Paola Granados
Name: Paola Granados
Age: 22
Major: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Civil Engineering
College: College of Sciences
Hometown: Hidalgo, TX
High School: Science Academy of South Texas, Mercedes, TX
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because it allowed me to obtain a high-quality education while also being able to stay close to my home and family. UTRGV is a university that integrates so much of the community’s culture and works in so many ways to help and improve its local community.
What made you decide on your current major?
I took an environmental science class in high school where I quickly learned that the environment goes on to affect all aspects of life, as this is where all our resources come from. This led me to be interested in the environment, but also interested in ways to remediate and clean environmental hazards which inspired my decision to double major in environmental sciences and civil engineering.
How are you maneuvering being a student during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Being a student during the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging at first, but it took some adapting to finally get to point where I was comfortable with being online always. Having support from my family, and motivation from my mentors and peers really has helped me stay on track.
What are your greatest strengths and what are some challenges?
Having been taking online classes for the past year, it was challenging at first to adjust to recorded lectures and keeping up with all the deadlines for assignment submissions. However, I became adjusted, like all students had to, and learned to manage my time better. My strengths of being dedicated to my work, commitment to keep on learning, and strong work ethic really helped push me throughout this period.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I hope to go on to graduate school and get a degree in Earth System Sciences. I hope to continue to a career within the environmental sciences, hopefully as a researcher getting to continue to study carbon capture from ecosystems and global climate change. As I continue in the environmental field, I aspire to keep on sharing the value of the environment through science communication.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
What I like the most about UTRGV are the classes and the professors. All the professors I’ve reached out to are always available to chat or help with whatever I need, and it is easy to get to know them.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
Being a Vaquero means being a leader for the Rio Grande Valley.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
Getting involved in scientific research with Dr. James Jihoon Kang has really set me on a path to pursue science as a career. Through being in a lab and running experiments, sharing results through poster presentations, and attending research conferences, I’ve had exposure to what a scientific career can look like.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Don’t lose sight of your goals! Being a student through this pandemic can be difficult and you might not be where you envisioned yourself, but it just takes perseverance and pushing on to get to your goals.