By Karen Villarreal

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – NOV. 7, 2025 – In celebration of National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley recognizes the achievements of first-generation college students and alumni. Meet some of these trailblazers, including President Guy Bailey, who reflects on his own journey as a first-generation student.

DOCTORAL STUDENT CELEBRATES ‘COLLECTIVE VICTORY’

For first-generation college student Dr. Gabriela Rangel, her doctoral graduation this December will be a collective victory – a reflection of the values she was raised with, her trailblazing spirit, and the connections she made at UTRGV.

“The life of a college student is beautiful,” said Rangel, 42. “It was because of the professors, mentors, and friends who impacted me through the university that I achieved all that I did. And everything I did, was with my parents’ sacrifices in mind.”

Now a licensed professional counselor associate with two daughters who took her example and studied at UTRGV, Rangel said she always tried to maintain her focus on her long-term goals throughout the challenges she faced. 

“We first-generation students are exploring – no one told us who to ask about financial aid or what classes to register for,” said Rangel, who moved away from her parents’ home in Mexico to McAllen to pursue her education. “All this started with fear, with uncertainty. I didn't know what to do.”

She said her mentors, starting in her undergraduate studies in Mass Communications, changed her life. One international faculty member shifted her perspective when she was feeling insecure in her English language skills. 

“What I thought was an obstacle became a blessing, and I changed my mindset to a warrior on an adventure,” Rangel said.

An academic advisor’s recommendation to shift to rehabilitation counseling for her master’s program empowered Rangel to own her accent proudly and lean into her bilingual ability to serve the Hispanic community’s mental health needs.

In August 2025, Rangel presented her dissertation, “Hispanic Academic Leadership in the Health and Human Services,” and will graduate this fall with her Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling.

Seeing her father’s last name on her doctoral diploma this December will fulfill a multi-generational wish, said Rangel.

She has helped her daughters navigate the college system; her oldest, Hannah, graduated from UTRGV’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, while her younger daughter Michelle is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in marketing.  

“Now, they also have the responsibility to share resources and be mentors to the people that are watching their example – their youngest sibling, nieces and nephews, even friends,” she said. 

The challenges Rangel encountered during her educational journey were well worth the effort, as she now provides therapy services in the Rio Grande Valley and virtually across Texas.

“My main purpose is to serve people. Rehabilitation is helping people reach healing and hope. That’s my reward,” she said.

Demian Rodriguez, pictured with his parents, encourages first-generation students to take the crucial first step by enrolling in college. (Courtesy Photo)

THRIVING IN PODIATRIC MEDICINE

Demian Rodriguez, 24, has known since elementary school that his parents, who started working right out of high school, expected him and his sister to go to college.

“As the first in my family to pursue medicine, I didn’t know what steps to take, whether to look for a mentor to shadow or what I needed to do early on to apply to medical school,” he said.

After shadowing podiatrists Dr. Naohiro Shibuya and Dr. Juan Gonzalez, Rodriguez applied to and was accepted into the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine.  He kept his acceptance a secret from his parents for weeks, planning to surprise them on Christmas morning – a touching moment for the entire family.  

Now in his second year at UTRGV, Rodriguez is thriving. He has taken on leadership roles, organized community foot health events, traveled to conferences to present his research and formed lasting connections through various student and medical professional organizations. 

He encourages first-generation students to take that crucial first step by enrolling.

“All that hard work pays off in the end,” he said. “There are a lot of people in the same boat as you, and there are plenty of resources that will help you toward your goals.”

A STORY OF GROWTH

Desiree Villanueva, a first-generation Mass Communication graduate, overcame early challenges and excelled at UTRGV's KVAQ-TV, finishing her degree in three years through the Vaquero Pathway Program. (Courtesy Photo)

“What began as a challenging journey has become a story of growth, perseverance and success,” Villanueva said. “Despite all the resources UTRGV has to offer, I was a bit overwhelmed at the beginning. My first semester, I was placed on academic probation.”   

However, she learned to advocate for herself and make the most of her college experience, gaining on-camera skills with KVAQ-TV, the student-run news channel at UTRGV.  

Fast forward to today, Villanueva has completed her degree in just three years, thanks in part to the Vaquero Pathway Program, a program that offers outstanding undergraduate students an expedited path to graduate studies at UTRGV. 

“I wouldn’t be here today celebrating my achievements without my mentors, who helped me set goals, connect with opportunities and build confidence in my abilities,” she said. “Graduating Class of 2025, V’s up!”  

UTRGV – FIRST GEN PROUD!

UTRGV President Guy Bailey, a first-generation student himself, said the support from students’ families as well as the university can make all the difference. 

UTRGV President Guy Bailey, a first-generation college graduate, emphasized the vital role that support from both families and the university can play in student success. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

As UTRGV celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, Bailey reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its original mission of expanding access and opportunity for the Valley’s first-generation students. Currently, 72.8% of UTRGV students come from families without a college graduate.

While his parents encouraged him and helped pay for his education, Bailey recognized that many of his former high school classmates faced financial barriers and low expectations. 

“There weren’t grants or many support services then if you needed help,” he recalled.

Bailey said that, like many first-generation Vaqueros, mentors played a crucial role in changing his career trajectory, enabling him to rise to leadership positions in higher education. He has prioritized making tuition affordable for first-generation UTRGV students. 

“We geared this institution to support first-gen students,” Bailey said, referring to multiple offices of academic support services and the $150 million in need-based financial aid distributed by UTRGV. “Education is the stepping stone to social mobility.” 

He said first-generation students are creating a tidal wave of change that will positively impact subsequent generations and the Rio Grande Valley as a whole.

“We’re not just the first. We’re proof that determination and heart can open doors that no one thought was possible,” Bailey said.