2024

Loami S. Acosta

October 26, 2024
Loami S. Acosta

Why UTRGV?

I remember being in high school and visiting multiple universities during field trips, but UTRGV stood out to me. The warm welcome we received and the vibrant, joyful atmosphere made me feel like this was a place I could belong. I was amazed by the opportunities UTRGV offered, from academic resources to community involvement, and it was clear that this was a university that truly invests in its students’ futures. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of the UTRGV family.

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Ricardo Jimenez Marmolejo

October 19, 2024
Ricardo Jimenez Marmolejo

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it feels like home. It is close to my hometown, and it provided me with a lot of resources to help me obtain a college degree.

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Norma Siller

October 12, 2024
Norma Siller

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it has always been my dream to study in the U.S., and UTRGV allowed me to do that while staying close to home. The university offers a strong sense of community and support, with amazing people and a welcoming environment. UTRGV provides a unique combination of excellent education and cultural connections that I might not find elsewhere.

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Yue Dai

October 5, 2024
Yue Dai

Why UTRGV?

I chose to attend UTRGV because it offers high-quality education. The university's commitment to providing top-tier learning opportunities, coupled with a supportive and responsible faculty, made it an easy decision for me.

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Octavio Vallejo

September 28, 2024
Octavio Vallejo

Why UTRGV?

UTRGV has always been my school of choice. Its proximity to my hometown and the opportunities available to a low-income high school student made it the ideal college for me.

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Ethan Aguirre

September 21, 2024
Ethan Aguirre

Why UTRGV?

With UTRGV being just down the road from where I live, it seemed like the obvious choice for me. However, there's more to my decision than just proximity. The quality of education offered here rivals that of other top institutions, all while being affordable for everyone. Additionally, the opportunity to go through my college journey with the support of my family solidified my decision to attend UTRGV.

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Kaitlyn Moya

September 14, 2024
Kaitlyn Moya

Why UTRGV?

I originally chose to attend UTRGV to be part of the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences Program (BMED) program because it offered me many research opportunities and the chance to be part of a select group of students. As time went on, I realized that the Medical Laboratory Science program was the right fit for me. I enjoy being in the lab, and it has become my passion. I love that UTRGV offers this opportunity compared to other universities.

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Kevin Alexander Valverde

September 7, 2024
Kevin Alexander Valverde

Why UTRGV?

I didn’t want to move far from my family and still wanted to see my culture wherever I went. That is what UTRGV offered me—a chance to get a top-notch education while still experiencing my Mexican culture and roots in the place where I’m earning my degree. Some other universities along the U.S. border might offer the same, but nothing compares to the Tex-Mex mix between the Rio Grande Valley in the U.S. Southeast and the Mexican Northeast from Matamoros.

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Safiya Wilkinson

August 31, 2024
Safiya Wilkinson

Why UTRGV?

When searching for universities to attend, my locale played a critical role in my decision-making process. Therefore, I prioritized schools with robust online programs that are accredited and well-ranked. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) met all these criteria. Additionally, the costs, program structure (accelerated), and payment by module added significant value to my decision. UTRGV’s affordable tuition, flexible payment options, and the ability to complete programs at an accelerated pace were crucial factors that aligned with my academic and financial goals. Lastly, but by no means least, the UTRGV mission of catering to diversity was a significant influence in my choice. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment resonated deeply with my values and aspirations.

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Gregorio Jesus Zuniga

August 24, 2024
Gregorio Jesus Zuniga

Why UTRGV?

When I was searching for a university, I wanted to stay close to my family while receiving the best education possible. I knew I could achieve that here at UTRGV.

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Decy Pradhanitalea Atyadewi

August 17, 2024
Decy Pradhanitalea Atyadewi

Why UTRGV?

a) Affordability: UTRGV is known for its affordable tuition rates, making higher education accessible to a broader range of students.
b) Online Learning: UTRGV has expanded its online learning options, offering flexibility for me who must balance studies with other commitments.
c) Diversity and Inclusion: UTRGV is recognized for its diverse student body and inclusive atmosphere, providing a welcoming environment for students from various backgrounds.

