Let’s meet Amanda, a Multidisciplinary Studies major in UTSA’s University College. No matter what their major is, UTSA makes sure that all undergraduates experience a dynamic, engaging curriculum and student-focused instruction and experiences. Just as important, the university wants students to develop the lifelong skills that will aid their success in college and after college. Take it away, Amanda.
– Thank you, Alex. Hi, everyone. After high school, I was nervous about choosing a college. I didn’t know what to expect. I was excited when I received my acceptance letter to the University of Texas at San Antonio. Throughout my years at UTSA, I’ve met many amazing people who helped me gain new skills and gave me the support and experiences that stay with me to this day. UTSA offers a comprehensive academic support network that will take you from your first year on campus all the way to graduation. Through the LEAD Summer Academy and peer mentorship programs, I have learned how to better manage my time, study effectively and maintain a healthy balance between work, home and school. Also, each college at UTSA has its own student success center that provides specialized resources, programs, and services to prepare students for their careers. And all the staff are amazing. My academic advisor really took the time to get to know me and what I wanted to do in life to help me plan out the classes and schedules that best benefit me. As a Multidisciplinary Studies major, I’ve created my own degree path that is tailored to my own interests. For instance, I have free focus areas: film, communications, and business. I chose these because I feel they will best prepare me for a variety of future careers. And because I’m charting my own path in my studies, I especially appreciate having the strong academic support network to help me stay on track. Being a Roadrunner has been an amazing experience. After I graduate, I hope to return for my master’s degree and to make more memories as well as pay it forward with the kindness and support that I’ve received. That’s all here. Back to you, Alex.
– Amanda, I love hearing about the incredible support you’ve received at UTSA to succeed academically and in life. And I especially love hearing that you’re taking advantage of the Multidisciplinary Studies program to chart your own path for your future career. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Let’s meet Madeline, a senior majoring in Environmental Science. Madeline says she loves UTSA because of the close-knit campus community and activities happening all around campus. In fact, she’s gonna tell us about an opportunity the university gave her to travel halfway around the world. I’m excited about this one. Madeline, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. So you’ve heard my fellow Roadrunners talk about the research and internships. That’s because UT a realizes the importance of learning through experiences. For me, that looked like interning abroad and sharing my time. Growing up, I didn’t do much traveling, but through UTSA’s Study Abroad program, I was able to travel to the other side of the world. UTSA offers study-abroad programs across the globe no matter what your major is. As college students, we are starting to develop an understanding of who we are, how we fit into the world, and what legacy we want to leave. I chose Thailand because as a environmental science major, Thailand represents a climate change frontier. This was my opportunity to apply what I was learning inside the classroom and help those who are most impacted by climate change. I worked at a non-profit doing amazing child rights advocacy work and even helped write a $20,000 grant to fund heart surgeries for patients in underserved communities. My time abroad solidified my career path in the non-profit realm. UTSA emphasizes learning outside the classroom. For me, that means taking advantage of every opportunity I get, no matter how outlandish. I’ve explored the business world through an internship with a local renewable energy startup. I co-founded an organization that has distributed over 2,500 trees to the San-ton community and I’ve camped in the New Mexico mountains and deserts while conducting research. UTSA is truly classroom to career. Seizing the experiential learning opportunities has made me a more around in student and professional. Getting to travel halfway around the world combined with the unique educational experience has made my time at UTSA really special. After my summer abroad, I intend on doing some more traveling and are more intent on ever than saving the world. Back to you, Alex.
– Madeline, your story is amazing. It’s great to know that UTSA is committed to preparing its students to be engaged global citizens. And good for you for taking that opportunity to expand your worldview and experience another culture firsthand. Thanks again for sharing.
I can’t wait to introduce you all to Jesus. He’s an electrical engineering major and a member of UTSA’s Top Scholars program, which is a community of driven and high-achieving Roadrunners seeking intellectual comradery and opportunities to expand their learning. Jesus is gonna tell us about one such opportunity that’s open to all UTSA students. Take it away, Jesus.
