Marco Cabrera

Name: Marco A. Cabrera
Age: 19
Major: Biology
Hometown: Roma 

Why UTRGV?
The culture here is unique and I love how the majority of the students are like a humongous family. In fact, it’s like high school all over again, so many familiar faces. Furthermore, “The Valley” is the right place for me to continue my education, it primarily offers familiarity, or “La Raza” as we might call it, and that basically builds trust and unforgettable friendships. 

What made you decide on your current major?
From the beginning of my elementary year, I’ve had the desire to help homeless people I would see who were in extremely poor health, but I was simply just a little human being who could not do much for them. I would ask my mom for money, so that I could at least help them with their economic state; that was the least I could do as a kid. I soon realized that I was meant to help people by making a difference in their health. I believe some human beings are simply born to become a medical professional, like myself, regardless of their economic state, race, or gender. Life is a beautiful gift, which is why I want people to be healthy, so that they are able to enjoy what you only get once, life. As I entered high school, my biology teacher taught me things that got me inspired and passionate for biology, after all, biology is the study of life, which is what I love the most. She made me appreciate what life is all about and the fact that it could be studied to treat humans; that motivated me to pursue a career in the health care field.

What are your plans after graduation?
My ultimate intention after graduation is to apply to graduate school. A program that I’m really interested in is the physician assistant program, but I’m also planning to apply to several other graduate programs that will further my knowledge. 

What are you involved in on and off campus?
In my first week at school, I got a job in the biology department where I have been working as a laboratory assistant. In my job, I’ve primarily been responsible for preparing and constructing several of the biology laboratory experiments. In the future I plan to join some student organizations that will get me more involved on campus than I already am.

What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
Since my sophomore year in high school I have attended college – I was in the Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy at Roma High School. Because of that program, I was able to graduate with an associate’s degree in biology from South Texas College before graduating high school. 

What advice do you have for future students?
Students will always have dreams.  I turn my dreams into ambition and so should you. That ambition has helped me accomplish a lot so far, it hopefully can do that for you too.