Read more about Decy Pradhanitalea Atyadewi.

Valeria Garza

August 10, 2024
Valeria Garza

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it felt like a second home. Being from Brownsville, staying close to my roots was important, and UTRGV offers everything I wanted in a university and more. It's a place where I feel I can grow both academically and personally, not to mention that it’s a beautiful campus.

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Harris Britton

August 3, 2024
Harris Britton

Why UTRGV?

I originally attended Texas A&M University but decided to transfer to UTRGV to stay closer to my family. It turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve made. UTRGV offers a unique blend of academic excellence and a close-knit community atmosphere that I didn’t find at other universities. Being close to my family while still receiving a top-notch education has been invaluable, allowing me to effectively balance my academic and personal life.

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Bertha Salinas

July 27, 2024
Bertha Salinas

Why UTRGV?

Being close to family and having the support system of always having them around. Being able to come to the university with my sibling and allowing me to share these successful experiences with not just her, but my parents too.

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Melissa Monsivais Ayala

July 20, 2024
Melissa Monsivais Ayala

Why UTRGV?

When I found out that people born outside the U.S. didn't have many opportunities, I thought I was the same and wouldn't get past high school. But then I learned that UTRGV, like many other colleges, accepts people like me (born in Mexico) and treats us just like any other student. This made my dream career possible, no matter where I came from.

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Michael Macias

July 13, 2024
Michael Macias

Why UTRGV?

I decided to pursue my criminal justice studies at UTRGV due to its dedication to offering a thorough and socially conscious education. UTRGV prepares students for a variety of careers in law enforcement, legal studies, and public policy by providing a distinctive combination of demanding academic coursework and real-world, hands-on experiences. The university's solid ties to local, state, and federal agencies, along with the faculty's experience, combine to create a stimulating environment for learning and professional development. Furthermore, UTRGV's focus on multicultural awareness and social justice is a wonderful fit with my objective of having a significant influence on the criminal justice system.

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Naomi Evans

July 6, 2024
Naomi Evans

Why UTRGV?

I chose to go to UTRGV because of how close it was to home and the fact that I qualified for so many grants and scholarships that I will be graduating debt free.

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Edna Aylin Desilos Hinojosa

June 29, 2024
Edna Aylin Desilos Hinojosa

Why UTRGV?

As an international student, I sought a place that would welcome me and would also keep me near home. UTRGV was not only distinguished by its quality but also by the opportunities I could access studying here.

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Jinna Yoon

June 22, 2024
Jinna Yoon

Why UTRGV?

UTRGV gave me the opportunity to balance my studies flexibly while staying connected to family. Their adaptable curriculum accommodated my diverse academic interests, enabling me to pursue two minors alongside my undergraduate major. Also, the School of Accountancy’s array of comprehensive resources played a pivotal role in preparing me for post-grad success.

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Patricia Alanis Ramirez

June 11, 2024
Patricia Alanis Ramirez

Why UTRGV?

The proximity to home. Being close to my family and friends from Mexico and the Valley was very important when deciding which university I would attend. In addition, being able to achieve my academic goals affordably made UTRGV my top choice.

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Naideli Ontiveros

June 4, 2024
Naideli Ontiveros

Why UTRGV?

I was drawn to UTRGV’s excellent academic programs. The university provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the real world. Aside from this, UTRGV has a vibrant campus culture and a diverse student body. The university is committed to creating a welcoming environment and is inclusive for all students. This was particularly important to me as I wanted to attend a university where I would feel supported as a first-generation student navigating through college.

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Kylah S. Cuellar

May 28, 2024
Kylah S. Cuellar

Why UTRGV?

