Karla Jimemez, center, holding an award certificate.
Karla Jimenez, Class of 2027
Major: Business, with a certificate in Core Texts and Ideas
University programs and student organizations: Forty Acres Scholars Program, Jefferson Scholars Program, Texas 180 Degree Consulting (Project Director)
Karla grew up in Brownsville and returned to her hometown in the summer 2024 as the Economic Development Intern at the Office of the City Manager. During her time in the Home to Texas program, she contributed to multiple projects for the city — doing cost breakdowns, researching the economic impact of certain projects, and writing memos for funding requests —while interacting regularly with high-level city officials. She shares how the experience expanded her ambitions and fundamentally altered her perception of Brownsville.
What drew you to Home to Texas in the first place?
Growing up as a first-gen daughter of immigrants 10 minutes from the border, my hometown heavily influenced my character and dreams. Seeing the struggles of this minority, low-socioeconomic border town made me passionate about serving Brownsville. Also, the opportunity to return to my hometown and experience its rich culture for a summer seemed refreshing after spending a school year in Austin!
What were some of the highlights of your time in the program?
Getting to know my community like a family has opened a lot of areas for me. Everyone is always willing to answer my questions and think about what they can teach me.
Upon hearing my interest in government and Washington, D.C., the Intergovernmental Relations Manager (Rogello Chanes) invited me to attend private White House briefings over issues happening a few blocks away at the U.S.-Mexico Border. When I mentioned my interest in accounting and finance, the entire finance team invited me to sit in on every municipal budget meeting. And after expressing my interest in economic development, I was invited to attend a conference with the general manager of SpaceX and NASA's former head of human spaceflight, Kathy Lueders! Being given a seat at every table has been deeply impactful.
What surprised you during the research process?
My favorite question during the research process was "What part of your job gives you the most joy or satisfaction?" and it was also the one that brought me the most surprises. I learned that judges have meetings with misbehaved kids and usually choose to give them second chances instead of fining the family. It was nice to hear that they take time out of their day to give students the care and advice they might be lacking somewhere else.
Have you seen connections between your experience with Home to Texas and what you’ve learned in the classroom at The University of Texas at Austin?
Absolutely. I got to use a lot of my Excel lessons from my Management Information Systems class when I was doing cost breakdowns and organizing budgets. A lot of the people I was working with were impressed with the functions I used. Additionally, skills like sending emails and presenting that I got to practice in my Leadership Challenges and Innovation class were helpful!
How do you think Home to Texas will impact your college career and life after graduation?
After working in local government, I want to declare a double major in government, intern in the nation's capital, and grow my skills so I can give back to underserved communities. Although I am still interested in my original accounting major, I now see the importance of getting a master’s and even going to law school.
Additionally, Home to Texas has prepared me for my desired career path by giving me experience using OneDrive and Microsoft applications, teaching me to network, and giving me a closer look at financial processes. I have no doubt that these skills will prepare me for future internships, classes a,nd careers.
How has your experience with Home to Texas changed your perception of your hometown?
I used to view Brownsville in low regard. While I loved the culture and family feel, I felt as if the poverty levels and the side effects of being a minority border town were too much of a liability. However, now, after getting a view of economic development projects coming soon and speaking with the mayor, city manager, and commissioners, I see the huge potential of Brownsville. I think it will be one of Texas's fastest-growing cities in the next five years, largely due to SpaceX, but also the ambitious leadership of the city.
Finally, simple things, like greeting with a traditional Mexican hug and side kiss and transitioning from English to Spanish in the midst of a conversation, were so refreshing after spending a year in Austin.
What advice would you give to a fellow Longhorn who is thinking about applying to Home to Texas?
Apply and think about the assets and potential of your hometown, regardless of the challenges. Be open-minded, talk to everyone, and ask questions — this is a learning experience, and it can help give back to your community! Most of all, do not doubt how much you can contribute in one summer as "just an intern.” There are people who will take you very seriously and value your contributions — treat it as an honor!
Home to Texas is accepting applications for internships for summer 2025. The application deadline is February 5, 2025. For more information check out the Home to Texas website. You can also RSVP for one of the upcoming information sessions:
- Thursday, January 23 from 6-7 p.m. (Zoom)
- Monday, January 27 from 4-5 p.m. (Career Success Office, Second floor of the Flawn Academic Center)
- Thursday, January 30 from 2-3 p.m. (Career Success Office, Second floor of the Flawn Academic Center)
- Monday, February 3 from Noon-1 p.m. (Zoom)