2022
December 27, 2022
Kyle Sapla
Why UTRGV?
The Rio Grande Valley has always been home for me. Being a Filipino American, I felt a little out of place at a young age as the Hispanic culture was different from my own. Over time, I learned how welcoming the Hispanic culture is. I chose UTRGV because the Valley has given me a family, lifelong friends, and a home.
December 20, 2022
Alexandra Martinez
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV has always provided me with financial opportunities to complete my education. I graduated with my bachelors with zero debt due to the many grants and scholarships I received from UTRGV. Now that I am doing my masters, UTRGV keeps providing me with financial support to continue my education. I know I would not have been able to get this far in my education if it was not for UTRGV’s continuous commitment to eliminating financial barriers for its students.
December 13, 2022
Felicia Lopez
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because it is in my hometown and what this university has that is not found at other universities is a sense of community and belonging. Because at other universities, they prioritize more on academics compared to fitting in into the actual university.
December 6, 2022
Md Mozadded Hossen
Why UTRGV?
Being an international student, I feel connected with UTRGV because of the strong multicultural climate. I feel a closeness with the large Hispanic population – I see the influence of family dynamics and how everyone handles situations with honor and dignity. I also appreciate the practice of equality and equity at the administration level. And last but not least, the mission of UTRGV is inseparable from my mission for pursuing higher study: developing new understanding through research, moral and spiritual growth, sustainable development and creativity.
November 29, 2022
S. M. Sarwar
Why UTRGV?
First of all, as an international student, I was looking for the lowest price of attendance, and UTRGV is the one that gives us high-quality education at the lowest price. Second, I burned my budget by paying application fees, and UTRGV is a university with no application fee! I applied, and now, I am a proud member of Vaquero family.
November 22, 2022
Nadia Trevino
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because it’s close to home in every sense. My parents both graduated from our legacy institution, UTPA, where I was first immersed in our university’s culture. As a kid, I’d attend events and classes with them and saw the university expand over time. When my time came to chose which university I’d go to, I knew that UTRGV was the only option in which I didn’t have to compromise education, experience and family values.
November 15, 2022
Deisy Garcia
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because it allowed me to receive a higher education without any financial burdens. Not only that, but I could stay close to my family.
November 8, 2022
Isai Martinez
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because I wanted to pursue my double bass studies with Dr. Amorim, the professor of double bass at UTRGV. UTRGV is also affordable, close to home and I get to learn a little bit more about the culture of the RGV while the professors make class subject relatable.
November 1, 2022
Shiara Zarate
Why UTRGV?
I decided to attend UTRGV since it offers access to good quality and affordable education, with different types of financial aid assistance. Additionally, as a Colombian, I wanted to be part of a university that would provide international inclusion, and UTRGV does a great job empowering and promoting different cultures. This university has the perfect balance between academic and extracurricular activities, which was one of the main things I was looking for in my search for college. Finally, it offers classes that genuinely interest me, along with opportunities of studying abroad that I would like to experience.
October 25, 2022
Yesenia Alcoser
Why UTRGV?
I always wanted the full college experience. I planned on attending UTRGV for a year and transferring to some other university. After a year of attending UTRGV, I realized I had experienced great opportunities, met incredible people, and had amazing memories all while pursuing a degree I love and staying close to home. The decision to stay at UTRGV was simple. UTRGV offers me more than any other university could. I have the safety of having my family nearby while also having new experiences.
October 18, 2022
Marco I. Kidder
Why UTRGV?
I chose to study at UTRGV because I found that the major I’m currently studying was available, along with keeping me close to my family and allowing me to use different resources and tools to professionally develop.
October 11, 2022
Arlette Solis Almanza
Why UTRGV?
Some of the main aspects I was looking for in a university were affordability and staying close to home and I was able to find what I was looking for at UTRGV.
October 04, 2022
Lily Sanchez
Why UTRGV?
Many factors contributed to my decision. The first was that UTRGV offered a career path I was interested in. Additionally, I have always wanted to stay close to my family and UTRGV is a reasonable distance from my home. Lastly, UTRGV offered me a much-needed generous help financially. No other university offered all these components for me.
September 27, 2022
Yamilex Cantu
Why UTRGV?
Choosing to study at UTRGV enabled me to stay close to home while being relieved of the financial burden that college tends to accumulate. I have been fortunate enough to receive financial support and scholarships here at UTRGV, and I knew I could acquire a quality education in something I love to do here.
September 20, 2022
Cecilia Sierra
Why UTRGV?
Because as a senior in high school, despite being in Brownsville, UTRGV looked as though it could provide me with a good standing education. This and the added bonuses of being close to home and its affordable options, not to mention my culture surrounding the school, which helped me develop a deeper appreciation of its beauty.
