Maria Malicka
Name: Maria Malicka
Age: 20
Major: Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Class: Sophomore
College: College of Sciences Hometown: Warsaw, Poland
High School: High School of Stanislaw Staszic in Warsaw, Poland
Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because I got a scholarship with the UTRGV Chess Team. I was invited to play with the Chess Team as I have been a chess player since I was eight years old and I have had significant chess successes, for example a Chess Olympiad medal! Coming to the U.S. to study and play chess at the same time was a great opportunity for me to grow and develop in areas I would like to focus on. I really wanted to attend a U.S. college and that dream came true.
What made you decide on your current major?
I was always interested in medicine, and I would like to go to Med School for graduate studies. The UTRGV Biomedical Science Department is giving me great preparation for my plans.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
I hope I can meet many people from which I can learn. I also hope for many great experiences at UTRGV. Because I am in the chess team, I also play many chess tournaments all over the U.S. and I improve my chess skills thanks to that.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
I really like the campus, and that everyone - both professors and also my classmates - are friendly and helpful. I enjoy walking around the beautiful campus. Comparing to my native country, weather in Brownsville is very hot and I do not have to bear the severe winter snows.
What does be a Vaquero mean to you?
It means that I am a student, and I have this great privilege to learn, so I should not waste my opportunity.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
UTRGV gave me an opportunity to develop myself in what I am interested in, and thanks to the BSM (Baptist Student Ministry) group I was not feeling lost at the beginning of my studies here.
What advice or words of encouragement do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
My advice is to always take your chance and catch opportunities, and not be afraid of that. It is also important to follow your interests and true passions when you choose your major.