UT20
I graduated with a BSA in Biology, a minor in Business, and a Pre-Health Professions certificate.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Jose, and I’m your ULN Financial Aid Counselor. I‘m from Brownsville, Texas, and graduated from UT Austin in December 2020. Since then, I've dedicated myself to supporting students in achieving their educational goals at this esteemed institution. Outside of work, I'm always engaged in something, whether it's spending time with friends, working on projects, or staying active to keep both my mind and body busy.
Tell us about your UT experience.
My experience at UT was like that of many first-generation students; it was challenging. Transitioning from a place of shelter and comfort to complete autonomy and independence meant relying on peers and mentors to navigate both Austin and college life. I graduated with a BSA in Biology, a minor in Business, and a Pre-Health Professions certificate, initially aiming to become a PA. However, my focus shifted after graduation, and I realized the medical field wasn't for me. During my time at UT, I had the chance to intern at the UT School of Nursing as part of my Experiential Learning opportunity. It was a valuable experience that taught me a great deal, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have had such a rewarding internship.
How did ULN impact your time at UT?
In addition to the invaluable $2500 per semester scholarship that supported my undergraduate degree, the ULN program played a crucial role in my professional and personal development. The Leadership Speaker Series and various assignments provided opportunities for growth. The small-group sessions were particularly impactful, making a large university feel more intimate and helping to form new friendships in an unfamiliar city.
One piece of advice for current ULN students.
The one piece of advice I can give to current ULN students comes from my first ULN Program Coordinator, John Newton: "Show up, own your sh*t, and ask for help. It resonated with me so much that I wrote it on a sticky note and stuck it to the wall of my dorm as a constant reminder to make the effort to show up and be present, take responsibility for my work and actions, and reach out if I ever needed help.
Professional aspirations and goals for the future.
Even though I love helping students achieve their goals in higher education, I’d like to transition into the engineering field to follow my passions and work on creating, building, and tinkering. I’ll be going back to school in a few years to further my education, but for now, I’m focusing on developing professionally and gaining hands-on experience in the workplace.