– Thank you for that amazing introduction, Alex. Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to study engineering. This started in high school in the Rio Grande Valley with an interest in VEX Robotics and competitions. I toured the UTSA campus during finals weekend for the university’s Top Scholar program. Throughout the weekend, I got to meet current students and faculty, and I was impressed with the proud community and welcoming culture. It was easy for me to see how this type of community helps foster an innovative environment. Innovation is important here. And one way UTSA celebrates innovation is through the Big Rowdy Idea Business Plan Competition. Last year, a group of my close friends and I created a startup company through this competition. After many brainstorming sessions, our team developed a smartwatch called First Watch. It’s designed for people who are elderly or disabled and helped detect serious health issues and calls first responders if the wearer becomes unconscious. It was a great collaboration between engineering and business students, and with the help of some amazing mentors, our Big Rowdy Idea won second place in the competition. UTSA not only provides a strong foundation for your future career, but also prepares students through real world experience. Whether it be research labs, internships, study-abroad opportunities or programs such as the Big Rowdy Idea, UTSA is providing a modern comprehensive education and experiential learning to help students pursue their path to success. Whatever major you choose at UTSA, you’ll be a part of a compassionate, diverse community that fosters an environment of innovation. I like to thank all the amazing faculty and staff at UTSA for this incredible journey as well as my amazing family for all its support. That’s all from me. Back to you, Alex.
– Jesus, congratulations to you and your friends for being recognized for your Big Rowdy Idea. How amazing is it that UTSA students of all majors have this opportunity to launch their own business ventures and work with season entrepreneurs all while they’re still in college? Great job, Jesus.
Let’s meet Maria, a graduate student in the College of Education and Human Development who completed her master’s degree and is back now for her doctorate. UTSA is a top producer of educators, administrators, and counselors in the region and prides itself on developing innovative teaching practices and research guided by principles including community, integrity, equity, and service. Over to you, Maria.
– Thank you for introducing me, Alex. Call me Monty. My passion and research is dedicated to improving educational leadership and policies. I chose the University of Texas at San Antonio for two reasons. First, UTSA has a strong and unique partnership with the school district I work in. For example, in my master’s program, our school district had our very own cohort where our UTSA professors remained with us during the entire program. Imagine having teachers who stay with you during your entire schooling and become like a member of your family. Second, I came to UTSA because it is a Hispanic-serving institution where everyone is expected to receive an education that is diverse and equitable. The professors at UTSA prepare students, especially those who wanna be school educators and administrators like myself to learn how to challenge, to analyze and to improve the systems that affect us and our diverse students. UTSA faculty and staff seek to understand you as a whole, to be mindful of the external factors that affect your life and to be there with you to overcome any barriers. At UTSA, you can do it, Roadrunners, and we can help you. Back to you, Alex.
– Monty, we can’t wait until we get to call you Dr. Monty. It’s easy to see why you came back to UTSA to earn your doctoral degree and why UTSA has such a strong presence in South Texas schools and classrooms thanks to its community partnerships and outreach. Great job.
Meet Juan, a music major in the College of Liberal and Fine Arts and head drum major for UTSA’s Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band. He’s gonna share a bit more about what UTSA has to offer for students interested in the arts and humanities. It’s time to strike up the band. You’re on, Juan.
– Hey, everyone. I’ve known since I was in the third grade that I wanted to be involved in music, and in high school, that’s when I decided to make this passion my college major. UTSA is known for its outstanding music program, so I knew it was the place for me. Now, I’m so proud to represent UTSA as the head drum major for the Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band. UTSA is a major provider of arts and humanities programming in San Antonio. There are always concerts or exhibitions happening on campus and you don’t have to be a music major like me to get involved. UTSA has multiple music ensembles, dance clubs, and so many other opportunities that allow students and all majors to express ourselves through our talent in the creative, literary and performing arts. In addition to arts programming, UTSA has a strong focus on the humanities. And through the university core curriculum, all Roadrunners receive a well-rounded education and strong foundation in communication, history and those other disciplines that seek to understand and celebrate the human experience. What I love most about this university is how accepting and diverse it is. I have developed relationships with so many people, including my professors who are always helpful and ready to guide me down the right path. That’s especially meaningful to me as a first-generation college student. My parents had me at the age of 16 and 18, and they never graduated high school. Throughout my educational journey, my background and that of my parents has kept me motivated to continue to be successful and push forward. After graduation, I hope to becoming band director and inspire my students by reminding them that there are always people willing to help them achieve their goals. That’s my story. Now, back to you, Alex.
– Juan, I love that you’re pursuing your passion for music. UTSA has so many opportunities for students to cultivate and express their talents in the creative, literary and performing arts. Whether or not they choose to pursue a career in the arts, you’ll make a terrific band director. Best of luck, Juan.
