2020
December 29, 2020
Ana Cristina Fernandez
Why UTRGV?
I choose to earn my MBA at UTRGV because it is a school that provides me the opportunity to earn an affordable graduate degree in the U.S. while I am close to my family. UTRGV also provides me with unique opportunities such as fellowships and assistantships that help me to enhance my professional skills and broaden my experience as a business student.
December 22, 2020
Joann González
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV was an economic choice that offered me stability and familiarity.
December 15, 2020
Abigail Ortiz-Dominguez
Why UTRGV?
I decided to attend UTRGV because I love the RGV. I love my community and I only want to see it thrive. Attending this accredited university does make me feel excited for the future of my community and hopeful for the generations to come.
December 8, 2020
Clarissa A. Caballero
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV after researching the programs and opportunities offered. Upon visiting other universities, none felt like home as much as UTRGV did. Most importantly, UTRGV offered an opportunity to stay closer to my family for a while longer. That said, family is very important to me and their support to continue my education made my final decision to attend UTRGV.
December 1, 2020
Carmen Elena Galvan
Why UTRGV?
I was scared of going to college because I didn’t think I was smart enough. I spent years resisting this dream because I feared no college would want me. But when I moved back to my hometown, I saw that UTRGV was everywhere – in commercials, on billboards, bumper stickers and t-shirts. Was this a sign, or was it just good marketing? Either way, it encouraged me to give college a second chance. And, when I got accepted into UTRGV, I became extremely happy and hopeful for the future. This motivated me to be the best student I could be.
November 24, 2020
Adriana Nava
Why UTRGV?
As a family-oriented person, attending UTRGV was ideal for me because it gave me the opportunity to continue my education while being close to home. The university offers quality education and exhibits a welcoming and caring environment for its students by providing many useful resources and special programs that assist students in achieving their future goals.
November 17, 2020
Nicholas Gutierrez
Why UTRGV?
I decided to attend UTRGV mainly because I am able to stay close to home. The support of my mother, Lisa Hernandez, and grandpa, Amado Hernandez, make everything possible for me. With my four years of experience at UTRGV, it’s safe to say that this university also brings a warm and cozy feeling, just like home.
November 10, 2020
Ashley Adair Garcia
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because I wanted to attend a college that was both flexible and affordable. Attending UTRGV gave me the opportunity to be close to my family and home while also establishing close relationships with other students and my professors.
November 3, 2020
Osiel Noyola
Why UTRGV?
When I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Kinesiology from UTRGV, I knew I wanted to go to graduate school. However, I was not sure what degree to pursue. After having a good talk with my parents, they encouraged me that I would be a great counselor. When I looked into the counseling program at UTRGV, I noticed that they were an accredited program. In addition, UTRGV is so close to home, so I would be able to hold a full-time job and still attend class daily. Yes, COVID-19 has transitioned us to attend online, but the closeness of UTRGV played a big role in why I chose to attend graduate school here.
October 27, 2020
Merary De La Fuente
Why UTRGV?
As a UTRGV graduate student, I have seen the commitment and dedication this institution has for its students and their success. I have a great appreciation for this institute because it allows students to become passionate and determined about their degree and future career, and that is exceptionally empowering. I have always enjoyed my experiences at UTRGV and believe I made the correct decision of continuing my education at my alma mater.
October 20, 2020
Irma Dennise Hernandez
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because I knew I would get a quality education while being close to home. Initially, I was not convinced of moving to the United States at all. With Spanish being my first language and attending school in Mexico my whole life, I didn’t believe I would adapt as well as I did. Thankfully, UTRGV made me feel right at home. It didn’t take long for me to discover all the involvement opportunities that UTRGV has to offer.
October 13, 2020
Fernando Ramirez
Why UTRGV?
While I was in high school, I had the opportunity to learn about different universities, but UTRGV stood out to me compared to the rest. UTRGV offered great opportunities, had good programs, and was close to home. While visiting both campuses, I felt comfortable and enjoyed the ambience and culture of both campuses.
October 6, 2020
Diego Garza
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV offers me a great musical experience while being close to home and it’s more affordable than other universities and conservatories.
September 29, 2020
Ashley Villarreal
Why UTRGV?
One of the reasons I chose UTRGV was to stay close to my family while also staying involved with those from our culture and community. The Valley is a special place to me where I've made strong connections, both personally and in business, and I’ve seen so much talent from my peers as I've grown up.
September 22, 2020
Jazmin Guardiola
Why UTRGV?
Staying close to my family while attending college was very important to me. In addition to that, affordability was a major point I took into consideration. I decided to attend UTRGV because it met these requirements.
September 15, 2020
Andrea Ayala
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because being close to my family is very important to me. Also, this university made me feel at home. Despite being an international student, the school gives us the necessary support to continue our education.
September 8, 2020
Dionicio Rios
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV is part of such a historical community, richly filled with tradition and culture. Leaving this community was never an option for me. The Rio Grande Valley offers tremendous hospitality for all its members, and I knew that I would never find that anywhere else. UTRGV actively takes pride in the level of education it offers as well as promotes inclusivity and diversity.
