Melony Chavez
Name: Melony Chavez
Age: 21
Major: Biology
College: College of Sciences
Hometown: Mission, TX
High School: Juarez Lincoln High School
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV due to its proximity to home and being a first-generation college student, remaining close to my family meant the world to me. UTRGV had opportunities within my major that I wanted to be a part of, and I couldn’t find at other universities.
What made you decide on your current major?
Ever since I was younger, I have always found the world of science fascinating. From outer space to the tiniest living organism, science introduced me to a world of never-ending learning. When I combined my passion for science with medicine, I knew this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Biology allowed me to remain diverse within science, learning as much as I could all while exploring the world of medicine.
How are you maneuvering being a student during the COVID-19 pandemic?
COVID-19 has taught me to become resilient and learn to compromise with my outside surroundings; being okay with every outcome. My academic goals did become harder to reach, but it also showed me to be grateful for what we have in the moment. Being a student throughout this pandemic has been difficult to say the least, but it taught me self-care and to appreciate every moment and obstacle.
What are your greatest strengths and what are some challenges?
My greatest strength is being open minded, it allows me to see different perspectives and how to better approach situations. However, one of my challenges that I encountered during this pandemic is that I don’t give myself enough credit for everything that I have accomplished. For all the love and appreciation, I give to everyone in my life, I need to learn to return the favor to myself.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
I hope to become a physician assistant in the future, providing the best quality care to my community. The RGV lacks access to good healthcare, and I want to work to provide affordable and attainable care to people who need it the most.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
What I like the most about UTRGV is the culture and community that is present every day. I have met friends, professors, advisors, and much more who have taken a part in my growth throughout college, and I’m happy that UTRGV brought us together.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
Being a Vaquero means being proud of the RGV and its beautiful community. We are role models for the next generation to come and it’s important that we create as many opportunities for them as possible.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
UTRGV allowed me the opportunity to meet such amazing people throughout my college career. I was able to extend my passions to the arts, volunteer for my community, and provide help to fellow peers within my workplace. I have been a part of honor societies, organizations, and events that have opened many doors for my future goals.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Please, don’t give up. Continue being resilient towards all the drawbacks that may occur in your life, and take your time, it isn’t a race. Enjoy the process and always remember that you are enough and you’re doing enough; you got this.