It’s time to hear from Jenelle. Jenelle is a senior from Lakewood, Colorado, and she is studying Computer Science with a concentration in Data Science. She’s involved in the Association for Computing Machinery here at UTSA and also in the annual RowdyHacks Hackathon. She’s gonna tell us more about data science at UTSA. Take it away, Jenelle.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. When I started college, I knew I wanted to study something related to computers, but I didn’t know what. At the University of Texas at San Antonio, I learned a degree in tech could lead to many career paths, like application development, cybersecurity, systems programming, and more. At the School of Data Science, I have many opportunities to connect with fellow students, staff, and faculty. I get to hear technical talks from professionals through student organizations like the American Statistical Association. I get to take classes like data mining and deep learning, and I even get to apply my skills in 24-hour competitions like RowdyHacks and undergraduate research projects with professors. But the best part is the opportunities to learn more about data science are only growing. UTSA just opened a brand new building dedicated to data science in downtown San Antonio, the heart of our region’s tech corridor. Now, we have students, faculty, and researchers collaborating in all aspects of data science, like artificial intelligence and cloud computing, all under one roof. When I first started college, I never would’ve imagined I would find so many opportunities or such an incredible support system to prepare me for my career. I’m not only studying data science, I’m solving real world problems through internships and engaging cutting-edge ideas through undergraduate research projects. All of this is possible thanks to the skills I’ve gained and mentorship I’ve been offered through the School of Data Science. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Jenelle, I can tell you’re taking advantage of every opportunity available to you as UTSA builds a world class data science program, and that you’re having a blast being a teaching assistant. I know we’re gonna hear more great things from you and the School of Data Science. Thanks again.
Let’s hear from Emily. Emily is a sophomore majoring in Microbiology and Immunology in the College of Sciences. They are part of UTSA’s federally-funded ESTEEMED program, which helps freshmen and sophomores develop as researchers and scholars. It’s just one of many programs at UTSA that seek to improve representation in STEM disciplines and to give students hands-on learning experience. Tell us more, Emily.
– Hey y’all. Growing up, some of my favorite questions always started with how or why. Some things that kept me up at night were how do puddle fish camouflage? Why are some fungi resistant to drugs? But most importantly, why do the scientists researching these things not look like me? When looking for a university, I wanna see research faculty and students who represented the diversity of our current day in age. The University of Texas at San Antonio and embraces this new generation of researchers. We are queer, people of color, female, male, and everything in between. Throughout the university, there are programs to lift and assist those who historically have not had a large voice in research, programs such as MARC, RISE and ESTEEMED offer undergraduate students a roadmap in funding to reach their research goals. The ESTEEMED Program helped me get into a research lab my first year here. Through the help of my faculty mentor, I developed a skillset and love for fungal mycology and its applications. Seriously, if you can’t find me, check the lab. This program further provided me with opportunities to network with faculty, alumni, and researchers nationwide. I’m allowed to be a scientist without sacrificing my culture or identity. As a Tier 1 institution, research and experiential learning at UTSA comes in many shapes and sizes. For me, it was getting to an awesome fungal mycology lab my first year here. For others, it may be doing a summer internship, studying abroad, or even participating in one of the many research showcases that happen throughout the year. Science and innovation do not happen by giving a megaphone to those who already have a loud voice. Research at UTSA does not strive to merely follow the status quo. We strive to break it. Back to you, Alex.
– Emily, it is so amazing to hear that you’ve had a chance to conduct and present scientific research so early in your college career and to know that UTSA prioritizes undergraduate research to help students like yourself prepare for their future careers. See you back in the lab.
Let’s meet Daniel, a student in the Carlos Alvarez College of Business. Daniel chose UTSA because the university has made a name for itself nationally for its cybersecurity research and education. Students at UTSA are preparing for careers in an exciting growing field that’s in a state of constant innovation. Here’s Daniel to tell us more.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. I chose to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio to make a name for myself. I didn’t wanna be just another face on campus. And thanks to the wide array of opportunities that UTSA has to offer, I’ve been able to set myself apart. I majored in cybersecurity because as our society gets more dependent on technology, someone has to protect our data and information. UTSA plays a key role supporting our national security infrastructure, armed with the world class faculty and a reputation as an undisputed leader in cybersecurity education. As I progress through my major, I’m working with some of the most knowledgeable and engaging professors in the field who specialize in areas such as intrusion detection, incident response, and malware analysis. UTSA is fueling San Antonio’s national reputation as the largest cyber and information security hub outside of Washington DC. In fact, UTSA is one of just a few colleges or universities in the US and the only Hispanic-serving institution to have three national centers of academic excellence designations from the US Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency. At UTSA, I have opportunities to distinguish myself outside the classroom, one of them being my involvement with the UTSA Ambassador organization. As a student ambassador, I help represent the university at the highest level. During my tenure in the program, I’ve learned the importance of service integrity and excellence, all qualities essential to studying cybersecurity here at UTSA. I came to UTSA because I wanted to be somebody. I know when I graduate, I will have the tools to be successful in an ever-growing industry. UTSA has exceeded my expectations and provided me with the college experience I will never forget. Throwing it back to you, Alex.
