Leslie K Yoste-Diaz
Name: Leslie K Yoste-Diaz
Age: 46
Major: Visual Arts
Hometown: Brownsville
Why UTRGV?
The location has been a positive point for me. I generally ride my bike to campus, which is a plus. More important are my professors. All of the professors I’ve had have been encouraging; easy to contact and have responded in a timely manner; easy to discuss class assignments with; and, most importantly, are on campus daily. If something unforeseen occurs, they are within walking distance and generally accommodate each student on a short notice.
What made you decide on your current major?
I have always been interested in the arts and while traveling, I have always made time to visit a museum or two or an architectural site. Although I am a nurse, this degree plan has given me a positive and fulfilling learning experience that takes me into another realm when off duty.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am actually working on my degree to become a registered nurse elsewhere parallel to my Bachelor of Arts at UTRGV and will be continuing my education with a nurse practitioner degree. I will hopefully be working with the Veterans Administration once I graduate with both degrees. It is my deep desire to give back to all those who have made sacrifices for our freedom.
What are you involved in on and off campus?
I generally take six to seven classes per semester and work full time as a nurse on the weekends, so that hasn’t left me any time for extracurricular activities these past semesters. Fortunately, this semester, I will be working on campus and that will eliminate me from traveling each weekend. At this time, two of my classmates and I have started side businesses – one on the online site Etsy selling handmade jewelry, ceramics and art and one locally dealing in ceramics. I am humbly honored and very excited to be a part of both businesses.
What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
There are many stepping stones that have led me to where I am now. I feel that with each new day – waking up, getting out of bed and out the front door – I become a stronger person and look back to see what I’ve accomplished and how far I’ve come. To me, I feel that there are many “big” accomplishments to date – but taking each accomplishment, big or small, that’s what it’s all about.
What advice do you have for future students?
When you fall or fail, get up, brush yourself off, and keep going; surround yourself with positive people; and above all – you have to do it for yourself because in life, you are the only one responsible for what you make of it.