Yesenia Alcoser
Name: Yesenia Alcoser
Age: 21
Major: Mass Communication with a concentration in Advertising & Public Relations
College: College of Liberal Arts
Hometown: Edinburg, Texas
High School: Robert Vela High School, Edinburg TX
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.
What made you decide on your current major?
Looking back to when I was younger, I was always intertwined with mass communications. However, this took me some time to realize. Around eight years old, I begged my parents for a camera, and I documented everything I could with an 8Gb SD card. After high school, I had a media internship with the Edinburg School District where I grew close to both my supervisors, Martin Torres, and Delia Ramirez. Once COVID forced everyone into lockdown I realized how much I loved my internship. I knew it was something I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life. After speaking with my supervisors and learning what they majored in I was introduced to the world of mass communications.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
Because my major is so broad, I feel there are so many paths I can take once I obtain my degree. One of my short-term goals is to find a job I love in Austin soon after graduating. With my concentration being in advertising and public relations, I can see myself working anywhere from a marketing firm to a major social media company. Although most of my goals are vague, I know I want to work in a place where I’m passionate about the work that I do and positively impact the world.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
UTRGV has given me the opportunity of having three different internships in my field. Throughout these internships, I’ve had great mentors/supervisors like Carina Alcantara and Sandra Montalvo that have helped me develop skills I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Aside from the internships and education, UTRGV has created an amazing community I’m proud to be a part of.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
When someone mentions they are or have attended UTRGV I immediately feel at ease. UTRGV has created an environment that carries on with each Vaquero everywhere they go. To me, being a Vaquero means being a part of a community that cares for everyone.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
By joining an organization on campus, Equal Arts Productions, I have had the opportunity of volunteering. I have been able to help many students film dreams come to life. With EAP the organization dedicates time to putting together original short films from start to finish.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
My advice to fellow students is to pursue a degree you’re passionate about and surround yourself with people you love who will support your passions and dreams. Of course, there will be obstacles along the way, but the memories you make will outweigh the little bumps you face.