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The purpose of the Mentoring Program is to choose top-performing students with a solid understanding of nursing concepts who will effectively guide and support their peers academically.
Student Mentors
My name is Karla Barrera, and I am currently pursuing my nursing degree as a fourth-semester student mentor, with the long-term goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). My interest in healthcare began while working in a physical therapy clinic after I obtained my degree in exercise science with a concentration in physical therapy, where I saw firsthand the difference compassionate, skilled care can make in a patient’s recovery. That experience inspired me to continue building my knowledge and skills in a different area of healthcare, with a particular focus on critical care. I am especially excited to gain experience in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where I can grow in a fast-paced, complex environment that will prepare me for my future education.
Outside of school, I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, and finding new places to explore. As a mentor, I strive to be a supportive resource for students—whether that means sharing strategies for balancing coursework and clinicals, offering encouragement during stressful times, or simply being someone who understands the nursing school journey. Most of all, I hope to create a welcoming space where students feel valued, heard, and never alone in their experiences.
Hello, my name is Kayleen Olvera. I am a 3rd semester ABSN student. I have been interested in healthcare my whole life. I’ve always wanted to know how I can help people and make their lives better. I graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology from USC in 2021. I decided to go to nursing school for a more hands-on career. I plan to continue my education and become an NP. I love being a mentor because any support in nursing school goes a very long way, and I hope I help students realize they are not alone.
Hello, my name is Neri Rodriguez, I am a 3rd-semester nursing student in the 2nd Degree ABSN program. I chose nursing as a way to honor a close friend who passed away a few years ago, and her memory continues to inspire me to pursue this career with compassion and dedication. I also serve as a mentor in the program, where I enjoy supporting other students. Being a mentor has also allowed me to strengthen my own knowledge and grow as a future nurse. My goal is to become a nurse who makes a meaningful difference in patients’ lives while upholding the values that inspired me to enter this profession.
Hello! My name is Regina Treviño, and I am a 3rd-semester traditional BSN student. My interest in nursing began in high school where I was given the opportunity to complete an EMT-basic course. Through this course I was able to gain firsthand patient care experience both in the pre-hospital and hospital setting. My time in nursing school has shown me that healthcare is a job that requires multiple professions working together toward the same goal of providing the best care possible for each patient. As a nursing mentor I hope to be a helping hand for those who need it by providing support and guidance. Together we can work towards overcoming the challenges that nursing school presents so that we may all be successful in our nursing school journey.
My name is Yrene Rivas, and I am currently a third-semester traditional BSN student. My interest in nursing began nearly seven years ago when my older sister started nursing school. She would often come home and take the time to teach me the pathophysiology of some diseases as well as the importance of holistic care. I found myself fascinated by it all. This alongside receiving the Luminary Scholarship, solidified my path toward a career in nursing. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue my master’s degree in nursing and become a Family Nurse Practitioner. I have been incredibly blessed with support and encouragement coming from my friends, family, and even professors. For this reason, I hope to give back by becoming a mentor myself, so I can support and guide others just as I have been supported!
My name is Aaron Medrano, and I am a 4th semester nursing student in the accelerated program. In 2023 I received a bachelor’s of science in biology, and during this time I also received my certification to be a nurse aide. While working as an aide, I realized nursing was something that I could see an interest in. I liked the opportunities available for growth in this career. I also knew I could not see myself working a 9 to 5 at an office job, which further increased my interest in becoming a registered nurse. My interests outside of school include going to concerts (which I frequently attend), playing on my Nintendo Switch, and hanging out with friends. As a mentor, my goals are to help students understand how to navigate nursing school, learn a study method that works for them, and offer help wherever it is needed. I look forward to this upcoming semester and wish everyone the best of luck!
