Priscylla Guzman
Name: Priscylla Guzman
Age: 21
Major: Mass Communications
Hometown: Mission, Texas
High School: Sharyland High School, Mission, Texas
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because it offered great programs in the areas I was interested in as well as knowing that I could be studying what I wanted while being in the comfort of my own home and community. At the time, I felt a huge movement to another university outside my hometown was not the right move for me yet.
What made you decide on your current major?
I chose to study journalism because I am passionate in knowing that as a journalist, you have the duty of being the “watchdog of the function,” meaning that we are the eyes of this world and it is our job to educate and inform the public. Not to mention that with my major, there is so many areas I can work in rather than just one thing.
How are you maneuvering being a student during the COVID-19 pandemic?
As someone who enjoys being around others, this has been a challenge for me and it has not been easy but personally, what has helped me maintain my achievements is my professors. Since the moment school went online, I have had the fortune of being taught by great and patient professors who encouraged me to learn and excel in my work.
What are your greatest strengths and what are some challenges?
My greatest strengths due to the pandemic are my hope and love. I think that these are my greatest strengths because it is who I am and what makes me. The pandemic challenged my hope and at times I felt like I had no more hope left in me because everything seemed to keep getting worse, but even in those challenging moments, my strength in being hopeful persevered. My love was also challenged because my mental health was not getting better, even this year. It made me feel like I couldn’t be there as much as I wanted to for the people I love because of my struggle with my mental health so at times it was hard to not be able to be giving that love to others and myself.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
As someone who is passionate about theatre, I would like to combine my skills from my major and my minor and work for a theatre company as their public relations person. It is very important for me to still keep theatre present throughout my life, whether it is on the stage or not.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
I would say the campus, especially the ELABS building because of the theatre department. I have made a lot of memories there that I cherish, so being on campus is a trip down memory lane for me.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
Being a Vaquero, to me, means showing the world who the Rio Grande Valley is. I am proud to attend UTRGV because I am proud to be from here and I have pride in the fact that a lot of us will represent the Valley in the best way possible and we will show the world what we are capable of.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
Because of UTRGV I have had the chance to work as vice president for the Latino Theatre Initiative since summer 2019 and it has given me a lot of leadership skills and opportunities like traveling, making connections and even participate for an international theatre festival. Being part of this organization has given me more insight and has helped me experience different areas of theatre rather than just acting.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic?
My advice is to always try your best but never push yourself over the edge. I think a lot of us have struggled with our mental health during this pandemic, so it is so important to always put yourself first and to remember that even the smallest of steps, is already a step. Always be proud of yourself for trying your best.