2019
December 31, 2019
Selina Garcia
Why UTRGV?
I started at South Texas College. After I graduated from Palmview High School, I wanted to finish my associate degree in Political Science. Three days after I walked across the stage to receive my high school diploma, I began classes and graduated in December of 2013. My mom, brother, and I then decided the next logical step was the legacy institution, University of Texas-Pan American. We never even considered another university. We lived in Mission together, still do, and money was tight, so we decided that was the most logical choice.
December 24, 2019
Veronica Hernandez
Why UTRGV?
When selecting which university to attend, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was the first on my list. UTRGV does not only offer affordable tuition, but the quality of education was the primary reason that I chose UTRGV. This university offers great engineering programs and opportunities for its students that cannot be obtained anywhere else.
December 17, 2019
Dora Cantu
Why UTRGV?
Beneath the green palms and the blazing sun of the RGV there are talented individuals working, thriving and changing lives. An underestimated establishment that fosters talent, opportunity, accessibility and community, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley holds a phenomenal selection of thought-provoking courses I’ve found within both my majors. It is also home to the most wise, kind and awe-inspiring staff and professors who are passionate about their profession and their students. UTRGV is a place where students like me can plant their foundational seeds and watch them grow, all within the comforts of home.
December 10, 2019
Criselda Garcia
Why UTRGV?
After I earned two associate degrees from South Texas College, I transferred to UTRGV because it was close by, generally cheaper as opposed to other four-year universities, and to complete my degree that I had started in the 1980s. Following my oldest son’s honorable discharged from the U.S. Navy and my daughter’s graduation from STC, we all made the leap together and enrolled at legacy institution UTPA in the spring semester of 2014. My daughter and I participated in the final UTPA graduation ceremony in the summer of 2015, and my son and I will be graduating together in the fall of 2019.
December 3, 2019
Gabriel Carrizales
Why UTRGV?
After serving seven years in the United States Navy, I wanted to come home and start over. I knew I wanted to go to college locally. Before I got discharged, my mom, Criselda, and sister, Selina, motivated me to complete the paperwork to begin school at South Texas College. After they graduated, we all transferred to legacy institution UTPA. As a Veteran, I struggled at first with the transition into civilian life. The Military and Veterans Success Center on campus helped facilitate my transition into a full-time student, and I was hired as a work-study soon thereafter. Being around fellow student Veterans really made things easier, along with my family being with me every step of the way.
November 26, 2019
Cynthia Rodriguez
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because I wanted to stay close to my family, but still get the college experience of living on campus and being involved. I get to become an empowering leader during the week and then be able to visit my family on the weekends. What’s so unique about UTRGV is that they offer so many opportunities to become a leader and grow out of your comfort zone to be able to take on whatever comes your way.
November 19, 2019
Jimena Gamboa
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because I was very interested in their Bilingual Education program. I knew that getting my teaching experience in the Rio Grande Valley would allow me to prepare myself as a bilingual educator due to the high number of Spanish speakers. I also wanted to stay close to my family, and I knew that attending this university would allow me to get a good education and be near the ones I love.
November 12, 2019
Cristina Raya
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV, because it is a rising, affordable school that offered many opportunities, and I also wanted to stay close to home during my undergraduate studies. In addition, in college, I knew I was going to join at least one student activity club and a research lab so I could find volunteering and professional development opportunities that would allow me to give back to my community.
November 5, 2019
Meghan Kelley
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because the Valley is my home. It is a place where I feel safe. Graduating from a local school is important to me because I want to prove to the world that education in the Valley is great despite the stereotypes surrounding our area. I strive to give back to my local community and would not be able to do so with such a great impact without the support of my UTRGV family.
October 29, 2019
Deborah Contreras
Why UTRGV?
My father helped guide me to decide on UTRGV. He had attended UTB/TSC and advised me that moving to another university away from family can be a difficult adjustment. He made me realize that the university has many resources that could help make my college experience easy while having the resources I needed at home to help.
October 22, 2019
Luis Salinas
Why UTRGV?
Contrary to other younglings, I do quite love the Valley and would find it hard to ever leave! UTRGV offers the unique experience of obtaining a higher education while being able to stay close to friends and family.
October 15, 2019
Javier Zapata
Why UTRGV?
Honestly, because it was close to home. My mother graduated from this school when it was UTPA and I always thought of attending, as well. Plus, since I was a kid, I attended many plays at the Jefferson Theatre, and I thought it was neat.