September 13, 2022
Ricardo Peredo
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because of its proximity to my home, its affordability, and because of its chess program/club. Being close to family and friends makes everything a lot less taxing mentally and saves a lot of money. I also wanted to get better at chess, and I knew the university would be the perfect opportunity to help me achieve that.
September 6, 2022
Gilda Gonzalez
Why UTRGV?
There are many attributes that make UTRGV an excellent university, but my decision was influenced by its proximity to all the places I call home. As a Mexican- American student, UTRGV gave me the opportunity to thrive in an environment that embraced my culture and strengthened my roots. The university’s convenient location allows me to spend valuable time with my family on both sides of the border. UTRGV gave me opportunities that I wouldn’t have found anywhere else.
August 30, 2022
Mathew Huerta
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because it not only let me stay close to home, but it also offered a lot of opportunity and growth for my career in a more affordable way. After two years of attending UTRGV I can say that I am super appreciative and happy with the education and the experience I have gotten as an intern under the Student Experience Program and as student.
August 23, 2022
Nicole Cuevas
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV provided me with financial support through their scholarships and grants to attend a university where I can explore and obtain career options beyond my high school degree.
August 16, 2022
Marian Ramirez
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV allowed me to have a good education close to home with many scholarship opportunities.
August 9, 2022
Arely Suarez
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because of the chance it gave me to be close to home. Family has always been incredibly important to me and the opportunity to pursue a career while still being with my family was an opportunity that no other university could offer me. UTRGV also has an incredible graphic design program with excellent professors which only reassured me that this was the perfect place for me.
August 2, 2022
Dominique De Los Reyes
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because of the amazing experience I had while attending the UTRGV Mathematics and Science Academy. Through this high school program, I was able to be a full-time college student during my junior and senior year of high school. This allowed me to achieve a significant head start in my college career as well as earn a scholarship to UTRGV when I graduated high school. The close distance of the university to my parent’s house and this scholarship has given me the opportunity to save money for my future plans to travel.
July 26, 2022
Pedro Garcia
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because I wanted to stay close to home. It’s only been my father and I, so I knew I had to stay close by. UTRGV presented the perfect opportunity to pursue a quality education while being able to stay close to the person I love the most.
July 19, 2022
Chelsea Erazo
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV has always felt like home. When I was younger, I would accompany my older cousins to UTPA, now known as UTRGV. They would invite me to events at the university offered back in 2010, and that’s how I discovered that I wanted to be part of the university since I had been part of this community way before my college days. Also, because being part of UTRGV is the best of both worlds, you experience the ambiance of the Hispanic heritage while living in the U.S.
July 12, 2022
Nallely Balderas Gallegos
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV to obtain a better education and future. UTRGV offers many opportunities for international students, and it makes you feel welcomed and at home. UTRGV had allowed me to learn but also to work in the accounting field before I graduated with a B.B.A in Accountancy.
July 5, 2022
Patricia Hernandez Howard
Why UTRGV?
When I realized I wanted quality education that would not depend on my economic circumstances, while remaining close to my loved ones, UTRGV became the only true option for me. As the first amongst my brothers to attend college, I made it my goal to get my degree at UTRGV and later help my brothers get theirs.
June 28, 2022
Fatima Mancia Mendoza
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because I wanted a different environment compared to where I grew up. UTRGV provided a lot of financial assistance, and scholarships that have helped me cover the cost of my education. I chose UTRGV because I believe it’s a great university, it's affordable, and at the end of my four years I’ll graduate debt free. Most importantly UTRGV has a diverse group of students, where I have made lifelong friends who have changed my life forever. The educator and students have given me a different perspective to life, and I am forever grateful for that.
June 21, 2022
Alejandra Avilez
Why UTRGV?
Born and raised in the Valley, I have witnessed the beautiful changes our community has grown to know and love. At this university, we have faculty and staff who understand the community and culture of the Valley and go the extra mile to build up and guide new leaders. It’s heartwarming to know that there are people with the mentality of change, success, and community, and I wanted to be part of the Valley’s future.
June 14, 2022
Suly Sanchez
Why UTRGV?
Due to the pandemic I chose to stay but another reason which is also important is that my parents didn’t have to pay at all for my classes. With my scores and grades, I had everything pretty much paid. I also want my parents to see my journey into college and let them experience it!
June 7, 2022
Alondra Sanchez-Proa
Why UTRGV?
