Stephanie Picazo
Name: Stephanie Monique Picazo
Age: 25
Major: Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
College: College of Health Affairs
Hometown: Alamo, Texas
High School: PSJA Memorial Early College High School, Alamo, TX
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.
What made you decide on your current major?
From my early adolescent years to the present day, I have consistently valued being present with those around me, listening to their thoughts and feelings, and serving as part of their support system. I am passionate about challenging others to strive for greatness, assisting them in times of hardship, and being a part of something greater than myself. This is why I decided to pursue a Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. I have concluded that my values and ambitions greatly reflect what will make me a proficient Certified Rehabilitation and Licensed Professional Counselor. I depicted this profession as a self-gratifying career that is beneficial in the means of how it constantly contributes back towards society.
How are you maneuvering being a student during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
In a time that brings so much uncertainty, loss, and pain. It has also brought so much light into my life. It has given me so much more meaning and purpose to my life. I have learned so much more about myself, and it has allowed me to grow personally and professionally. It has been challenging to be a student during the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, I have become more resilient, passionate, and gracious through these times of turbulence!
What are your greatest strengths, and what are some challenges?
Throughout the pandemic, I have learned that anything is possible. My greatest strengths are that I am passionate, friendly, detail-oriented, resilient, gracious, and optimistic. Due to COVID-19, I used to tell myself “It is not about what you CAN’T do but what you CAN DO.” It was challenging to socialize and community with others thru the Pandemic; it was such a challenge for me as I am such a social butterfly. However, I prevailed because I adapted and became even more involved as technology allowed me to join teleconference meetings across the world.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
My goal in life is to make a positive impact by directly and indirectly advocating for the rights of people with disabilities across the world. I endeavor to achieve my immediate goal of completing the Masters’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. As a future counselor/therapist, I want to build a pathway to the inclusion of all abilities and talents. This is another step forward to accepting people’s differences, and it opens the door to building a broader and more supportive community system welcoming for all. I want my voice to echo the feelings and emotions that individuals in the disability community face. I aspire to make it known that we are here. My goals are limitless and achievable as I look further into the future. My ultimate long-term goal is to become the program director for a facility where I can work with individuals with diverse diagnoses and disabilities who require assistance with personal, self-advocacy, social skills, assist in overcoming daily challenges, and improve the needed skills to find employment or post-secondary education.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
Throughout my college experience at UTRGV and the progression of my professional career, I have learned the importance of collaborating with others, engaging in my community, obtaining a strong work ethic, and advocating for others. I have submerged myself into my community through my involvement in various volunteer activities. I am gracious that UTRGV has provided me with an abundance of extracurricular activities, with the most active student body, and extraordinary professors who have gone above and beyond. I have had the honor of being an officer and member of various organizations at UTRGV. I am the current President of the Graduate Rehabilitation Counseling Association (GRCA), an active member of the Student Accessibility Council, the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association, etc. My responsibility is to ensure unity between all organization members to ensure autonomy and altruism. I have had the great opportunity to participate in numerous internships with organizations affiliated with the University that has provided me with knowledge in assessment services, individual growth, applied technology, advocacy, person and identity-first language, and the importance of confidentiality in any profession.
Additionally, I participated in a UTRGV study abroad experience that covered special topics regarding rehabilitating services offered in the United Kingdom. The focus of this study abroad was to learn about disability services and policies, and attitudes toward individuals with disabilities in England and Scotland. Through this experience, I gained knowledge of others’ cultural views on how rehabilitation counseling can be beneficial while learning how to be sensitive to cultural differences. Thank you, Dr. Bruce Reed, for changing my life forever; this study abroad has impacted me positively; I owe this all to you!
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
Being a Vaquero means that I have the opportunity and privilege to chase my dream and be able to honor my Hispanic Heritage. Thank you, UTRGV, for giving me a sense of belonging and a home. “Gracias Mama y Gracias Papa lo que me diste es perfecto. De lo demás me encargo yo.”
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
As a first-generation college graduate, I owe my success to my family for being vastly supportive and encouraging throughout my college career, my professor for their unconditional support and for the constant impact they have made. Special thanks to Dr. Bruce Reed, Dr. Fidencio Mercado, Dr. Rommel Johnson, Dr. Elizabeth Palacios, Dr. Saara Grizzell, Dr. Silvia Gutierrez-Leal, and Dr. Mary Rocha, Dr. Kim Finn, Dr. Barbara Schoen and many more professors the list goes on and on. Thank you for instilling in me that I can be more and give more. Thank you for giving me a sense of belonging that as a proud Hispanic Woman with a disability, I can concur anything that I put my mindset to. The opportunities provided me thru UTRGV have helped me identify many strengths and qualities that I possess I am strong, ambitious, independent, selfless, and passionate woman and always strive for equality for everyone and anyone.
During my UTRGV ungraduated education as a Rehabilitative Services major and a double minor in Psychology and Criminal Justice, and through various observations experiences, I have gained a vast amount of knowledge that has prepared me to be successful in a graduate-level program. It also helped me be prepared to hold my current position as a Program Coordinator and Trainer for Advocates Searching for Independence LLC (ASI). Where I continue to learn and help young adults with disabilities improve their ability to perform daily living tasks, self-advocacy, and interpersonal skills. Through ASI, I empower individuals with disabilities to find or create meaningful opportunities for full community inclusion daily with enthusiasm and encouragement.
As Helen Keller would say, “Alone, we can do so little, but together we can do so much.”
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing degrees during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
The best advice I can give you is don’t forget where you came from. But never lose sight of where you are going. Anything is possible with hard work, passion, determination, y muchas ganas!