My name is Armando Garces III, and I am in the third semester of the accelerated nursing program at UTRGV. My previous education includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I was involved in research and leadership programs that helped me develop professional skills essential to my growth as a student nurse. I have always dreamed of working in the healthcare system, and the nursing program was the perfect opportunity to pursue that goal. I strive to make a positive impact on the health of our community, and I plan to continue preparing myself for the future. For now, my main objective is to become a compassionate and knowledgeable nurse who ensures patient safety and wellbeing.
Howdy, I’m Ethan Martinez. I’m a 4th semester BSN student, and this will be my 3rd semester as a mentor. Along with coffee and my cat, my love for the art of nursing has always been a passion of mine. My aim as a mentor is to help students not only understand nursing concepts, but also grow to appreciate the art of nursing.
My name is Helena Lara, and I am a dedicated 4th semester nursing student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where I’ve not only been working toward my BSN but also actively contributing to the success of my peers and my community. For three semesters, I’ve proudly served as a peer mentor, supporting fellow nursing students by sharing resources, study strategies, and encouragement during one of the most challenging academic journeys they’ll take.
Alongside my education, I work as a nurse tech in the Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) and Emergency Room at DHR, where I have the opportunity to apply my skills in fast-paced, high-acuity settings. This role has sharpened my critical thinking and strengthened my commitment to patient-centered care.
I chose nursing because it blends science, compassion, and purpose — three values I hold deeply. Growing up, I always knew I wanted a career where I could make a tangible difference, and nursing allows me to meet people at their most vulnerable moments and help them regain strength and dignity. I chose to become a peer mentor for the same reason: to be the person I once needed — someone to guide, motivate, and remind others that they are capable of achieving this dream.
Hello! My name is Ismael Alejandro Adame, but my friends call me Alex. I am a third-semester ABSN nursing student in the UTRGV School of Nursing, and I have been a mentor since my second semester. I originally graduated from UTRGV in 2021 as a medical laboratory scientist at the age of 20. Since then, I gained three years of medical laboratory experience through multiple hospitals in the valley as I attempted to get into PA school. My favorite department in medical laboratory settings has to be the blood bank. The adrenaline rush of having to give life-saving products without causing a reaction is unlike anything else.
A little over a year ago, a friend who graduated from the UTRGV School of Nursing suggested the NP program, and now I am here chasing that dream — but of course, I have to become a nurse first and gain my bedside experience. My medical diagnostic background has helped me tremendously in this new path, but I am also working hard to become the best nurse I can be, just like everyone else here.
I enjoy guiding others both inside and outside of the mentorship program, and anyone who lets me nerd out for a bit instantly has my stamp of approval! I hope I can help you in whatever way you need. I'm always available. See you in the mentor room!
Hello everyone, I am Angel Nunez, and I am in my fourth and final semester at UTRGV. I’ve also served as a peer mentor for three semesters, including this current semester. I chose nursing because I want to combine compassion with care, making a real difference in people’s lives. Becoming a peer mentor gave me the opportunity to support fellow students, share what I’ve learned, and continue growing as a leader within the nursing community. I look forward to helping you succeed, and I wish you all well in your nursing journey!
My name is Natalie Acosta, and I am a traditional BSN student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). I’m from Mercedes, Texas, and I am the middle child in a family of five. My family is my greatest support system and constant source of motivation, and they’re the reason I push myself every day to stay focused and do my best in everything I do. My decision to become a registered nurse wasn’t inspired by a single moment or event, but rather by a profound passion that has always been a part of who I am. I’ve always known that I wanted to dedicate my life to caring for others, and nursing quickly became the perfect path for me. I consider it a true privilege to support and care for those who are sick or in need, and I’m grateful every day to be pursuing a career that aligns so closely with my values and purpose. I’m also a proud recipient of the Luminary Scholarship, which is a full-ride award that has made my education at UTRGV possible. It’s an opportunity I deeply appreciate, and it motivates me even more to work hard and give back in any way I can. Beyond the classroom, I currently work as a nurse extern at Rio Grande Regional Hospital, where I continue to gain hands-on experience in patient care and grow in both my skills and confidence. Looking ahead, I plan to further my education and become a Family Nurse Practitioner. I’m drawn to this role because it combines advanced clinical expertise with a strong focus on patient-centered care, allowing me to take a more active role in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients’ health. Eventually, I also hope to earn my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to expand my clinical leadership, and enhance my impact in the healthcare system. Nursing school has already given me so much—from valuable knowledge and clinical skills to meaningful life lessons and lasting friendships. I am honored to serve as a nurse mentor, a role that allows me to support fellow students by offering advice, study tips, and guidance through coursework. I’m truly excited for the opportunity to give back and help others succeed in their journey, just as others have supported me in mine.