I have countless reasons why I love this university, but a few that I must highlight are as follows. The first being my mother and family members are alumni of the legacy institution UTPA, and I wanted to continue that tradition in my family to set the example for generations to come. Another reason would be the resources UTRGV provides. As a marketing major, I was seeking an employment opportunity that is tailored to my educational route. I am now employed by the Center for Student Involvement as a marketing specialist. Lastly, I enjoy seeing the diversity this campus provides from the student population to the opportunities, and the college experience.
May 31, 2022
Stephanie Picazo
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV offered me the best of both worlds; it allowed me to receive an excellent education and still be close to my family. This institution offered me community, everlasting friendship, the greatest of mentors, and financial opportunities like no other; it allowed me to believe that the impossible is possible. As a first-generation college student, UTRGV provided me with the support I needed. UTRGV has helped move Pa’lante; it has shown me a promise that no matter who I am or where we’re I am from, together, we can go forward.
May 24, 2022
Diego Fonseca
Why UTRGV?
I chose to study at UTRGV because I know that they are growing and offering many opportunities for people to have access to an undergraduate education. UTRGV has many great scholarship programs, including the Tuition Advantage program. UTRGV also has many opportunities for people to develop personally and professionally. One of the things I really enjoy about UTRGV is how every professor I have had is always willing to help me achieve my goals, even after I finished taking their class. Overall, UTRGV feels like a support system that has helped me reach my goals of having an education.
May 17, 2022
Abril Zepeda
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because I got to see from my brother the amazing experience that he was having. I wanted to experience the same thing. Coming from Mexico it has been an easy transition and it is close to home.
May 10, 2022
Paulina Moreno
Why UTRGV?
I choose UTRGV because I fell in love with the community, ever since I moved here, I have always felt welcome.
May 3, 2022
Jessica Hernandez
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because I wanted to stay close to my family and I also liked that this university has variety of career options. Over the years I have witnessed how the university continues to expand and provide more opportunities for the students. I decided to give back to the university by working in the Student Involvement Office and becoming a mentor to incoming students because UTRGV has proven to me numerous times how much care and support they provide to us, and I wanted to make sure the new students knew too. During the pandemic, for example UTRGV provided cash grants, care packages to students. When I graduated with my first bachelors in Rehabilitation Services, I was not able to participate in an in-person ceremony. I was devastated, however UTRGV made sure to provide a virtual ceremony for all Fall 2020 graduates and they sent in the mail our cap, tassel, and stole for the graduates. This just shows how UTRGV continues to support their students during the pandemic.
April 26, 2022
Marco Castillo
Why UTRGV?
I knew UTRGV was the place I wanted to pursue my education since I was 18. At that age, I decided to move from Reynosa, a low-income area, to Edinburg to learn and fluently speak English. Once I settled into Edinburg, the University caught my eye instantly, since I had never seen building this big in my hometown. I felt like I was in a city of its own and I felt the need to be part of this large community. For me this was sort of a dream university, kind of like the ones I would only see on TV and movies. What made me feel more comfortable and assured is the fact that UTRGV offers a bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate education which has made the transition process for me, as a first-generation student, easier.
April 19, 2022
Alejandra Yañez
Why UTRGV?
Given UTRGV’s affordability and dedication to serving its local and international student base, my decision to join the Vaquero family was an easy one. With many of my family members and educators attending legacy institutions UTB and UTPA, I was eager to follow and gain the quality education I knew UTRGV could provide for me while also staying true to my roots.
April 12, 2022
Nick Torres
Why UTRGV?
There remains a weighty stigma behind choosing to stay in your hometown for your undergrad, especially when all those close to you are leaving. However, I hold a deep love for the Valley. Our region has a history of suffering from a critical brain drain, meaning many individuals seeking to further their educational and professional careers end up leaving to pursue better opportunities. Though, if our native mesquite trees and nopales have whispered anything to those willing to listen, it is that La 956 produces life that grows and thrives in the heat of adversity and arid barrenness. A natural and effervescent demonstration of a beautiful and rare strength that has no need for outside intervention because all that is necessary is held within and deeply rooted. I desire to help shift the looming narrative because there is such beauty to behold here. UTRGV has so many amazing things to offer, especially in the realm of education. Now, nearing the end of my undergrad race, I have no regrets behind my choice. I have had a myriad of professors and experiences that are actively expanding the territory of Latinx learners and empowering me to aid in the fruitful undertaking of showing the true beauty of our region. My progression as both a leaner and mindful individual has only improved since my journey began three years ago.
April 5, 2022
Santana Peralez
Why UTRGV?
The ability to study my desired major while being close to my family. Also, as a low-income student whose family can’t help financially with school, the tuition advantage offered by UTRGV helped me make my decision.