September 1, 2020
Gabriela Parra
Why UTRGV?
I have collected an abundance of invaluable family memories at UTRGV from the time I was three years old. Evening walks around the Bronc Trail, standing in line with my brother to take a Christmas photo and celebrating my quinceañera at the UTPA Events Hall are just some of my many unforgettable moments. I have attended almost every March Madness, HESTEC and other campus events. My heart has always belonged to this campus and I am gratified that I followed it to UTRGV.
August 25, 2020
Stephanie Desiree Ayala
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV is completely different than other UT campuses and is unique in the sense of how close the community is. I have toured other campuses within the same university school system and did not find one quite like UTRGV. The staff along with faculty members are so friendly, helpful, and readily available to answer all questions and/or concerns.
August 18, 2020
Fernanda Figueroa
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because I knew that it would allow me to grow my skills in an extremely welcoming environment and provide me the resources I needed all while still being close to home.
August 11, 2020
Claudia Ruiz
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because of its affordability and the many great opportunities and resources that it offers.
August 4, 2020
Frida Retana
Why UTRGV?
Being able to study close to home and the added bonus of a community of people from the Rio Grande Valley was something that I believed would make the transition from high school to college a lot easier. Along with this, the culture found within UTRGV is something I really admired and wanted to be a part of.
July 28, 2020
Jose Hernandez
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because it has an excellent art education program.
What made you decide on your current major?
A career in art education seems logical for me because it can help me combine my passion for art and my passion to empower others to grow in their ability and confidence.
July 21, 2020
Jose Garza
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV specifically because it was close to home and my family. Also, because it has the major I wanted to pursue and a great school environment.
July 14, 2020
Dan Reagan
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because of the interactions I had experienced with many of the faculty prior to me considering entering into a program of study. I appreciated the interest they demonstrated when presenting professional presentations in the community and among others in their profession. Much of the growth I experienced in the field was a direct result of faculty at the university encouragement I received even before applying for the program.
July 7, 2020
Louis J. Nolan
Why UTRGV?
I believe the Health Science program is excellent and what I was looking for when I applied. Proximity to home was definitely a big plus. Being so close to home has allowed me to keep my full-time job. It further provides me with stability and the support system that I would not have had I chosen to attend a university elsewhere.
June 30, 2020
Alondra Garcia
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV in Edinburg was the campus of my choice given that I grew fond of it at an early age, back when it was still UTPA. I explored it and the programs available and took advantage of all the resources and even participated in summer programs it held. Getting involved was the best decision by far. I currently live on campus through a migrant housing scholarship, Abriendo Caminos, which has been a true blessing. It’s allowed me to make friends, acquaintances and given me access to an alternative university experience.
June 23, 2020
Emilia J. Monsivais
Why UTRGV?
By the time I started my senior year in high school, I had a goal of excelling in my career choice without needing to give up my many passions. I also hoped to have the ability of looking after my family as I continued my education in an affordable yet outstanding school – UTRGV was always the best choice. I continued my job as a musician and perform with the Valley Symphony Orchestra, I have the freedom to study near home with the resources provided to students, the teachers and faculty are very supportive and understanding – I can’t ask for more. I am happy to be in a university I can call a second home and I am proud to be a part of the Vaquero community.
June 16, 2020
Alondra Saenz
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV is a great university that gives you a great experience and a wonderful environment. This university is like no other.
June 9, 2020
Aubrey Megan Villanueva
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because I wanted an affordable first-class education at a smaller university that gave me opportunities to conduct research.
June 2, 2020
Laura Galvan
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV was the perfect option for me. Not only is it close to home, but it also offers tuition assistance such as the UTRGV Achieve Grant which I have been fortunate to receive. I also wanted to go to a university that offers filmmaking classes. This made my decision to attend UTRGV very easy. Along with advertising, I am minoring in film and marketing.
May 26, 2020
Josie Del Castillo
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV is one of the most affordable universities in Texas. I am constantly thinking of ways to save money and being resourceful, so there was no doubt that I wanted to stay home to take advantage of this opportunity. I also believe the main goal of UTRGV is to give Hispanic students the best education, opportunities, and resources one can get by working together as a whole instead of divided.
May 19, 2020
Bianca Boyd
Why UTRGV?
Originally, I was going to study fashion at Texas Tech, but decided financially it would be best to do my basics here at UTRGV. Not to mention that it’s down the street from my home and lets me stay with my old friends while making new ones.
May 12, 2020
Yaw Sam
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV is close to home for me and having the opportunity to stay with family and attend a good university checked the mark for me. After doing some research, I decided to choose UTRGV also because of the university’s values.
May 5, 2020
Kayla Chavez
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV gives the opportunity for students to study in their hometown with many advantages. It’s a dedicated university that actually cares for their students with aid such as financial aid and advancing their physical and mental health. Yes, it is more affordable than most universities but out of all of the universities I was able to feel welcome and at home even before I said yes to UTRGV.