October 8, 2019
Amanda Nicole Peña
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because it was the best possible option that fit into my busy lifestyle. With having other responsibilities like being a mom and working full-time, UTRGV’s online and afternoon courses made it so that I could pursue my dreams of higher education while still upholding my responsibilities.
October 1, 2019
Ulyses Yakovlevich
Why UTRGV?
After being accepted into and touring every public college in Texas, I decided to check out UTRGV, which was the closest university to me. Looking at the high-class academic curriculum, prestigious research, graduate programs offered, community engagement and scholarships that were offered, it became clear that UTRGV was the right choice.
September 24, 2019
Michelle Hawkins
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because of the opportunities it offers. I am able to pursue my higher education at a price I can afford while being close to home.
September 17, 2019
Monika Garza
Why UTRGV?
Coming from Mexico, I have always had the dream of studying in the United States. During my college search, I noticed that UTRGV was a growing institution which keeps on adding new programs and providing new opportunities for students in the Valley. UTRGV never stops surprising me. Overall, the opportunities provided, and the amazing faculty and staff make our college experience wonderful. Even though UTRGV is a fairly new institution, I am convinced that our university will keep on growing and attracting students from every corner of the globe.
September 10, 2019
Jose Palacio
Why UTRGV?
Unlike other universities, I felt that there was a cultural proximity that UTRGV was going to offer me that I was not going to find anywhere else. Also, fortunately, many of my relatives had the opportunity to attend this university, so I was already aware of the excellent quality of education that I could receive.
September 3, 2019
Gabriel Islas
Why UTRGV?
I decided to attend UTRGV to stay close to my family and friends. From my experience at UTRGV, this university offers a comforting environment where all students can discover their true passion and identities through academics, events, organizations, scholarships, volunteering, etc.
August 27, 2019
Cinthia Monsivais
Why UTRGV?
When I first learned about UTRGV it was exciting to me because the merge between the two legacy universities, UTPA and UTB, meant more opportunities and I wanted to be part of the growth. When I realized that I wanted to go into Mass Communications, I started researching programs offered in Texas. I was happy to hear from my high school journalism teacher about all the opportunities UTRGV’s Mass Communications program offered because it meant that by choosing this university, I could stay close to home while still getting a quality education.
August 20, 2019
Kimberly Kristine Scobey
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV is home! It’s a place where I feel welcomed and supported by my community. A university where diversity really is embraced and where student’s voices are heard. As a family-oriented person, I always felt like being close to home was important. UTRGV offers just what I needed and allowed me to be close to what I love. Ever since I stepped foot on campus my junior year of high school, I saw all the beauty and hospitality UTRGV had to offer. Not only is UTRGV beautiful from the outside, but the faculty and staff are always helpful and polite.
August 13, 2019
Tanner Wilson
Why UTRGV?
I was born and raised in Harlingen as a fourth generation Rio Grande Valley native. My great grandpa, Harry Hollon, started selling oil to farmers in Elsa back in 1946 and established Hollon Oil Company. My grandpa, Bill Hollon, worked at Hollon Oil through high school and later took over as the president of the company.
August 6, 2019
Jose Calderon
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because of its affordable tuition and how close to home it was. Not many get the privilege of receiving a quality education close to home, and that was something I really wanted and UTRGV provided just that. I knew this was the right choice when I set foot on campus and saw the way UTRGV embraced the community and our culture.
July 30, 2019
Roberto De La Garza
Why UTRGV?
I decided to attend UTRGV for the Rio Grande Valley's rich culture and its proximity to my home. As a Biomedical science student, UTRGV offers a wide spectrum of research fields and topics to choose and learn from. Additionally, UTRGV offers a quality education comparable with many of the state's leading public universities.
July 23, 2019
Priscila Ramirez
Why UTRGV?
Aside from the affordability, UTRGV gave me the chance to experience dorm life and build my own independence without an extremely long drive home. I can have classes in Edinburg and enjoy another city and still see my family on the weekends.
July 16, 2019
Denise Hernandez
Why UTRGV?
The reason that I chose to attend UTRGV as an undergraduate is because they have an excellent rehab program. Once I obtained my bachelor’s degree, I decided to enter into a master’s program because I enjoyed my experience as an undergrad and felt that UTRGV was able to provide me with a high quality and affordable education.
July 9, 2019
Samantha Nicole Acuna
Why UTRGV?
