Sergio Solis

Name: Sergio Solis
Age: 21
Major: Bachelor’s in Biology College: College of Science
Hometown: McAllen, TX
High School: McAllen Memorial High School

Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV for its proximity to home and for its affordable tuition. Being a first-generation college student meant that I was not very well educated on school loans but UTRGV facilitated this for me by providing several grants.

What made you decide on your current major?
I chose to study biology as I wanted to eventually apply to dental school. This major has introduced me to several interesting courses such as genetics, global change ecology, and organic chemistry which have all aided me on my journey to becoming a dentist.

How are you maneuvering being a student during the COVID-19 pandemic? One way which I continued to have academic success was by creating to-do lists which allowed me to keep track of any upcoming assignments or tests. This also helped me spread out my assignments throughout the week in a way which would keep me from procrastinating.

What are your greatest strengths and what are some challenges? Some of my greatest strengths are my resilience, passion, and aptitude for teaching others. These have all allowed me to push through difficult classes in undergrad and have also allowed me to help others by teaching material that I have learned. Some challenges that I have faced during this pandemic have been managing time and staying interested while looking at a computer screen for hours on end.

What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
I hope to continue my education in dental school and eventually become a practicing dentist here in our community. I would like to become a bilingual dentist who can provide an environment where both English and Spanish speaking patients feel safe and welcome.

What do you like most about UTRGV? My favorite part of what UTRGV has to offer is its clubs. The pre-dental society offered here is amazing. It provides its members with several volunteer opportunities, social gatherings, and information regarding the many dental schools found in Texas.

What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
Being a Vaquero represents having access to a campus and community which is very inviting and compassionate. It represents being able to meet a plethora of people from different backgrounds who are all willing to help each other out. What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community? UTRGV has allowed me to help my community through its pre-dental society which consistently does volunteer work at the local food bank and immigration center.

What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic?
To my fellow students, although staring at your screens can be quite tedious and difficult, be sure to keep your end goal in mind. If you can push through this difficult year, then you will be able to push through anything else undergrad throws at you. If you feel like you’re the only one struggling this school year, rest assured that you are not alone.