April 28, 2020
Cassandra Guajardo
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because I had made such great connections at STC in their theatre program and they highly suggested that I attend school here. While at STC, I met Dr. Brian Warren who is now my favorite director to work with. I also met Miguel Salazar, who is now my incredible mentor. Because the theatre program at UTRGV is smaller than other universities, we can have that one on one connection that would not be possible at any other university in the theatrical field. This one on one with professors has opened amazing opportunities to me. I have led multiple teams and assisted my mentor during his classes.
April 21, 2020
Maria Ramirez Montoya
Why UTRGV?
I decided to attend UTRGV because I wanted to stay local and this university offers a great education program at an affordable price. I don’t think that students must leave the Valley to obtain a great education. UTRGV has quality professors that uphold their students education to the highest of standards.
April 14, 2020
Jo-Ann Galindo
Why UTRGV?
Before graduating high school, my plan was to move away for college. However, as graduation got closer, I realized being close to home and my family was very important to me. It was then when I decided to stay in the Valley and attend UTRGV. Being close to the people I most love while still being able to attend college and obtain my desired degree was perfect.
April 7, 2020
Andres Mendoza
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV was an easy choice for me. It offered me the best opportunity to continue my education, while still being close to my family. The merge between UTPA and UTB offered a new experience I was eager to join. All the Rio Grande Valley would come together to create something that hadn’t been done in the UT System before.
March 31, 2020
Diana Navarro
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because it is close to home, and I love that we get the opportunity to make a difference locally.
March 24, 2020
Lilly Elliot
Why UTRGV?
When I graduated high school, I didn’t want to leave home yet. The UTRGV campus is close to home and the financial incentives with the prospective of graduating with no debts helped me make this choice. Also, my mom, who was starting her master’s degree, joked that maybe we would graduate together. Luckily enough, this semester we’ll be able to do just that!
March 17, 2020
Jesenia Riojas
Why UTRGV?
I’m a first-generation college student, so for me it was really important to find an affordable college close to home. UTRGV provided me with that security as well as gave me an opportunity to get to know the community that makes up the Rio Grande Valley.
March 10, 2020
Ricardo Duarte
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV offered one thing to me that no other university could offer, which was closeness. The fact that I can attend a university right in my neighborhood without ever leaving my home or my family didn’t make me think twice about my choice to attend UTRGV. I had the same idea when I was graduating from high school and was able to attend UTPA and earn a bachelor’s degree in Psychology back in the spring of 2015. The fact that I can attend UTRGV and go back home after my classes makes it perfect for me.
March 3, 2020
Angela Zavala
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because it is close to home and I get to earn a higher education without having to leave my family and culture behind, like many of my friends had to.
February 25, 2020
Jacob Castro
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV for several reasons, but most importantly, because it has provided me the advantages to excel all while commuting from home. Because my long-term goal is to have a career as a nurse practitioner, I wanted to take advantage of being close to family while obtaining my undergraduate degree at UTRGV.
February 18, 2020
Victoria Barrios
Why UTRGV?
I chose the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley because it is prospering more than ever with so much impact on students, including myself, and the community. I wanted to be part of this university because it offers a wide range of studies, programs and opportunities all in my hometown.
February 11, 2020
Dana Day
Why UTRGV?
I was looking for a college that was supportive, affordable and knowledgeable about contemporary career choices. While a biology pre-physical therapy route is common, I noticed that UTRGV was preparing pre-health professionals through their exercise science degree plan which is helping to bridge the path for these majors into the allied health field of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
February 4, 2020
Kamil Dragun
Why UTRGV?
The coach of our chess team is also from Poland, like me, which was a very important factor in me choosing to attend UTRGV because I knew that I would have someone to count on, especially at the beginning when my English was much worse. I also needed some time to adapt to a new environment.
January 28, 2020
Layda Belia Spor-Leal
Why UTRGV?
I choose UTRGV due to how open and accessible the university is for students of different backgrounds. As an International Student, it was imperative for me to find a place that would not only accept but celebrate different cultures the way UTRGV does.
January 21, 2020
Nahari Yared Leija
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV has provided me with the opportunity to stay close to my family, as well as helping me give back to my community while enriching myself with my Mexican American heritage. UTRGV offers a unique experience in which one is able to learn from the diverse and vibrant student population. As a student, I appreciate that UTRGV is not only incredibly affordable but has a staff that truly cares about me as a student.
January 14, 2020
Marlissa Saldana
Why UTRGV?
As a concurrent enrollment student of UTRGV throughout high school, I saw the opportunities that UTRGV had to offer. UTRGV not only allowed me to stay close to my family, but to my culture as well. I like that UTRGV has a nursing program that will allow me to study and give back to my community.
January 7, 2020
Mayra Hernandez-Arredondo
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because it has always been the school I wanted to attend. I first started off at STC, but knew my goal was to be accepted into UTRGV. Coming to UTRGV also meant I could stay close to home, which is very important to me. UTRGV has a great community and a great environment. The faculty and staff are always helpful and considerate.