The opportunities UTRGV has offered me are unlike any other. Being some of UTRGV’s first students is definitely pivotal in how we shape the history of South Texas and the faculty and staff at UTRGV helped me realize that early on. The academic and career endeavors I’ve experienced are because of UTRGV – the staff, faculty and my peers.
July 2, 2019
Alondra Lucio
Why UTRGV?
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was always my first choice. UTRGV allowed me to stay home and pursue a great major taught by knowledgeable and dedicated faculty at a very affordable price. UTRGV also has a great community that helps make of this institution and this region a well-known and admired place.
June 25, 2019
Daniela Montalvo
Why UTRGV?
The University of Texas offers a high-quality education and opportunities for growth and development that are hard to find in other universities. UTRGV Professors are really engaged with the performance of their students and they are willing to go the extra mile for us to succeed. I believe that UTRGV has the diversity you find on campus because this gives you the opportunity to get involved with people from different backgrounds, which help us to expand our cultural knowledge.
June 18, 2019
Mauricio Alonso
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because of its affordability and commitment to provide quality education.
June 11, 2019
Andrea Salinas
Why UTRGV?
As a migrant student, UTRGV offered me the support and guidance to continue with my education. UTRGV is one of the universities in the country that has programs to assist students with migrant backgrounds like me. This university gave me the opportunity to expand my education and stay close to my family.
June 4, 2019
Anthony Rivera
Why UTRGV?
Coming to UTRGV was an idea that sparked in me when I came to a summer camp here called MUSE. During this summer camp, I was able to meet staff and students from UTRGV. After participating in that camp, I knew that this was the place for me. After applying for scholarships, I was awarded a housing scholarship which allowed me to be a part of Abriendo Caminos, a Living Learning Community that has given me the opportunity to live on campus and be a bigger part of the UTRGV community.
May 24, 2019
Yulissa Rangel
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because I knew that I would be receiving a quality education close to home. UTRGV also offered me numerous scholarships that paid off the majority of my tuition. Attending UTRGV was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.
May 21, 2019
Aldo Vazquez Alvarado
Why UTRGV?
Since I was in high school, I was always sure that I wanted to continue my education in another city in order to face new challenges and meet new people. Even though UTRGV was always my first option, there was a point where I thought about going to Monterrey because my dad graduated there. However, the people, the culture, and the facilities at UTRGV convinced me so fast to stay, that I didn’t hesitate to make my decision.
May 14, 2019
Valerie Lozano
Why UTRGV?
I decided to enroll at UTPA, the legacy institution, due to its proximity to home. As a first-generation college student and because of the special bond I have with my family, being close to home was very important to me. I was also aware of the new opportunities that were upcoming once the university transitioned to UTRGV the following year, so I was excited and looked forward to being part of this new chapter.
May 7, 2019
Mariana Cerda
Why UTRGV?
My parents attended the university when it was UTPA, so I was always interested in the school and knew I would apply. I was admitted into the BMED program and was excited for the opportunity. I love that UTRGV has so much to offer and it is so close to home.
April 30, 2019
Francisco Menchaca
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV was a great choice to earn my college degree because it had everything I was looking for: High academic quality, affordable tuition and it’s conveniently near Mexico, the country where I was born. On top of that, UTRGV met my expectations because of their engineering programs which are known for their excellency. Even though choosing to come to UTRGV wasn’t an easy decision because it meant leaving my home, I am grateful I chose to come because I got to grow not just academically, but also as a person.
April 23, 2019
Andres Vela
Why UTRGV?
One of the main reasons for choosing UTRGV is that I already had been taking private lessons for three years with the professor of double bass, Dr. George Amorim. I wanted to continue studying music at the university level because I really enjoyed working with him and knew that there was much more to learn.
April 16, 2019
Carlos Hevia Alejano
Why UTRGV?
I was offered a chess scholarship to UTRGV while I was coursing my last semester at the University of Havana. It was exciting to study far from home, from your comfort zone, and what better place than Rio Grande Valley, a city enriched with Latin culture.
April 9, 2019
Josabeth Navarro
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because it offers excellent programs all while staying close to home. UTRGV has given me the opportunity to branch out to both campuses where I network with staff members and build a real relationship between my professors. I believe these relationships are crucial when it comes to looking for opportunities in the working field and UTRGV will continue to be a significant resource for me in the future.
April 2, 2019
Erick Longoria
Why UTRGV?