– Daniel, you’re crushing it on campus and in your degree program. Here’s something else, the university even offers a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity 100% online, so anyone could study cybersecurity at UTSA from anywhere in the world. Thanks for sharing your story, Daniel.
Let’s meet Miranda who will talk about her own journey in exploring career paths in the modern setting of human health. She’s a student in the College for Health Community and Policy, sharing yet another example of how UTSA is preparing students to move from the classroom to their career.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. After graduating high school, the idea of finding the right college was intimidating. I wanted to go where I could gain experience in the different areas of my major, psychology, to help me narrow down my options for a future career path. Being from San Antonio, and my dad being a proud alumni, the University of Texas at San Antonio was always in my sights. When I learned about the mini opportunities they provide students like me who are not certain of their career choice, I knew this was a place for me. After just one year, my professors have helped me apply what I’m learning in my classes to the real world. An example involves my work in a behavioral neuroscience lab where we study animal behaviors and learning abilities to gauge their potential relationships with mental disorders. UTSA is a highly esteemed research institution, which means there are numerous research programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. However, research is just one example of a human health-related career. I also obtained an internship opportunity when my behavior analysis professor connected me with an autism treatment center, which I otherwise would not have known about. I get to help work with autistic children to understand and improve their behaviors. Now, instead of just choosing one career path, my experiences have encouraged me to explore all of my options. UTSA has dedicated resources to students to help them reach their goals of getting experience in their field of studies so that they may build towards a successful future. Through my experiences here, I have learned the importance of working with others and making connections to help further our knowledge of developing human health and create a healthier world for us all. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Miranda. I love that you’re gaining real world experience that’s giving you a broader understanding of different health-related professions and how they work together for the benefit of the community. And thanks to UTSA’s many community partners in San Antonio, there’s no shortage of opportunities for students to do their own career exploration. That was awesome.
Let’s hear from Esteban, A student in the Margie and Bill Kleese College of Engineering and Integrated Design. UTSA believes in creating opportunities for cross-disciplinary instruction and research so that students and scholars in different fields can come together to address 21st century challenges. Let’s hear about one of those spots on campus where that collaboration takes place. Over to you, Esteban.
– Howdy, folks. Jumping into college, I saw at the University of Texas at San Antonio due to its nationally ranked Air Force ROTC program and rapidly growing engineering capabilities. The prospect is developing both my academic pursuits and leadership skills at the same time cemented this decision. I was expressly excited to learn at UTSA due to the enriching environment fostered by its faculty and staff alongside the university’s facilities and student resources. During my time at UTSA, I participated in lab work, volunteered as a student university ambassador, engaged with my peers through student organizations, and now find myself working in one of Texas’s most impressive facilities, UTSA Makerspace. As a student staff member, I’m able to learn about the unique machines we house in our facility, make something wacky from them, and then teach what I know to others so they can continue the cycle. From 3D printing to soldering electronics, to even using the big machines in our shop, the possibilities of what one can create are limitless. Thanks to resources like these, I’m able to expand my education journey outside of the classroom and apply what I learned to other projects. One of the great things about facilities such as the Makerspace is that they encourage collaboration between engineering and other integrated design disciplines such as architecture and construction management. Roadrunners have the ability to advance an idea from concept to prototype to a funnel model, all while working in a team-oriented environment. UTSA’s heightened focus on providing students with world-class resources and facilities have enabled me to take a dive like no other into my educational and personal passions. I encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities to grow in their learning and development like I have. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Esteban, the Makerspace is incredible, and it’s great to see that Roadrunners have state-of-the-art facilities where they can turn their ideas into reality. It’s especially cool that you get to work with your classmates firsthand as they sharpen their design and fabrication skills and create some truly amazing projects, thanks again.