UTRGV feels like home. My mom and two brothers graduated from here, and the university community understands the unique challenges of growing up on the border. It's a place where I feel culturally connected and grateful for a second chance at higher education.

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Leslie D. Nava

May 21, 2024
Leslie D. Nava

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV due to the opportunities it offers us as students. Being from Mexico, once I started looking at colleges, UTRGV was the one that piqued my interest. UTRGV is a college that offers high quality education that gives me the opportunity to keep improving as I develop in my career field.

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Odalys Anahi Saenz Perez

May 14, 2024
Odalys Anahi Saenz Perez

Why UTRGV?

The reason I committed to UTRGV was that it would provide me with a more personable experience closer to home and I truly aligned with UTRGV’s mission, vision, and values, which was extremely important as it would reflect my university experience.

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Tawny Brianna Turner

May 7, 2024
Tawny Brianna Turner

Why UTRGV?

I always wanted to go to a big school to use in building my identity, which led me to apply in hopes of attending UT Austin in the Fall of 2022. I have always made it a priority in my life to be led by God in everything I do so as I got closer to completing my associate degree and was waiting to hear back from UT, I felt God guiding me to move back to the Valley to reconnect with family. Upon taking the leap of faith to move and reject my UT admittance, God began revealing the negative motive in my heart of putting my identity and trust in something other than Him by depending on a prestigious school to give me opportunity and a high standing. By choosing to go to a smaller school, like UTRGV, God has taken me on a journey of teaching me to trust in HIM ALONE rather the name of the college I attend or the degree I attain. So, going to UTRGV has taught me to trust God on an even deeper level, by trusting that He can and will use me anywhere I am, with any degree I get from any school.

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>Amando Luis Montalvo Jr.

April 30, 2024
Amando Luis Montalvo Jr.

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it felt like home. Unlike most major universities, UTRGV has a familiarity that cannot be described. I felt both heard and seen in this university and through that I have been able to expand my career choices in and out of campus.

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Luis Sebastian Valadez de la Tejera

April 23, 2024
Luis Sebastian Valadez de la Tejera

Why UTRGV?

Because I was having financial problems and UTRGV was willing to help with my tuition. I am grateful for this decision because I met wonderful people, and it has provided me with amazing exposure in the engineering field.

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Michael Casey

April 16, 2024
Michael Casey

Why UTRGV?

I spent 12 years in the Air Force and upon separating, I knew I wanted to return to school. My wife is originally from Mercedes, TX. We met in Okinawa, Japan and wanted us and our kids to grow up around family.

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Alfonso Delgado

April 9, 2024
Alfonso Delgado

Why UTRGV?

I decided to attend UTRGV due to its low cost of attendance and its closeness to home. As a first generation Mexican American, I also appreciated the sense of community, closeness, and opportunity that I witnessed UTRGV provide to students on my college tour and I'm glad to be able to say today that it's something I've gotten to experience as well.

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Maxwell Douglas Walters

April 2, 2024
Maxwell Douglas Walters

Why UTRGV?

UTRGV really provided an inexpensive nurturing environment where I would be able to get a superb educational experience, whilst still being close to home. It even provided me with the opportunity to be able to work toward my career goals in the medical field.

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Kyanna Sanchez

March 26, 2024
Kyanna Sanchez

Why UTRGV?

As someone who is family oriented, I knew I wanted to attend UTRGV because of its proximity to home. UTRGV is a great university for students who want to achieve their goals in an affordable and efficient manner.

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Maryanne Ortiz

March 19, 2024
Maryanne Ortiz

Why UTRGV?

I chose to attend UTRGV because I have heard nothing but great things about it. It is very affordable compared to other universities, which is one of the things I looked for in a university. I also wanted to find a university that allowed me to stay close to my family and UTRGV was able to provide both important aspects for me.

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Marely Enriquez

March 12, 2024
Marely Enriquez

Why UTRGV?

