By Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa

EDINBURG, TEXAS – DEC. 13, 2024 – In a sea of caps and gowns at this weekend’s UTRGV Fall commencement ceremonies, one graduate stands out for transforming what could have been a barrier into a beacon of hope and possibility.

Deaf since birth, Giselle Lozano is not only earning her degree in Criminal Justice but is also inspiring countless others to believe no dream is out of reach.

Driven by a desire to “protect my family and my community from any dangers out in the world,” Lozano pursued Criminal Justice to better understand and contribute to a system that safeguards communities – a mission shaped by her own life experiences.

“Being a deaf person, you encounter challenges throughout your academic experience,” Lozano said. “There is a difference in the way that you learn because you cannot hear your professor teach the lessons; however, with the help of all the interpreters, I was able to be just as successful as my peers.”

Lozano, an Edinburg native, said her academic journey at UTRGV included accommodations such as interpreters, assigned note-takers and extra time on assignments. She also found strength in her family’s unwavering encouragement.

“They have always encouraged me, believed in my abilities and provided emotional support during challenging times,” she said.

For Lozano, being deaf has not only influenced her education but also shaped her perspective on the criminal justice system as a whole. She believes that communication barriers in law enforcement, legal and correctional settings can limit fairness and opportunity.

“My identity as a deaf individual has shaped my belief in the importance of accessibility and inclusivity,” she said. “I’ve experienced how communication barriers can limit opportunities and fairness, which has motivated me to advocate for equal treatment for people with disabilities.”

Looking ahead, Lozano remains open-minded about her exact career path, considering roles with U.S. Customs or Border Patrol, as well as victim advocacy and policy work. She hopes to leverage her experiences to improve communication access for others – particularly those with disabilities – navigating the justice system.

“I think I could make the biggest difference in victim advocacy and policy work,” she said. “Whether it’s working directly with victims or helping shape policies to make things fairer and more accessible, I want to create real change.”

As graduation approaches, Lozano feels both proud and reflective.

“It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I stayed resilient through the challenges I faced,” she said, acknowledging that her family is equally thrilled by her accomplishment.

Lozano hopes her story will inspire other deaf students and professionals. “No dream is too big. Your disability doesn’t define your potential – you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”

This weekend, as Lozano crosses the commencement stage, she not only marks the end of her undergraduate journey but also steps into a future defined by possibility and purpose. In doing so, she exemplifies UTRGV’s mission, demonstrating that higher education – and the world beyond – can be a more inclusive space for all.

To learn more about Fall 2024 Commencement, visit www.utrgv.edu/commencement.

Giselle Lozano after receiving her diploma at the 10 a.m. UTRGV Fall Commencement ceremony on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, TX. (Photo by Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa)