Ricardo Peredo

Name: Ricardo Peredo
Major: Accounting
College: Robert C. Vackar School of Business and Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Brownsville, TX
High School: Porter High School 

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.

What made you decide on your current major?
My cousin was the first in our family to attend a university and she pursued a business degree here at UTRGV and really enjoyed it, so I followed her. I was still unsure during my first semester as choosing your major is a big decision, but my advisers and my parents all guided me and overall, I enjoyed it and don’t have any regrets on that.

What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
I never really thought of that. It always seemed so far away and I’m not one to look so deep into the future, but now my immediate goal is to be in a job that will help my career grow. Long-term though, I do plan on hopefully returning to UTRGV to pursue my masters and get a CPA certification at some point. 

What do you like most about UTRGV?
Honestly, pretty much everything is great. The Brownsville campus isn’t big or anything but it’s very aesthetically pleasing. The people are great, and my professors were very supportive and understanding.

What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
To me, being a Vaquero embodies all the Hispanic heritage and culture here in the RGV area. It makes me feel at home.

What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
UTRGV has helped me establish lots of connections within the area, primarily with service-learning classes and the UTRGV Career Center. The chess club/program also helped me find several tutoring jobs which were very enjoyable for me.

What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
I’m quite irresponsible. I often procrastinated until the final second and it was very stressful and not enjoyable at all. I think having a bit of discipline will make everything a lot less stressful and more enjoyable.