Karla Medrano-Faz
Name: Karla Medrano- Faz
Age: 21
Major: Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
Class: Senior
College: Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Brownsville
High School: IDEA Brownsville, Brownsville
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because I wanted to grow professionally and represent the value that the Rio Grande Valley offers. By staying local, I have had the opportunity to meet people who have the same passions as myself. I have been able to obtain experiences that will strengthen my future endeavors, and of course, without having to leave home. I am a firm believer of the phrase, “You don’t know what you have until you lose it.” I had always pictured myself leaving the Valley for better experiences, but the Valley has surpassed these expectations and will continue to raise standards. I still question what would have happened if I had left, but a huge part of me is glad I stayed to see the impact that each one of us is creating in the Valley. V’s up, Vaqueros!
What made you decide on your current major?
Since high school I discovered that marketing was something I had always had an interest in, I just didn’t really know what area I wanted to focus on. Once I graduated high school, I took a digital marketing course offered at UTRGV during the summer just to give me an idea if digital marketing is something I could see myself doing in the future. After my first week I knew I had found my passion, although Mr. Alex Garrido, my professor, was shocked that I had been one of his youngest students to participate. I am glad he still allowed me to partake in this opportunity. It was an incredible course that introduced me to so many skillsets and tools of which I had never heard. I am forever grateful to have met him and to continue to learn from him and my current professors.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
Honestly, UTRGV has allowed me to achieve many milestones that I had once dreamed about. I am still a student, but I have received tremendous support from my teammates, friends, faculty, and staff. There are many days where I am just waiting for someone to pinch me and wake me up because it is very surreal. So, now I can’t image what I will be able to complete after I graduate since I know that all my studies and hard work will pay off.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
UTRGV is a very unique campus with a very unique culture. My studies first started on the Brownsville campus and then transitioned to Edinburg. I would say that the minor change of locations caused an immense impact on my college career. I really appreciate the efforts UTRGV provides to students to facilitate the travel process by providing transportation options.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
To me, a Vaquero is a way of living. It is waking up every morning with an attitude of learning and finding solutions to problems. We are always ready to conquer our next goal and complete any dream we are set to establish. Being a Vaquero is all about bringing our community together and highlighting the virtues that each student has on campus. We are a family, and we are proud of it, and you know we are proud because when we hear those words, “V’s Up” we showcase them loud and proud in any picture!
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
Involvement has allowed me to grow professionally and academically. UTRGV has so many opportunities in any field you look into, and you will see the impact that it has caused within our community.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
My biggest advice is to always ask for help. You are not alone and UTRGV has such a strong support system. UTRGV offers mentorship programs, academic services, advising centers, counseling, and so much more!