Arnelle Canales

Arnelle Canales

Name: Arnelle Canales
Age: 25
Major: Biology
College: College of Sciences
Hometown: Edinburg, TX
High School: Edinburg High School 

Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV to get a taste of what college feels like and if college was for me. UTRGV is a part of my home.

What made you decide on your current major?
I chose biology as my major because at a very young age my family surrounded me with animals/pets. When I got asked what I wanted to be in kindergarten, I knew right away that I wanted to give animals a better life. I want to be able to help them when they cannot help themselves.

How are you maneuvering being a student during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Covid-19 has made my academic goals a bit of a challenge because a lot of my classes require labs that consist of in person attendance as well as hands on teaching and learning.

What are your greatest strengths and what are some challenges? 
Due to Covid, it has made me realize more of my perfectionist side and how I like things a certain way. Dealing with the struggle of switching classes online was a big change for me. However, it also showed me that things happen for a reason and nothing is perfect. There will always be room for improvement and to be open to try new things to help myself grow in all aspects.

What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
I hope one day I change the way people see animals. I want people to realize that animals are not just another living thing in this world. They deserve to be treated fairly just like us. It is understandable that they are a part of our food source, but we are also sharing the world with them. Without animals, what would we have to keep us going? 

What do you like most about UTRGV?
UTRGV is such a beautiful campus. I really love and appreciate that there are areas where you can sit outside and surround yourself with nature. Seeing the beautiful trees and all the squirrels running back and forth from tree to tree.

What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
What being a part of UTRGV Vaqueros means to me is that I get to represent my hometown, where I come from. I can show my culture and traditions.

What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
UTRGV has given me the opportunity to have my first job. Working at the Student Union has given me the opportunity to grow and learn what it’s like to be a coworker and work as a team. It has given me the responsibility through learning social and work skills.

What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Coming from someone who’s not a huge fan of online classes, this pandemic has given me more courage to keep pushing myself. Knowing that in the end it will all be worth it if you believe, have faith and a lot of patience with yourself.