overjoyed with their accomplishments.

Irasema Silva, 26, is a graduate student at The University of Texas-Pan American who plans to graduate in Fall 2013 with a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. Silva earned her  Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a second Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2009 from UTPA. During her undergraduate studies she was employed at UTPA as tour coordinator and dedicated her volunteer time to a number of organizations such University Program Board, serving as chair, Student Government Association, Distinguished Speaker Series Committee, Golden Key International Honour Society, and Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. After graduation she became employed at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. Silva is proud to be halfway through her master’s program and, even though she is a full time student and employee, she maintains a high GPA. She recently founded a new organization at UTPA called the Graduate Rehabilitation Counseling Association (GRCA) in which she serves as the president. The purpose of GRCA is to be an advocacy group in the support of disability rights at UTPA and community at large.

Awards/Honors: Veteran Javier De La Garza  Scholarship, Fall 2013; Davidson Family Charitable Endowed Scholarship, Fall 2013; Dean’s List, Spring 2012-present; Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges, Spring 2013; Salute to Student Leader Award, Spring 2007; Nationally Certified Student Leader, Fall 2006; and KDChi Most Community Service & Sister of the Month, Fall 2006.

What are your plans after graduation? After graduating with my master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Certified Rehab Counselor (CRC) qualifications, I will be pursuing my Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials. My career goals are to acquire counselor/therapist position, and participate in research and publications within the field of rehab.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley? The Rio Grande Valley is part of my heredity, culture and integrity and I plan to initially stay and utilize the skills and knowledge acquired at UTPA in the Valley. But I intend to relocate outside of our geographic location later in hopes of assisting Hispanic/Latino individuals who are in need of rehabilitation and/or counseling services.

What has your education done for you? Education is the pillar of success and has particularly shaped my perception of life. Obtaining an education has opened my eyes to the world of possibilities that should be explored outside of the Rio Grande Valley.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? My UTPA experience has been extraordinary, meeting wonderful people, remarkable professors, while looking forward to the many opportunities that are in store. I have treasured every single instance of my UTPA life. I thank all my instructors who have guided me and continue to support me in pursuing my future aspirations. I’m proud to be a UTPA alumna. Go Broncs!

What is your best tip for success? The advice I can give is for students to prepare for the demands of attending a university, prioritize and always stay determined. A triumph consists of overcoming challenges and being honest in your endeavors while striving to accomplish what you truly believe in.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? Come to college with a realistic attitude and be willing to work hard and to accept challenges. Make sure to explore the various services offered at UTPA. Get involved in organizations that you are interested in as becoming involved can provide you with the necessary leadership skills needed following graduation.  Finally, focus on your academics while maintaining a high GPA as this is critical for ensuring future employment and educational opportunities.

Nichole Valenta, 26, is a senior at The University of Texas Pan American and will graduate in December 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitative Services with a concentration in addictions. Valenta is involved on campus as a research assistant with Dr. Jerome Fischer and presented at the College of Health Sciences and Human Services Student Research Day as an undergraduate. She is the REHAB Club vice president and participates with different agencies in advocating and supporting their cause. Valenta was newly nominated as the ASAP (Aspiring Substance Abuse Professionals) PR director, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Alumni and participated in the rehab department accreditation interview in Spring 2013. Off campus, Valenta volunteers with C.A.M.P. University working with individuals with disabilities and with Project Hire, Love your Cha Chas, Special Olympics, RGV Food Bank, United Way, Keep McAllen Beautiful, Out of Darkness suicide prevention team, and Mujeres Unidas. Valenta enjoys working with people with disabilities and is passionate about the rehab field. Not only does she attend school as a full-time student with 18 credit hours and works part time, she is a wife and a mother of three amazing children. Valenta’s priority in life is to set an example to her children that even with statistics against you, if you have the will, you can defeat anything you set your mind to.