After graduating from South Texas College, transferring to UTRGV was the best decision for my future and my family. The School of Music provides me with so many opportunities for my degree, my performance, and my learning to be the best educator for my future students.

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David Salinas

March 5, 2024
David Salinas

Why UTRGV?

I selected UTRGV because it’s an affordable university that provides excellent opportunities for students to enhance their career development all while being close to home. For me, my family is important and being able to be close to home while pursuing my bachelor's degree allows me to be with my family and spend time with my siblings.

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Cecilia Adame Puente

February 27, 2024
Cecilia Adame Puente

Why UTRGV?

I chose to attend UTRGV because of its dedication to higher education. At affordable tuition, I got access to global opportunities and quality education, it was an easy decision. UTRGV is student driven and focused on getting students everything they need to succeed.

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Lia Cavazos Garcia

February 20, 2024
Lia Cavazos Garcia

Why UTRGV?

I chose to study at UTRGV because I wanted to study close to my family and work at the same time. It would have been a lot harder to complete so many of my accomplishments if I had gone to another university. I also like that the sizes of the classrooms are smaller than other universities. I like getting to know my professors and them getting to know me instead of being a number on their roster.

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Neida M. Gutierrez

February 13, 2024
Neida M. Gutierrez

Why UTRGV?

I decided to attend UTRGV because it is a top-tier university that prioritizes providing high-quality education to all students. UTRGV has also made significant strides in community engagement, and I was drawn to the university’s commitment to giving back to the community. Upon completing my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences, I was certain that I wanted to further my education at UTRGV. The Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program at UTRGV would enable me to pursue a career that I am passionate about while still being able to maintain close relationships with my family and friends in the area.

Read more about Neida M. Gutierrez.

Jessenia Cantu

February 6, 2024
Jessenia Cantu

Why UTRGV?

I chose UTRGV because it offers so many opportunities while being close to home. Family is very important to me and being able to be close to my family while achieving my academic goals is something I am very grateful for.

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Alissa Olvera

January 30, 2024
Alissa Olvera

Why UTRGV?

I chose to attend UTRGV because it offers an enriching educational experience that aligns perfectly with my goals and values. UTRGV stands out to me for its commitment to academic excellence, particularly in fields that resonate with my interests, such as exercise science and health. The unique location along the border contributes to a diverse and culturally rich environment, helping form a broader perspective that I believe is crucial for personal and professional growth. The supportive and inclusive campus atmosphere, combined with a dedication to student success, makes UTRGV the ideal choice for me to pursue my higher education journey.

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Jenna Rivas

January 23, 2024
Jenna Rivas

Why UTRGV?

As a 2020 high school graduate, I decided to stay local and attend UTRGV to stay safe and close with my family during the COVID-19 pandemic. After finishing my first year, I decided UTRGV was the right school for me as it has allowed me to pursue a challenging degree with almost no financial burden and countless opportunities to grow.

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Vanessa Pacheco

January 16, 2024
Vanessa Pacheco

Why UTRGV?

I chose to attend UTRGV for a number of reasons. For one it’s marketing program and resources. UTRGV has a great marketing program that allows students to get an excellent education and experience and even has many resources for students to ensure they are getting the help they need to be successful. I also wanted to stay close to home so attending a university in my hometown was a bonus.

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Meagan Mendoza

January 9, 2024
Meagan Mendoza

Why UTRGV?

What initially intrigued me about UTRGV is its sense of community portrayed in Hispanic culture that is so well integrated into programs and organizations on campus. With this sense of community in Hispanic culture, there is still celebration of the beauty in diversity among the student body, professors, and academic opportunities.

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alejandra acalco

January 2, 2024
Alejandra Acalco

Why UTRGV?

I chose to attend UTRGV because it offered me the chance to stay close to my family. I am a first-generation student and the idea of leaving home was scary, and being part of this community has taught me friendship and fellowship. Having the opportunity to work at the university has brought me many benefits as it has helped me to grow professionally.

Read more about Alejandra Acalco.