By Amanda Alaniz

McALLEN, TEXAS – From the university’s first graduation ceremony in fall 2015, to its latest in December 2023, more than 50,000 students have earned their degrees at UTRGV.

Those Vaqueros are out in the community and beyond now, making a difference, having an impact on the world. So UTRGV is taking time to recognize its 50K milestone by showcasing stories about its alumni.

CLASSROOM LESSONS SHARED AND LEARNED

UTRGV alumna Raquel Perez, from Edinburg, has been a fourth-grade educator for more than five years at Blanca E. Sanchez Elementary School in the McAllen Independent School District.

As a teacher, she said, she wanted to be relatable to her students and was open with them about her background growing up as a migrant worker, splitting her time between Edinburg and Michigan to help her family sort produce.

UTRGV alumna Raquel Perez, from Edinburg, has been a fourth-grade educator for more than five years at Blanca E. Sanchez Elementary School in the McAllen Independent School District. As a teacher, she said, she wanted to be relatable to her students and was open with them about her background growing up as a migrant worker. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

Her passion for teaching was manifested through her personal experience with schooling.

“Growing up in that environment, I feel I never really had a close connection to the educators since I was moving around all the time,” she said. “That’s what really triggered my passion for education, and for trying to be an example and have a connection with the students.” 

During one of her lessons, she touched on migrant work. When she shared more of her story with her students, they were shocked, asking if she really did work in the fields. Her reply was simple.

“Yes, I did that,” she told them.

Perez’s goal is to create a classroom environment in which all students feel heard and understood. She tailors lessons, since students come in at different levels, and makes sure each assignment is engaging. 

“I showed them when I graduated and they were so surprised and so happy,” she said. “I showed them my transcript, and they were amazed.

“I tell them they can do it. Everyone can do it. But it’s up to them to have determination and perseverance,” she said. “They just have to have the willingness to go above and beyond.”

UTRGV alumna Raquel Perez graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2019, and in 2023 received a master’s degree in Bilingual Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership. She credits her schooling for the skills and supplementary tools she uses in her classroom. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

‘THANK YOU, UTRGV’

Perez graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2019, and in 2023 received a master’s degree in Bilingual Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership.

She credits UTRGV for the skills and supplementary tools she uses in her classroom every day.

“UTRGV professors were a key element for my learning and for how I went ahead and evolved as an educator,” she said. “During my undergrad, I would ask how I could go above and beyond in my classroom to provide for my students.”

She said their teachings helped her understand how she could be an advocate for bilingualism in the classroom. It was important for her to learn as much as possible.

“Once you’re in the classroom, you have to apply everything you’ve learned, so it really helped to keep learning,” she said. “I’m still learning right now. Education is an endless journey. UTRGV helped me form who I am today as an educator.”

“Having that mobile lifestyle was difficult for me, so being at the university was something that really made a big impact on my life. I was able to feel welcome in my community,” Perez said. “Now, I keep pushing for more students to continue their education. It’s doable, and so close to us. It’s right here for us in the Rio Grande Valley.” (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

Her advice for future educators at UTRGV is to have grace with themselves.

“You learn so many things at the university, but once you apply them to the classroom, it can get overwhelming,” she said.

Perez said she is grateful for everything UTRGV has done for her, especially for how much the curriculum helped her with her teaching career, she said. The university not only helped her navigate her college career, but also provided a sense of belonging.  

“Having that mobile lifestyle was difficult for me, so being at the university was something that really made a big impact on my life. I was able to feel welcome in my community,” she said. “For me, that would be the biggest takeaway.

“Now, I keep pushing for more students to continue their education. It’s doable, and so close to us. It’s right here for us in the Rio Grande Valley.”

Visit utrgv.edu/alumni to find out more about UTRGV alumni and how to stay connected.