March 29, 2022
Arnold Gonzalez
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because it’s home and it’s just as impactful as any other university. Many choose to go to school out of their hometown or home-state where the same experiences, same classes, and same people you live is the same as I have here. It’s never the name of the university that attracts, it’s the people. I’ve visited other schools and institutions where I didn’t feel where I needed to be. UTRGV and the people that’ve helped built its reputation has helped me realized where I should be and it’s here as a proud Vaquero.
March 22, 2022
Priscilla J. Espinoza
Why UTRGV?
I chose to stay in my hometown and attend UTRGV because I take pride of my roots and where I am from. UTRGV at times tends to be overlooked and a lot of talent leaves the RGV. I think UTRGV has proven itself enough as a public university to beat this outlook with their numerous accomplishments and achievements. I’m grateful to UTRGV for helping their students during this adverse pandemic because they unquestionably demonstrated that their students always come first by offering us a helping hand in the most difficult times.
March 15, 2022
Leslie Blanco
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because I could have the opportunity to attend a quality and affordable university without having to leave my home. I found the school atmosphere quite fascinating and fun by the variety of organizations and events that always happened there. I will always be grateful to this university for allowing me to achieve my goals.
March 8, 2022
Kayla Marroquin
Why UTRGV?
Being a first-generation college student, I wanted to remain close to home. UTRGV’s affordable tuition made it easier for me to choose UTRGV.
March 1, 2022
Anaeli Villarreal
Why UTRGV?
My decision for enrolling in UTRGV made it flexible for work and my academic growth. The faculty and staff always make a difference in the Valley and in Texas, as well, by increasing students’ knowledge and preparing them for life lessons along the way. UTRGV is a place where a student’s vision can write the next chapter of their life. As our journey began with a simple crayon or an alphabet through it, we began to modify our intellectual level to a successful career in our future.
February 22, 2022
Anthony Arredondo
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV has a high percentage of Hispanic students which I am proud to be a part of. Our culture revolves around diversity, culture, family, and special traditions. UTRGV has all these special qualities and made it my home away from home. The campus itself gives off a sense of belonging which helps me express myself in a unique way.
February 15, 2022
Laney Lopez
Why UTRGV?
The reason why I chose UTRGV was because it shares the culture that I was raised in and is one of the top 10 universities in Texas. While deciding where to attend, I remembered my mom and cousin both graduated from our legacy institution UTPA back in 2014. It was in my best interest to stay close to home and share the same experiences as my family. UTRGV offers affordable tuition, multiple scholarships and great opportunities that benefit me in my career path.
February 8, 2022
Demian Rodriguez
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because it is very convenient for me. It is close to home and very affordable, especially because I plan to further my education by attending medical school which will be very expensive.
February 1, 2022
Alyssa Trejo
Why UTRGV?
Choosing to attend UTRGV was not a difficult decision. Growing up and living close to the campus, I have witnessed it expand and win numerous accolades for being an amazing university. Unlike other universities, UTRGV really cares about its students by taking the pandemic seriously, offering cash grants and general help for students needing it.
January 25, 2022
Arely Solis-Gonzalez
Why UTRGV?
Selecting a university that is aligned with a student’s dream can oftentimes be challenging because it depends on analyzing academic rigor, major availability, cost, affordability, student life, and the feeling of connectedness and acceptability a student wishes to experience when they visit the institution for the first time. While exploring the various options I had, I knew that leaving the Valley was a factor worthy of consideration. Coming from a migrant family, I knew that deciding wouldn’t just solely affect me. I had a conversation with my family, and that is when I realized that UTRGV was the best fit for me at that time and to this day. It offers a great education at an economic cost when compared to other universities. I received the opportunity to familiarize myself with the Edinburg campus through a summer migrant camp called MUSE. Through MUSE, I was introduced to a snippet of that important feeling of belongingness that is so significant to incoming freshmen. Most importantly, it meant I’d still be able to see my family since they migrate for six to seven months out of the year to other states.
January 18, 2022
Santiago Montoya Jr.
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV for its proximity to home and for its affordable tuition. I will never regret this tough decision because of the great experiences in and out of campus. This is an incredible campus environment with exceptional professors that teach in the best way because they love what they do. I love being surrounded by classmates who aspire to be role models for the next generations.
January 11, 2022
Alani Berlanga
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because I wanted to experience what college was like and grow as a person. Having the opportunity to accomplish this while remaining close to home made the decision to become a Vaquero that much easier.
January 4, 2022
Jacquelyn Robles
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because it is close to home and gives me the opportunity to obtain a higher education degree without putting me into debt. The university also offers me the chance to work in research labs, such as the Behavior and Child Development lab, which are geared toward wanting to improve the quality of life of RGV residents.