I always wanted to attend UTRGV for the Rio Grande Valley's rich history and proximity to the border. For a political science student, UTRGV is in a prime spot to study immigration and border security issues. Additionally, UTRGV offers a quality political science program on par with many of the state's leading public universities. Ultimately, it has been the conscious and determined effort by UTRGV to leverage resources for the benefit of all students that has set the school apart from the rest.
March 26, 2019
Monica Vera
Why UTRGV?
When I was in highschool, I was always surrounded by a tight-knit community. There was always somebody to lean on when times got tough, and many people to share your success with. With a senior class of 62 people, it was really easy to keep track of who went where. With everybody deciding to attend college in Kingsville, San Antonio, or Corpus Christi, I figured it was a good idea to find a fresh start in the Rio Grande Valley. I chose to come to UTRGV because it was the perfect choice for me. It was small enough for me to feel comfortable while being away from home, but big enough for me to discover new cultures, make new friends, and be able to find my own path in life.
March 19, 2019
Jahdiel Salazar
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because I aim to contribute to my community as I enter the workforce and advance the RGV. UTRGV offers unique and high-quality education that allows for professional growth during students’ academic careers. The proximity of the two close campuses has enriched my network with both diverse students and faculty. Building these relationships have aided in my continued success as a Vaquero!
March 12, 2019
Alda Mariela Jimenez
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV gave me the opportunity to remain close to my family while giving me a high-quality education. I had applied to several schools outside of Brownsville, but staying felt like the best option and I don’t regret it one bit. UTRGV has become my home, and I am forever thankful for all the amazing opportunities that have crossed my path.
March 5, 2019
Rebeca Gonzalez
Why UTRGV?
The opportunities for growth, proximity to home, and growing environment influenced my decision in choosing UTRGV as my university. Another main factor in my decision was the impressive psychology program offered and the pre-medical opportunities. UTRGV offers the opportunity for individuals to discover themselves by providing an active student life, a vast group of organizations and classes, and enormous support from the staff to see all students flourish in the field they desire.
February 26, 2019
Vladimir Belous
Why UTRGV?
I was invited by the coach of the chess team. Since my chess knowledge greatly exceeded my knowledge of English, I was offered to improve my English and then join UTRGV.
February 19, 2019
Joshua Ruiz
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because it has a great chess team and because I was already friends with some of the team mates. Plus, I really liked the campus.
February 12, 2019
Amanda Champion
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV is not only more affordable than other UT schools, but it is close to home making it the perfect university to earn a bachelor’s from.
February 5, 2019
Alejandra Ramirez
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV overall because of its commitment to provide a high-level education to all students and its location near home. Additionally, UTRGV provided me the opportunity to attend college at an affordable price. Although newly founded, I am convinced UTRGV will soon be recognized amongst the higher-ranking universities not only in the state, but in the nation through the continued efforts and hard work of its students committed to make a difference.
January 29, 2019
Zoe Sesin
Why UTRGV?
Initially I chose to attend UTRGV due to the convenience of being close to home. Originally, I was going to transfer to another school, but ended up staying at UTRGV. I realized that the relationships I had made with others, as well as my involvement in the theatre department, was irreplaceable.
January 22, 2019
Yannick Rajesh Kambrath
Why UTRGV?
I was in my first year of college in Versailles, France when I heard about the opportunity to come to UTRGV. The university had a strong chess team that I wanted to join so I could keep playing chess while studying. I also thought it would be a good chance for me to improve my English, discover a new culture and a new country.
January 15, 2019
Joseph Marquez
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because it is meaningful to graduate here since Brownsville is my hometown. I feel that it is always good to remember where you came from. I will always strive to help this city progress. I would love to see the whole Valley progress and reach its full potential. UTRGV offers a degree in finance and it’s a very good quality education for a reasonable cost. Growing up with a father that had five strokes and open-heart surgery, and a mother who has a bone spur in one arm, made my journey difficult as I had to be close to my family to help them out as much as I could with daily activities they were not able to do on their own. UTRGV gave me this amazing opportunity to stay close to home and I am extremely grateful for it.
January 8, 2019
Chloe Vergara
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because I would be able to stay close to home and receive a high quality education.
January 1, 2019
Pamela Cepeda
Why UTRGV?
I knew opportunities for growth and development were available at UTRGV for those who looked for them, therefore, I decided to not take out loans to go elsewhere and stay close to home.