Teresa Garcia
Name: Teresa Garcia
Age: 22
Major: Bachelors in Mass Communications with concentration in Public Relations
Class: Junior
College: College of Liberal Arts
Hometown: Edinburg, Texas
High School: Robert Vela High School in Edinburg, Texas
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because I knew it was an amazing school and I would get an amazing education while still being able to be near my family. The university offers amazing classes, has great professors, and great benefits. I have had amazing opportunities, created some lifelong friendships, and felt tremendous pride in being a Vaquero. One of my favorite things about UTRGV that other universities struggle with is the great relationship students have with their professors. UTRGV offers smaller classes than most universities which leads to professors getting to have one-on-one relationships with their students. I have created great relationships with my professors and fellow peers because of this.
What made you decide on your current major?
My freshman year I started working as an intern for the Edinburg School District in the Communications Department. I had two amazing bosses that inspired me every day I went to work and gained a love and passion for multimedia journalism. One day, one of my bosses asked me why I was working there in that department - that is when I realized that I love learning about multimedia journalism and public relations. I changed my major the next day at school.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
I hope to achieve a job in public relations or multimedia journalism in a big city. My dream is to work in the communications department for Walt Disney World. I did an internship in Florida for the Disney Company in Fall 2022 and fell in love with the company and the idea of getting to do what I love working there.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
The thing I like most about UTRGV is the feeling of home and community. The university is only getting bigger but seeing people I grew up with around campus always brings a smile to my face.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
Being a Vaquero means the absolute world to me. Knowing that I go to the number one public university in Texas that is extremely inclusive and offers so many benefits for students is a great feeling. I will always have tremendous pride for being a Vaquero.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
UTRGV had helped me find my internship in the UTRGV Newsroom as a student assistant where I am learning to write and create my own stories as well as create videos for social media. Being a student assistant has helped further my resume and skills in my major. Being a part of the Newsroom has made me more excited for my future in working in communication.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
My advice to students would be to never give up. It sounds easier than it is but finishing your degree and having that accomplishment of knowing you worked so hard for your dream job will be worth it. I have had a long journey to finish but I am not giving up because I know the end goal is worth it.