Students as Learners and Teachers Program of Center for Teaching Excellence

Hello, my name is Edna Desilos Hinojosa. I am an English major pursuing a Teacher Certification (4-8) and I plan to graduate in Spring of 2026. I joined Students as Learners and Teachers at a Hispanic Serving Institution (SaLT HSI) in Fall 2024 as I felt this was my opportunity to be on an environment of collaboration, teaching, learning, and improving my community. As a student partner and future educator, I work alongside SaLT HSI to reshape instruction into a student-centered and dynamic experience that will create a better educational experience and journey for students in UTRGV. As an international student, I seek to incorporate my struggles and experiences into my feedback to advocate for other international students and provide a unique perspective. For me, being part of SaLT HSI means the possibility of advocating, creating a better community, and helping others, as I improve myself as a person and professional.

Hello! My name is Elianna Olivo, though you all can call me Ellie. I am a graduate student pursuing my master's degree in Applied Statistics and Data Science, which I aim to complete by Fall 2026. When I joined SaLT as an undergraduate student back in Fall 2023, I was drawn to the program's mission of transforming higher education informed by the student voice and perspective. This mission is why I've chosen to stay with SaLT; I still believe in the potential for encouraging instructors to adopt innovative teaching strategies that are responsive to the needs of all students here at UTRGV. During my time within this program, I have strengthened my leadership skills and confidence in using my voice, which are two things I will always carry with me long after I graduate.

My name is Elsie A. Gutierrez. Currently, I am a sophomore in Computer Engineering. I first heard about the SaLT HSI program because of my old professor Dr. Hebbard. She thought a few of my classmates and me fit the description for this job. During this time, I was already on the hunt for a job, but the search was proving to be difficult. It didn’t hurt to apply so I did so. To be honest, what the program stood for is what truly intrigued me. I think it would be interesting to closely work with professors. So far, I am really enjoying what I do. My coworkers are extremely nice, and it’s nice to talk to people from varying backgrounds.

My name is Gleice Miel Cisneros , I am currently a junior majoring in Psychology, with a minor in nutritional sciences, planning to graduate on 2026. I got interested in the SaLT program through my English professor. Through my meeting with her, I was able to learn a bit more about what the program is and what it entails. Her guidance helped me become interested in SaLT and believe in my ability to contribute to the student and staff success. I am a part of SaLT because I believe that students voices should be heard through our education. As we know the world is changing and education is ever evolving, staff must adapt with the changing times. And with the help of students, they can better understand and help them succeed.

Hi! My name is Isabella Sanchez, and I am a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Sciences with plans to graduate in spring 2029. I hope to attend physician assistant school and work in healthcare in the future. I learned about the SaLT HSI program through an email flyer and became interested after learning more about the program’s mission and values. I really connected with the program’s commitment to supporting students and improving learning experiences. As someone who hopes to work in patient-centered care, I see many connections between the skills developed through SaLT HSI and those needed in healthcare. Being part of this program allows me to grow in these areas while also helping support students through the program.

My name is Jaylin Ivory. I am currently a Senior majoring in Biomedical Sciences. I plan to graduate in the spring semester of 2026. I first heard about the SaLT HSI program from my mentor, she heard of it and thought I would be a great fit. I had no idea that UTRGV had a program like this so initially I was intrigued. I think it is very important for students and professors to have a level of communication within the realm of feedback and learning. This program builds up student success by advocating for fellow students to respond to different experiences, levels of learning and overall reflection. My goal in this program is to strengthen my leadership skills, creating a positive change, and make an effective safe space for students and teachers. I am beyond grateful and excited to be apart of something that goes beyond than myself. I want everyone's college experience to be memorable and successful. I am very excited to contribute a small part to a much bigger picture.

My name is Jorge A. Duran, I am currently a senior in the college of engineer and computer science, my major is Mechanical Engineering, planning to graduate in spring 2026, since I discovered a the center of teaching excellence due a internship between the program and the college of engineer, as a student, I wanted to more for the students and the faculty here in the university and this inspire me to go for my masters and one day become a teacher here in the university.

My name is Karina Brana. I’m a sophomore majoring in Marine Biology expected to graduate on May 2028. I first heard of SaLT through a friend, she told me what her role was in this program and that peaked my interest. Working with faculty is something I had heard of but never experienced. I really wanted to try and be someone that could help improve the quality of learning.

Hi, I am Ris. I am going to be a senior completing my BFA in Graphic Design, hopefully graduating by the Spring of 2026. I joined SaLT because of my passion for learning and teamwork. I have been working here for about 3 years now, and I have stayed for the community and the many opportunities that SaLT has given me to give back to my community by using my voice as a student at UTRGV - in a safe and encouraging space. As a supervisor, I pledge to continue building community in the office, as well as with our faculty and staff members; and as a student, I pledge to continue using my unique perspective as an artist, a queer person, and a first-generation Mexican-American to continue to make change.

My name is Luis Javier Cavazos, I am currently a senior majoring in the department of Engineering under Computer Engineering. I plan to graduate in the fall of 2026 after completing my first internship. I feel that being under the SaLT HSI program has shaped me as a person as not only it allowed me to collaborate and connect with faculty members, it has also inspired me to speak my truth and allow my voice to be heard in being able to create an environment where students feel welcomed and understood, along with faculty feeling confident with their teaching abilities to continue shaping the classroom of tomorrow. Not only do we aim to put an impact to the classroom, we work as a team to push meaningful efforts to strengthen UTRGV and beyond.

My name is Perla J. Pena. I am currently a sophomore majoring in English looking to obtain a teaching certificate and planning to graduate in 2027. I found SaLT through my ENGL 1302 professor, and when I read the flyer, I was really impressed and curious regarding SaLT and wanted to become part of this opportunity since I really liked reading about how much SaLT valued the opinion and feedback of students and how this feedback is used to improve the way in which many professors teach. The professor uses this feedback to enhance their teaching, but it also benefits the students by making them feel valued and included in the courses. Since I plan to be a teacher in the future, I intend to take whatever lessons I may learn from being part of SaLT into my career and apply them so that I can be the type of teacher my students feel comfortable learning from.

Howdy! My name is Teodora Cabrera and I am a freshman Rehabilitation Services major with a concentration in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services. As a student with a visual and neurological impairment, I felt that my experiences would benefit professors looking to make their classes more accessible or to broaden their perspectives to alternative forms of teaching. I believe that the Students as Learners and Teachers at a Hispanic Serving Institution (SaLT HSI) program will provide me, and other students, with the voice needed to make these changes happen.