Awards/Honors: HEB Academic Scholarship, 2012-2014; Excellence Scholarship, 2013-2014; McAllen Library Scholarship, 2013-2014; Valley Scholars, 2011; Phi Theta Kappa, 2011-2013; Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, 2012 and 2013; President’s Honor Society, 2012; Golden Key Honour Society, 2013; and Dean’s List, Fall 2010-Spring 2013

What are your plans after graduation? After graduating, I plan to apply for the master’s program in rehabilitative counseling. My goals are to obtain my master’s degree and receive an LPC license. Once I have completed my educational goals I plan to search for opportunities as a counselor.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley? My plans are not limited to the Rio Grande Valley. Areas of interest are San Antonio, Austin, North Texas, Colorado and Illinois.

What has your education done for you? My education at UTPA has allowed me to accomplish my educational goals, instill confidence as a professional and become a part of a network which will open doors to success in what I am passionate about.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? My experience at UTPA has been motivating and very exciting. The professors in the Rehab Department are amazing! The clubs and organizations are active and have a true purpose. I have been extremely pleased with the University and feel ready and confident in the skills necessary to succeed in the field of rehabilitation. The University of Texas Pan American is a door to a future full of opportunity and it is all because of its faculty, staff and students.

What is your best tip for success? My best tip for success is to stay focused on your goal and always manage your time; if you can manage your time, it allows you to organize your thoughts and prioritize. Push through every obstacle!

What advice do you have for college-bound students? Keep focused and keep striving for the best. At the end, when you receive that diploma, it is all about you and your journey. You can either let people be a part of that journey or let them take you away from it. It is your decision but do not let go of your focus in life.

Christy Mendoza, is a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American, who plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy. She is originally from San Antonio but grew up in Los Angeles, Calif. She has resided in the Rio Grande Valley for four years and is a transfer student from South Texas College. Mendoza returned to college after a 10-year break during which she worked in the fields of pharmacy, real estate and law. During her college career, Mendoza has participated in the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and was a recipient of President Obama’s Community Service Award in 2011 for outstanding community dedication. She works as a student writer in UTPA’s Office of Public Affairs and has worked as an undergraduate grading assistant for the philosophy department. Mendoza is a published poet and is working on a chapbook of poetry she hopes to publish in the future. This year Mendoza plans to prepare for the LSAT and GRE in hopes to attend law school or graduate school in literature.

Awards/Honors: Dean’s List, Fall 2011-Spring 2013; and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, 2011.

What are your plans after graduation? I plan to pursue a doctoral degree in literature or in law. I come from a long line of lawyers and have always been fascinated with mediation and arbitration and believe this is the direction the law is taking. I also have such a passion for literature and philosophy that I cannot help but want to engage further in these disciplines. I am confident whatever I choose will be the right choice and will allow me to enjoy my life. I also plan to continue to write poetry.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley? The Valley truly is a unique and interesting place with incredible opportunity for growth and development. Unfortunately, the educational opportunities I wish to pursue are not available for me here, but I do plan to return after I earn my final degree(s). I am confident that the future holds very good things for this area and I want to one day contribute to those advancements.

What has your education done for you? My education has been such an adventure. I have explored so many new and exciting ideas and have begun to engage with these ideas through my own research and writing – academic and creative. Through this journey, I have discovered how to think critically and, in turn, live a richer and fuller life. It takes a serious amount of effort and energy to succeed academically, but in the process, I have become more mindful of the world around me.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? I am so proud to belong to the UTPA humanities community. My English and philosophy professors have been so instrumental in guiding me and have always encouraged me to engage with ideas and projects beyond the classroom. They have been outstanding intellectual mentors. They inspire me to succeed and contribute to the lives of others.

What is your best tip for success? I have to borrow a quote from the great American writer Mark Twain: “Never let your schooling interfere with your education.”  Never comprise your intellectual responsibility to yourself or your community. Push yourself as far as you think possible and watch everything in your life transform for the better.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? Whatever academic area you wish to pursue, don’t forget the beautiful things in life: literature, art, films, music, and ideas. Read novels, read poetry, keep a journal with your thoughts and dreams. Don’t lose yourself in your academic pursuits and always keep your imagination alive.

