Luis Leal
Name: Luis Leal
Age: 26
Major: Master of Business Administration
Hometown: Cd. Victoria, Mexico
Why UTRGV?
I graduated from The University of Texas-Pan American in 2015 with a Bachelor in Business Administration in Management. After graduation, I had the opportunity to work full-time on campus one year until I decided to go back to school for an MBA. I choose UTRGV due to the proximity to home, my job, affordability and the endless opportunities offered at the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship. UTRGV is my second home; I spend most of my days from Monday to Friday at the Edinburg campus, working during the day and taking classes in the evenings. At UTRGV I find a strong community of students, faculty and staff collaborating towards excellence.
What made you decide on your current major?
At first, I decided to pursue a business degree because I wanted to go back to Mexico and expand the family business. After completing my bachelor’s degree I realized that my dream job is to work for a higher education institution and help other students achieve their dreams. I believe that empowering students through education is the best way to strengthen a community and facilitating access to academic opportunities at any level allows individuals to reach success.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I would like to continue working at a higher education institution, preferably in Institutional Advancement as I have witnessed first hand how donors, alumni and friends of the university can change students’ lives through their philanthropic efforts.
What are you involved in on and off campus?
During my undergraduate studies, I served as treasurer for the Society for Human Resource Management and worked as a student caller for Phonathon, an Annual Giving program conducted by the development office. I have also had the opportunity to travel abroad to Germany for a marketing class during the summer of 2015 through the Study Abroad Program. I have volunteered with the UTRGV School of Medicine Interprofessional Education, I was President of the Student Alumni Ambassadors (2016-2017) and work for Advancement Services. I’m an active volunteer at my catholic church as a youth group leader sharing my faith with teenagers and young adults.
What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
Recently I have the honor of being selected as an Archer Fellow for the Graduate Program in Public Policy in Washington, DC this coming summer.
What advice do you have for future students?
My advice for future students is to follow your dreams, network with classmates, reach out to professors and become their friend. It is key to remain positive at all times and seize every opportunity as if it was your last one, and have faith in a higher power. I have been fortunate enough to find great people along the way mentors, leaders, and experts that have pushed me to achieve my dreams, and walked along the way with me during though times. Set your goals and make them happen!