Christopher Stubbs

Name: Christopher J. Stubbs
Age: 22
Major: History
Hometown: Weslaco 

Why UTRGV?
UTRGV is like a home away from home for me. Aside from attending classes with a lot of the same people within my field of study, I have come to meet and interact with a large majority of the student body by working at the Student Union. Working on campus especially has given me a sense of community and belonging which has deepened my love and appreciation not only for the University but for the valley and the culture we create by learning here.

What made you decide on your current major?
I have always believed that studying history is about studying the story of how you got here, wherever that may be, and where you could go. Although an individuals possibilities are limitless and the examples from which to draw on, equally so, every epic story and every great adventure must have a compelling foundation upon which to build, and that is what history is to me and why I chose to pursue a career in teaching it. Mrs. S. Powelson and Mr. A. Cantu of WHS are the two teachers who helped me to initially realize this. 

What are your plans after graduation?
Teaching is the ultimate career goal for me. Whether that is as a public school teacher, a lecturer or a University professor, my primary goal is to continue learning and continue teaching for as long as I can. 

What are you involved in on and off campus?
My incredible job as a manager at the Student Union is where I have spent the majority of my out of class time and has been the most fun I could have ever hoped to have at any job (Thanks STUN staff). Even when I’m not working I love being at the Student Union as there’s always something to do. This is where I really experienced University life and subsequently it will always hold a special place in my heart. 

What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
My biggest accomplishment to date, academics wise, was being sent to the Southwestern Social Science Association annual meeting to present my paper on the contributions of Mexican Americans to the US war cause during the first world war. Thanks again to Dr. Faubion for the opportunity to attend. Personally, however, I consider my biggest accomplishment while at university to be asking the love of my life, Carissia, to marry me without ruining the surprise (the entirety of the STUN staff knew my plan), and without passing out from nervousness when I actually did it. #CCwedding2019 

What advice do you have for future students?
Be confident in your abilities and your talent as an individual. Courage is not easy to come by, but it separates those who can from those who do. Therefore, be courageous and live your life to the fullest. “Prefiero morir de pie que vivir de rodillas.” (I’d rather die standing than live on my knees.) - Zapata