Our Experiences - Fall 2012 Graduates

College of Nursing

"Helene Dixon was an inspiration and a professor who always dedicated extra time and patience for all the nursing students."
Shangrila Raneses
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

"The entire BSN program at UTB allowed me grow both personally and professionally.  In today’s rapid technological and scientific advancements, I believe higher nursing education is imperative.  UTB has offered me the opportunity to learn certain skills I need to be an effective leader in my nursing practice.  I had a great experience taking the on-line classes.  I was used to the traditional classroom setting, but I am so glad I decided to go this route.  I want to thank the entire faculty and professors for their dedication, time, and concern to help me succeed.  Thanks to UTB, my future looks bright and I am one step closer to obtaining other future goals I have in mind."
Delia Jasso
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Online)

College of Science, Mathematics and Technology

"I think it was easier to go here. I've enjoyed everything. I was able to save money. Everything came to me well staying here."
Jose McKinnon
Master of Science in Physics

"You get to work with a laser during University Physics II. When I really got to work with the laser was in making a set-up of the Michelson Interferometer. It was a very unique experience because I got to work with my hands alongside the professor."
Moises Castillo
Bachelor of Science in Physics

"I was Dr. Jude Benavides' research assistant and I worked in a different array of hands-on and real life scenarios. I did different projects in kayak trails to a water quality index for the Brownsville area resacas to water monitoring to working with sustainable energy using solar powered aerators which are self-sustaining. I worked with him for three to four years. It was the best experience of my life."
Alejandro Lara
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

"The computer science department helped me with tuition and work study opportunities. I have been teaching computer information systems classes for two years. Teaching gave me a lot of opportunities and I tried to pursue some certifications."
Javier Nieto
Master of Science in Computer Science

"As I entered the master’s program I started getting to know the faculty more. I found what kind of people they are. When I was writing my thesis I could go to them for anything. They were helpful. All they want was to see you succeed."
Oscar Blanco
Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Computer Science

"Dr. Phillip Kendall influenced me to switch my major from P.E. to Social Studies/History. He noticed my talent and passion for the subject during my freshman year in 2008."
Jose Angel Sanchez
Bachelor of Social Studies Education

"This is not the end, it is the beginning. I am very proud to be graduating from a doctorate program at the University of Texas at Brownsville. This is one of my life's most important moments surrounded by my children, family and professors, they all become part of the process.

I want to continue writing and researching using the knowledge and skills I have learned from the caring professors. I want to encourage passion and the desire in teachers to be as successful as they can be in the classroom and to adapt to changes in law, techniques and needs of students.

My admiration and respect goes out to Dr. Maria Elena Corbeil, who spent hours listening, reading and re-reading every word in my dissertation. She believed in my ideas and she guided me with her patience and wisdom. She is truly inspiring."
Angela M. Gonzalez
Doctorate of Education

"I am looking forward to commencement and thankful to the university and my professors for bringing this doctoral program to UTB.

Having a full time stressful job while taking care of my 92 year old mom and having two of my daughters in college was difficult.

Some questioned why I pursued a doctorate at my age. I pursued this degree to continue my love of learning and to provide my children with the knowledge that anyone at any age can get a doctorate degree if they are willing to dedicate time and effort."
Sandra Rodriguez
Doctorate of Education

"I am very excited to "walk." I think it is a moment that I will treasure forever and it marks a new beginning for my life as a professional. I will apply to graduate school and seek a Master’s degree in Counseling.

The professor who challenged me the most was professor Sonja Varbelow. She made learning meaningful to me and truly allowed me to broaden my horizons. I believe that I grew as a person and as a teacher."
Margarita Zubieta
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies EC-6th Bilingual Generalist

"I look forward to Commencement. My degree signifies an end to a challenge I set for myself and succeeded. I am going to continue working in the field of my degree.

I think each one of my professors have challenged me. Dr. Michael Sullivan was my original advisor and opened my eyes to education with technology.

My advice to students is to ... Breathe!!! Communicate and find a study buddy.
Shannon Reynolds
Master of Education in Educational Technology (Online)

"This is the ultimate gratification…to hear the famous graduation procession song as I walk across the stage proudly wearing my cap and gown, while both my adult sons watch from the audience as I am being recognized during the ceremony.

I remember at the beginning of every course, I would point out to all my professors that I had no experience in the education field. My biggest apprehension was that my professors would not take me seriously. My professors were absolutely patient with me, answered every question, and cared for my learning.

With the encouragement of family, friends, mentors, classmates and professors, I gradually learned that I had been given an opportunity to grow professionally and to personally survive those tough times. The M.Ed. program of study has increased my self-esteem, and I remain focused on moving forward."
Juana Maria Urbano
Master of Education in Educational Technology (Online)

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"There were a lot of obstacles that I do not even know how I made this happen. I am a single mother and a grandmother with five children, including a one-year-old baby and my legally blind mother. Working, going to school, homework with the my younger elementary kids and my own homework. Trying so hard for my children to succeed in life and not have to struggle like I did. My mother had a cardiac arrest on August 24 right before 1st day of class, so I did not make it for my first days and fell behind in school but made every effort to make it through and not quit. Luckily she is fine now after 21 days in the hospital and me going every day to be with her, and now I am here. Made it!"
Nadia Rivera
Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding

Jamie Ramirez

"I learned from Mrs. Pat Celaya, Mrs. Lauren Schmid and Mr. Seth Colwell that it takes a lot of work to achieve a great education. I was challenged, especially by Mr. Colwell, but ultimately I reached a place I never thought it was possible to reach. They inspired me to always do my best and never allow myself to give up."

My advice for freshmen: Do not procrastinate, set your priorities and know that your friends are not the ones who will pay your bills later in life, so you must learn to sacrifice and not feel guilty about it."
Jamie Ramirez
Bachelors of Business Administration, Accounting

"Commencement represents a symbol of achievement; it will be the moment when all my sacrifices were worth making. It will be the moment when I can become an exemplary role model for my 4-year-old son. Dec. 15 will be the first time for someone in my family tree to receive a bachelor's degree."
Nereida Dominguez
BAT, Workforce Leadership/Supervision

College of Liberal Arts

"I had a special circumstance with my health. I was surprised with a chronic kidney disease that was followed by a kidney transplant in January 2010. Looking over my time at UTB and TSC made me realize that the combination of my illness and my education allow me not to fall when things were bad, encouraged me to strive to achieve my goals, live my life, and complete my Bachelors of Art in Spanish."
Alma Rosa Gomez
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish

"The best thing to happen to me while attending UTB/TSC was getting hired at the Office of News and Information. It's been a huge blessing working there."
Jesus Chavez
Bachelor of Arts in Communication

"Dr. Stephenson, Dr. Webb, and Dr. Islam have all challenged me to think like a teacher. They love being educators and their love for their content area is so inspiring. I want to be that kind if teacher."
"I am now a role model my children can look up to. That is what makes me the proudest."
Yvette Luna
Bachelor of Arts in English

"Dr. Fisher always pushed me to do better on my exams and writing. My advice to freshmen: Do not stop going to school even when it gets hard because in the end it will all be worth it. "
Rubi Gonzalez
Bachelor of Arts in History