Elizabeth Lee Glasgow, 21, plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a minor in Psychology in May 2015.  Glasgow recently just applied to the nursing program with high hopes of getting accepted for the 2013-2014 fall semester. Glasgow likes to be involved on campus as it makes her feel like a well rounded individual.  She was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority for two years where she was also the ritual and spirit chair. Glasgow was also awarded the Delta Zeta region scholar award for having a GPA greater than 3.5. She was also a UTPA Bronc cheerleader for the 2010-2011 and 2012-2013 school years. Glasgow is very passionate about cheerleading and loves to show off her UTPA Bronc spirit. Other organizations that Glasgow is a part of are the Nursing Student Organization, National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Student Alumni Association. During her sophomore year she had a SAM mentor who really helped guide her throughout the year.  Her mentor was also a nursing major and helped Glasgow make many decisions as well as gave her confidence by encouraging her to apply to the nursing program.

Awards/Honors: Delta Zeta Regional Scholar, 2011 and 2012; Dean’s List, 2010-2013; Student Union Employee of the Month, 2012 and 2013; and Academic Top Ten Percent Scholarship recipient, 2010-2013.

What are your plans after graduation? I plan to pursue a career in nursing, working in a children’s hospital.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley? I plan to apply for positions in the Valley, San Antonio, and Austin areas.

What has your education done for you? My education and campus involvement at UTPA has given me the confidence to believe that I can achieve all my goals, make a difference in my community, and earn a respectable living.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? My UTPA experience has been an incredible, amazing journey.  I have grown and matured through the various organizations, and have met some life-long friends.  I would like to give a “shout out” to my fellow co-workers and supervisors at the Student Union.  They made my first job experience very fun and rewarding.  The Student Union is an awesome place for students to gather and we have some of the hardest working people there. Also, a “shout out” to my Delta Zeta girls and UTPA cheerleaders, some of the nicest, sweetest people you will ever meet.

What is your best tip for success? My best tip for success is to never give up and believe in yourself.  If you are challenged along the way with obstacles, you just need to find the strength to keep going.  Never be afraid to ask for help along the way.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? If you feel overwhelmed and challenged, there is always assistance and help available.  The professors, teaching assistants, tutors, and learning assistance centers are good resources to assist you when you feel challenged. Also, keep involved in campus activities.  There is always some activity or function going on at UTPA.  You will meet new friends, and reconnect with old friends by your involvement in different organizations and activities.

Andrea Suarez, 20, is a junior at The University of Texas-Pan American planning to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in Medical Spanish. Suarez graduated from Los Fresnos High School ranking in the top 15 percent. She is the vice president of the Association of Migrant Students, which serves the community and promotes awareness of the challenges of the migrant experience. During her freshman year, she was a student in the College Assistant Migrant Program, and is now part of the Abriendo Caminos program as a second year student. Last year Suarez worked as a camp counselor with the Migrant University Summer Experience program, which allows high school students to take classes for high school credit while housed in Unity Hall dormitories. She was also coordinator of the concurrent enrollment program for high school students during the 2012 summer session II. She is involved in school organizations and also participated in numerous community service events, like Make a Difference Day, Beach Clean Up, United to Serve, Cesar Chavez Annual March and Blood Drive, Keep McAllen Beautiful and Feast of Sharing. Suarez forms part of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and is currently a first year student mentor with UTPA’s Ambassadors Mentoring Program. This summer she plans to study abroad to Salamanca, Spain.

Awards/Honors Dean’s List,  2011-Spring 2013; International Women’s Board Study Abroad Scholarship, Spring 2013; Texas Grant, 2011-present; and International Education Fee Scholarship, Spring 2013.

What are your plans after graduation? I plan to start working in a hospital in the department of newborns intensive care unit or in pediatrics. After I gain experience, I plan to attain a master’s that will allow me to be a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley? I plan to move up north to gain experience, use my medical Spanish certification and help as many Hispanic people who need these services. I hope to return to the Valley one day and provide the same quality medical care to people here.

