Adrian Alfaro
Name: Adrian Alfaro
Age: 26
Major: Mass Communications
Class: Junior
College: College of Liberal Arts
Hometown: McAllen, TX
High School: McAllen High School
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV to be closer to the community I grew to love.
What made you decide on your current major?
Mass communications has been an interest of mine since high school. My desire to better the lives of my community has pushed me to pursue print journalism.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
Once I graduate from UTRGV I hope to use my storytelling skills to shed light on the sources of core issues plaguing our community such as the degradation of our unique ecosystem, and our status as an impoverished region. I hope to be able to pursue true solutions to these problems that will benefit everyone.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
My favorite aspect of UTRGV is it’s my home region, which I recognize is something a lot of people try to avoid. As someone who has attended another university in Texas as well (pre pandemic) I have had a much better time finding genuine community here at UTRGV. I attribute it to everyone here understanding the struggle we each go through living in this region, most of us have a desire to push it in a better direction.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
My RGV community is what I’m most proud of and it’s the best part about being a Vaquero.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
I’ve had two major amazing opportunities I would have never had without a certain professor’s help. One was attending a photo camp with National Geographic where I learned so much about myself and connecting with others, also photography. My second opportunity is my current job as a Social Life magazine event photographer where I have been able to network and meet so many amazing people already in the industry, setting myself up for success once I graduate.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
My advice is stolen from a great professor I had. Whatever you do, don’t “float” through college. Meaning if you’re just showing up to class for a grade to work toward a degree, you’re doing it wrong. Join a club, hang out with classmates, attend seminars, and join community events. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to find your community that will enable everyone’s success. College is so much more than just the pursuit of a degree, it’s your chance to try everything with a safety net. The paper is important, but the community is imperative to your success.