Ricardo Salinas Jr.
Name: Ricardo Salinas Jr.
Age: 20
Major: Pre-Nursing
Hometown: Brownsville
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV is one of the most affordable colleges in Texas that provides a quality higher education. It’s among the first of its kind to merge two campuses to provide students with more college degree opportunities. You’ll never find professors who are as committed, passionate, challenging, and knowledgeable, yet caring, helpful, and understanding than those we have on our campus.
What made you decide on your current major?
In anticipation to be admitted into the nursing program, Dr. Sandy Sanchez, BSN program director, has helped me realize that nursing is such a beautiful and unique profession. I may not know it yet, but I can tell that nothing compares to the exuberant feeling of happiness that nurses go through when delivering care for their patients. Nurses do so much for patients and it’s important to have self-motivation when advocating for the highest and best for the patient. Nursing is a hard profession on its own. But since I love that feeling of care toward others, the ability to provide physical and mental support, and the ability to establish a genuine connection with people, I can tell that, no matter what, I will love nursing.
What are your plans after graduation?
My immediate goal is to pass my state board exam once I graduate with my bachelor’s degree in nursing. Additionally, I hope to earn a master’s degree in nursing here at UTRGV. Of course I plan on giving back to the community as well. Another one of my great ambitions is to become a donor. I hope to help other students financially just the way my donors have helped me afford a college education.
What are you involved in on and off campus?
It’s a blessing to be employed by two of the most recognized departments in all of UTRGV. I have been working at the rec center for over a year now—originally working as a fitness attendant and currently working as a facility manager. Additionally, the Housing and Residence Life Department has appointed me resident assistant at Unity Hall located on the Edinburg campus. Both employments have been exceptionally helpful with my studies, have opened doors to build strong professional relationships, and encouraged me to rise up as a leader.
What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
My biggest feat to this day is being able to maintain a 4.0 GPA. And even though I have two on-campus jobs, exercise on a consistent basis, and travel back home to Brownsville most Saturdays to attend mass, it’s incredible that I am able to manage all my time effectively.
What advice do you have for future students?
Although it may seem that I have a lot on my plate, it is so important for me to be able to manage my time effectively. I suggest others do the same. Create and map out your own weekly schedule by the hour; looking at everything on paper can definitely help. In addition, set your own realistic reachable goals. Isolating limitations and slowly breaking those barriers has helped me and will help you improve and grow into a successful student.