What has your education done for you? It has helped me to be an open minded person and grow as a human being. It has given me the knowledge to better my future and the motivation to never give up in life. It has also helped me to get out of my shell and shake my shyness away. It has given me wonderful experiences on campus, wonderful professors, advisers, fellow students and life time friends.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? My experience here has been wonderful. I could not have chosen a better university. You are always surrounded by people who want to help you in every way.

What is your best tip for success? My tip for success would be to always give your best at everything you do, do the things you love and never give up. What you do now definitely determines your future; we are either successful or we are not, the amount of work is the same.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? Stay connected to the university by getting involved, assisting at events, and network with other students. Ask questions, do not be afraid of what other people might think; chances are they have the same question. Being informed is a big part of your education, know where your resources are and use them. Improvise, make the best out of your college experience, “If you stumble, make it part of the dance.”  Go Broncs!

Allyson Morrow, 28, is a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American and plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a minor in psychology in May 2013.  She was recently selected and inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society as a member of the top 10% of her graduating class.  She has participated in numerous community service projects in the southern Rio Grande Valley with the United Way of Northern Cameron County.  As part of her application process into UTPA’s Occupational Therapy Program at UTPA, Morrow has participated in volunteer/observation hours at a pediatric rehabilitation clinic in San Benito.  She has also completed a 10-week internship as a research assistant for Dr. Juan Gonzalez in the Kinesiology Department’s Human Performance Lab.  She is currently conducting a study with her research partner Ana Moore to investigate the effects of lower body positive pressure on diastolic and systolic blood pressures, and the heart rate; the subjects are specifically aged 40 to 60 years.  Not only does Morrow have a busy academic life, she is also a wife and a mother to two beautiful little girls.

Awards/Honors: Rudolfo “Rudy” Silva, Jr. Scholarship, 2012-2014; C. Bascom Slemp Scholarship, 2012-2013; Rubén Hinojosa Scholarship, 2013-2014; Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, 2013-2014; and Dean’s List, 2011 and 2013.

What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I plan to attend the Master of Occupational Therapy program at UTPA.  This program will begin in Fall 2013 and I will graduate in December 2015.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley? Upon graduating from the Occupational Therapy Program, I wish to work in the Valley, as I am a Valley resident and would like to give back to the community in which I reside.  Most of my family also resides in this area and my husband’s business is based out of Harlingen, so it is important to us that our children grow up near our families.

What has your education done for you? My education has taught me a tremendous amount about myself, and my capabilities as an active member of my community.  I began this journey three years ago after the birth of my first child, and have made it my mission to be as successful as possible as I try to achieve my goal of becoming an occupational therapist.  My education at UTPA has offered me the appropriate opportunities to properly prepare for the rigors and demands of graduate school.  Without these experiences, I don’t think I would feel as confidently as I do about continuing my education.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? My experience at UTPA has been a positive one, and I was very  blessed to have such a knowledgeable mentor as Dr. Gonzalez.  I feel as though all of the professors in my undergraduate program were willing to render assistance when necessary, and taught me what I needed to know in order to be successful as an undergraduate student.

What is your best tip for success? Give it everything you’ve got!  Through my experience, I found that you only get out of it what you put in.  I gave it everything I had and the pay off has been nothing short of amazing!

What advice do you have for college-bound students? Don’t give up and fight for what is yours.  Obtaining your education is your right as an individual and the only way you can achieve this goal is by fighting for it.  Adversity comes in many different forms and overcoming this adversity will only make it that much more worth it.

Sergio G. Barrera, 21, is a senior at The University of Texas Pan-American and plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Mexican American Studies and a minor in English in May 2014. Barrera graduated in 2010 from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) High School under the Distinguished Achievement and Dual Language Programs. He is a three-year veteran of the Broncs Cheerleading Squad, and has served as captain since Spring 2011. He is a UTPA Ambassador, through which he mentors five freshmen students. Barrera serves as the president of Sigma Delta Pi a National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, as community chair for the Mexican American Studies Club and is a member of the Student-Alumni Association. He has volunteered in Diabetes Camp for Children, Triathlon for Education, 7^th Annual Fiesta Marathon and Relay, Carnival of the Great Pumpkin, Adopt an Angel, HESTEC, and Cesar Chavez March in San Juan’s L.U.P.E for Immigration Reform. Barrera has attended Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits Training workshop and was a presenter for the “Mexican American Heritage Testimonios” panel at the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies Tejas Foco 2013, held at The University of Texas-Pan American.

