Kennedy Calloway
Name: Kennedy Renee Calloway
Age: 22
Major: Bachelor’s in Biology
Class: Senior
College: College of Sciences
Hometown: Harlingen, TX
High School: Calallen High School, Corpus Christi, Texas
Why UTRGV?
I chose to attend UTRGV because it was the place where I felt most welcomed — it felt like home.
What made you decide on your current major?
What led me to biology was my passion for pursuing medicine. I believe biology provides a strong foundation for understanding the human body and the sciences behind healthcare.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
After graduation, I plan to apply to medical school or a physician assistant program to further my education. My goal is to provide a sense of safety and reassurance to my future patients, knowing they can trust me as their healthcare provider.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
I love my professors at UTRGV. I’ve been fortunate to learn from talented and experienced educators who are truly passionate about their fields. I also feel grateful for the many blessings and opportunities I’ve been given throughout my time here.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
To me, being a Vaquero means taking pride in a university that values tradition and empowers students — especially those who may not have always had the opportunity — to pursue and complete their degrees.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
UTRGV has given me several life-changing opportunities.
I participated in the GET PHIT Bootcamp, led by healthcare professionals and professors who taught me about Public Health Informatics — an enriching experience that deepened my understanding of healthcare systems.
I was also accepted into the Physician Assistant Enrichment Program, led by Dr. Chacón, where I learned in-depth anatomy and physiology, how to read EKGs, and how to analyze and diagnose medical case studies.
During that time, I also took part in a student research internship with the Alzheimer’s Research Team, led by Dr. Gladys Maestre. Under the mentorship of Neyra Garcia, I worked on projects involving Social Pinpoint and participated in research meetings that challenged and inspired me.
All of these opportunities have helped me grow both academically and personally — experiences I wouldn’t have had without UTRGV.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
Enjoy your journey while you can. Being a dedicated student is hard work and can feel like a full-time job, but time goes by quickly.
Stay organized and make time for yourself while focusing on your classes. Remember, failure isn’t the end — it’s a steppingstone. Push yourself beyond setbacks, because there’s always an opportunity to come back stronger.