Students as Learners and Teachers Program of Center for Teaching Excellence

My name is Alejandro Torres, Im currently a sophomore majoring in Finances with expected graduation on May 2026. When I first heard about this program I was intrigued because I didn't imagine that there would be a program where students could help the teacher improve their way of teaching, so I saw the opportunity to help so everyone including students can improve themselves. Being part of SaLT means to me helping others to get a better result, that includes the staff of the university, because maybe some teachers haven't adapted to some sort of new way of teaching, and us as young students we can help them so they can take advantage of the 100 percent of the tools that they have and use to teach.

My name is Alexis Guajardo, and I’m currently majoring in Mathematics with a minor in Health. I joined the Students as Learners and Teachers at a Hispanic Serving Institution (SaLT HSI) program because I believe education is one of the most powerful tools for change—and I wanted to be part of that change. My goal in the SaLT HSI program is to collaborate, advocate, and innovate within the educational space—especially for communities like mine. I’m passionate about reshaping learning environments so they are more including, dynamic, and student-centered. I first got involved in SaLT HSI because the program's mission resonated deeply with me. I stayed because I saw firsthand how student voices can shape the future of education. As a learner myself, I understand the challenges students face, and I'm committed to creating positive change—not just for us now, but for future generations. I plan to graduate in Fall of 2025, and I’m excited to carry the lessons I've learned here forward into whatever comes next.

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.

My name is Hannah M. Fabian, and I'm majoring in Addiction Studies with minors in Art and American Sign Language Interpretation. I plan to graduate in 2027. I joined SaLT HSI because I want to be part of something that actively improves the student experience, and I've stayed because the work we do truly matters. Being able to collaborate with faculty, share the student perspective, and contribute to real change on campus is incredibly meaningful to me. My goals in the program are to keep growing as a communicator, support faculty in creating student-friendly learning environments, and help make college feel more manageable and motivating for everyone.

Hello! My name is Isabel Del Rosario Amaro, you can call me Isabel, Isa, or Izzy. I am currently an undergraduate senior majoring in Mathematics with a concentration in Middle School UTeach and a minor in Business Administration. I plan to graduate in Fall 2025.

I am interested in the Students as Learners and Teachers at a Hispanic-Serving Institution program (SaLT HSI) because of my passion for teaching and my commitment to becoming a thoughtful, reflective educator. As a future teacher, I believe it is essential to observe, learn, and communicate in ways that support the continuous improvement of education for all ages.

I have been part of the SaLT HSI program and serving as a Student Partner Leader since Fall 2023. I joined the program to enhance my teaching strategies and engage in meaningful conversations with staff, faculty, and students. I believe collaboration is key, when we work together as a team, we not only give and receive feedback from staff but also include students' voices in the process. This kind of shared learning helps build stronger, more inclusive educational communities.

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.

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.