Awards/Honors: Dean’s List, Spring and Fall 2012; State Top 10% Scholarship, Fall 2010; Adolfo and Berta Martinez Scholarship, Fall 2010 and Spring 2011; Broncs Cheerleading Scholarship, Fall 2011-present; Cheerleader of Excellence for Loudest Male, Fall 2012; Sigma Delta Pi Honor Society, Fall 2012-present; and Certified Peer Educator, Spring 2012.

What are your plans after graduation? After graduation I plan to either continue my education and acquire a Master of Arts in Bicultural-Bilingual Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio, or work with the PSJA ISD Dual Language Program, while attending The University of Texas-Pan American for a master’s degree in Spanish with a concentration in Mexican American Studies.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley? My short-term plan is to stay in the Rio Grande Valley to give back and learn more, from the administrator’s perspective, from the PSJA Dual Language Program that was the foundation of my bilingualism. After learning how to run a successful program, I plan to move to another city and begin a bilingual education program.

What has your education done for you? My education has helped me understand my identity, being from two cultures, and has taught me how to appreciate my biculturalism and bilingualism. It has helped me be a critical thinker and made me aware of political events affecting my community. It has opened my eyes and displayed a new vision on my history, both the Mexican and American.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? These past three years, UTPA has been like my second home. I love that it is close to my family, and I never lose a glimpse of them. I have also made friendships of a lifetime with people from other cities due to being involved in multiple organizations.

What is your best tip for success? When you have a goal in mind, never let anything or anyone come in the way of it. If you don’t achieve the goal by the time you wanted to, don’t give up, pull through. It is better to finish late than to regret something in the future.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? It is okay to be confused in life or studies, but we have to seek the correct advisement to clear our minds out. Campus involvement is very important; you meet students and leaders with common interests who may extend a hand in the future.

Edelio Bazan, 22, is a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American and plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a minor in Spanish in August 2013. At UTPA, he participated in a fieldwork practicum with Drs. Shelia and Thomas Pozorski, where he excavated in the ancient (~1500 B.C.) site of Huerequeque located in the Casma River Valley in the northern coast of Peru.  Bazan is part of the Undergraduate Research Mentoring program and participated in research projects ranging from arsenic bioaccumulation in shrimp population in the Laguna Madre under the tutelage of Dr. Brian Fredensborg to studies of the microbial communities found in wild and lab borne mosquito midguts through the guidance of Drs. Kristine Lowe and Christopher Vitek. Bazan also interned as a research assistant at the University of Arizona during summer 2012 and was able to present his research to the Society of Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americas in Science in Seattle, Wash.  In addition, he has served as resident assistant in both Unity Hall and Bronc Village apartment complex, where he offered personal and academic advice to residents as well as gained an invaluable leadership experience.

Awards/Honors: The International Women’s Board Study Abroad Scholarship recipient, 2011; Golden Key International Honour Society, Fall 2012-present, Lambda Alpha Anthropology Honor Society, 2011-present; and Dean’s List, Fall 2010-Fall 2012.

What are your plans after graduation? Following graduation, I will pursue a post-baccalaureate internship to further expand my skills as a research scientist.  After the internship, I intend to enroll in a graduate program where I can pursue my interest in the microbial world, and eventually earn a Ph.D.

Do you plan to return to the Valley? Unfortunately, in order for me to further my education, I will have to leave the Valley.  Despite this, I will definitely seek opportunities to return home and bring back the skills gained from my travels.

