Kiana Saldaña
Name: Kiana Saldaña
Age: 22
Major: Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre
Class: Senior
College: College of Fine Arts
Hometown: Pharr/ McAllen
High School: PSJA North Early College High School
Why UTRGV?
At first, the stability of the environment and its closeness to home gave me security. But now I see it as an opportunity to celebrate my culture. You never realize with the speed of everyday living how quickly you can forget about your true roots. Being here at UTRGV has helped me reconnect to my Latino pride! You cannot find this anywhere.
What made you decide on your current major?
Coming into my college career, I found myself committing to a degree that I wasn’t fully happy with. It felt wrong. So, I decided I would go after what has truly always called me. I never did any theatre in high school, but I did grow up competitive dancing, and I believe that where my fire started. Having the ability to portray a story and emotions through pure movement creates a passion for acting.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
I want to be an on-screen actor and a stage actor. I want to create art. Admirable pieces that I can both collaborate in its creation and portray someone’s work that deserves a platform. With any exposure I get, I can then use towards shedding light on my religion, Christianity, is what I would truly to be blessed to do with my success.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
I’ve been lucky to have many wonderful professors at school along with great classes and opportunities within the theatre department. Some of the biggest blessings have been the close friendships I’ve made by attending UTRGV. I never would have met so many wonderful like-minded people if I had not chosen to go to school here.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
It seems quite common for people to perceive UTRGV as settling by deciding to go to school here. But that is a misconception, especially having been here for a couple of years and experiencing firsthand all the opportunities I’ve had the privilege of acquiring. That fuels the pride of being a Vaquero.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
One of the best things I’ve discovered through our community, and I have grown to love and in turn has revealed new passions has been an organization Latino Theatre Initiatives. It is an organization that highlights Latino theatre creations through culture exposure. I joined my first semester and now am the President of the organization. Creating opportunities to elevate the Hispanic heritage through theatre and other art forms has now become a personal goal of mine.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
I would say that you need to love what you do to put your all into it. Choose to feed your soul over the money because you will not ever be genuinely happy if your mind and body aren’t fed.