My name is Helena Lara, and I am a dedicated 4th semester nursing student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where I’ve not only been working toward my BSN but also actively contributing to the success of my peers and my community. For three semesters, I’ve proudly served as a peer mentor, supporting fellow nursing students by sharing resources, study strategies, and encouragement during one of the most challenging academic journeys they’ll take.
Alongside my education, I work as a nurse tech in the Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) and Emergency Room at DHR, where I have the opportunity to apply my skills in fast-paced, high-acuity settings. This role has sharpened my critical thinking and strengthened my commitment to patient-centered care.
I chose nursing because it blends science, compassion, and purpose — three values I hold deeply. Growing up, I always knew I wanted a career where I could make a tangible difference, and nursing allows me to meet people at their most vulnerable moments and help them regain strength and dignity. I chose to become a peer mentor for the same reason: to be the person I once needed — someone to guide, motivate, and remind others that they are capable of achieving this dream.
Hi everyone! My name is Amalie Villarreal, I’m 23 years old, and currently a 4th-semester traditional BSN student at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. I chose nursing because caring for others has always been something I’ve been passionate about, and I want to make a difference in people’s lives by supporting them through some of their most vulnerable moments.
For the past two semesters, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a peer mentor, where I share study strategies, resources, and encouragement with fellow nursing students. Nursing school is one of the toughest challenges many of us will face, and I’ve found so much joy in helping others stay organized, manage their time, and feel confident in their learning. Mentoring has also been a rewarding experience for me personally, since teaching and supporting others has helped me reinforce my own knowledge and skills.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and pets, reading, going on coffee shop trips with friends, and watching movies to unwind. One of the things I appreciate most about nursing school is the strong sense of community—it has introduced me to some of the most genuine, supportive people I’ve ever met. I want my mentees to feel that same support and know that they’re not alone in this journey.
Looking ahead, my goal is to grow into a compassionate, skilled nurse who provides the best possible care to patients while also continuing to uplift others along the way.
My name is Daniella Cuellar, and I am a 4th semester nursing student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. During my time as a student I’ve made important friendships, worked on my educating skills by working with my peers as a mentor, and practiced my patient care skills as a nurse extern at Rio Grande Regional Hospital.
I chose nursing because the medical field was always something I wanted to contribute to, but I wasn’t always sure how. As I went through my college career I became more and more drawn to nursing and being able to provide compassionate care and education to people facing hardship became very important to me as we came through the program. When I became a peer mentor it felt like a very similar experience, talking with people, understanding their struggles, and trying to help them succeed academically were all important parts of the process for me.
Hello, my name is Edith Chavez, and I am a 3rd-semester accelerated BSN student. This is my second degree; I previously earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology. I became interested in nursing after both of my parents fell ill. My dad’s nurses inspired me with their compassion and skill, while my mother’s experience with healthcare fueled my passion for giving a voice to those who cannot advocate for themselves.
I will be graduating in May 2026, and I plan to begin my career in critical care. In the future, I hope to continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree in nursing.
Outside of academics, I volunteer at my church, which allows me to serve my community and stay grounded. In my free time, I enjoy bike riding, playing tennis, and cooking. I chose to become a mentor because I want to help other students succeed. Nursing school is challenging, but with the right support system, it is possible to thrive, and I hope to provide that encouragement for others.