What has your education done for you? My education unveiled the world to me, well, at least a part of it.  Through my years as an undergraduate I have developed a keen interest on expanding my knowledge.  The education I received at UTPA is but the first step in my adventure.  I have much growing to do, but UTPA gave me the confidence to continue.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? My UTPA experience has been awesome. Not only did I develop as an academic, but also as a boldly curious individual.  I have made incredible connections with both scientists and peers who have greatly influenced the development of my goals.  Through UTPA, I have traveled to places that I would have likely never seen otherwise.

What is your best tip for success? My advice is simple-take RISKS!  To truly enjoy your university adventure and post-university life, risks have to be taken.

Countless times I have seen many deterred from their passion because they are unable to face their fears, and, as a consequence, shy away from what could be their calling.  In order to avoid such pitfalls, challenge yourself and chase your goals.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? As strange as it might seem – my advice is from Ms. Frizzle, the teacher in the educational cartoon, The Magic School Bus. The show followed the antics of the science teacher as she guided her students through impossible field trips, which included interspace travel, deep-sea exploration, and even entering the body of one of the students.  Whenever a new adventure ensued, Ms. Frizzle’s catch phrase, “take chances, get messy, and make mistakes!” would encourage her students to explore their surroundings and take risks in order to learn.  This advice has guided me through my years as an undergrad, and led me to my passion.

Eduardo Medellin Jr., 21, is a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American and plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-medicine Biology and a minor in biochemistry and Spanish in May 2014. Medellin is an active member of The Rafael “Felo” A. & Carmen Guerra Honors Program with which he will be studying abroad in Turkey this  summer. He has graduated from the Student Leadership Academy and the Student Government Association (SGA) Freshman Year Internship.  He has served two terms as SGA senator for the College of Science and Mathematics. Medellin is a mentor for the University Scholars BRIDGE Program, in which upper classmen are assigned a freshman to guide throughout their first year. He has also been inducted into Golden Key and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies. He has volunteered at the following events:  Make a Difference Day, RGV Food Bank, Salvation Army, Student Health Services, Adopt a Beach, H-E-B Feast of Sharing and Relay for Life. For the past two years Medellin has been conducting research with Dr. James Bullard in the Chemistry Department attempting to combat the antibiotic resistance of a common bacteria acquired in hospitals.

Awards/Honors: Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, Spring 2013; Bronc Ring Scholarship, Spring 2013; National ALD Jo Ann Trow Scholarship, Summer 2012-present; Dean of Students Outstanding Student Leader Award, Spring 2012; Pre-med Scholars, Fall 2011-present; Dean’s List, Fall 2010-present; State Top 10% Scholarship, Fall 2010-present; Housing Scholarship, Fall 2010-present; University Scholars Meritorious Scholarship, Fall 2010-present; Jones Academic Scholarship, Fall 2010-Spring 2011; and Gateway Scholarship, Fall 2010-Spring 2011.

What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I will be attending Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. I will work toward receiving my MD so I can eventually work improving the lives of children as a pediatrician.

Do you plan to return to the Valley? I plan to open my medical practice down here to help relieve the under-served population. I acknowledge the fact that the Valley is expanding rapidly and I would love to be a part of and help mold the future of the Valley.

What has your education done for you? My education has allowed me to expand my horizons and think outside the box. It has given me the proper tools to always excel at anything I attempt. It has played a big role in shaping me into the person I am today.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience? The past three years at UTPA have been the best. Being involved and living on campus has made my experience so much greater. Every day I come to love the campus more. The students, faculty and administration at UTPA have become my second family. I am a true Bronc and I bleed green, white and orange.

What is your best tip for success? My best tip for success would be to make sure you are studying something you love. Don’t do it because your parents or other people are telling you to do it. Take your time, reflect and examine all the possible major options. In the end if you are happy with what you are doing then that is all that matters.

What advice do you have for college-bound students? My advice would be to  look for and apply to as many scholarships as possible. An undergraduate education can be free of charge if you look for help. Also, become involved on campus from day one of college. If you don’t feel there is an organization on campus for you, then start your own!