Freshman Admissions Counselor Alex JUAREZ
Hometown: Olmito, Texas
College Major: Communication Studies/Corporate Communications
Territory: Lower Rio Grande Valley
Office: Freshman Admissions Center
Phone: 512-475-7458
E-mail: alex.juarez@austin.utexas.edu
Q: You chose to come to UT Austin as a student. Why?
A: I decided to come to UT Austin after visiting Austin with my brother. I had been considering other universities in Texas at the time, but the decision was made clear to me after visiting campus. I was impressed that UT Austin provided an avenue in which students could express their opinions and ideas as openly as they wanted. Visit West Campus during the day, and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
During my visit I noticed the diversity on campus, it was amazing. Never before had I seen people from so many backgrounds. It was then when I realized the world had had more to offer than what I could experience in my hometown.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Although I was born in Brownsville, Texas, the first half of my life was spent between the Lower Rio Grande Valley and Matamoros, Mexico. When I was old enough to attend kindergarten, my parents moved our family from Matamoros to Olmito, Texas—the smallest town in the world (at least in my opinion).
Q: What did you study at UT Austin?
A: I received my degree in Communication Studies and was a part of the Corporate Communications sequence. I came to UT Austin as a history major but transferred to the College of Communication during my sophomore year. I wanted to study Radio-Television-Film, but I was always more interested in learning about communications theories.
Q: What's your favorite place on the UT Austin campus?
A: There are so many places on campus, but if I had to pick one it would have to be Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The South Mall (near the Tower and Main Building) is also high on my list. Everyone needs a place to relax and the South Mall is the perfect place to lay in the shade and take a much needed nap after a long day of studying.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Austin?
A: UT sports in general will always be my favorite thing to do. However, some of my fondest college memories include attending Coldplay's concert and President Clinton's speech—both of which took place on campus at the Frank Erwin Center.
After living in Austin for five years, I feel that I have only discovered about 15 percent of what the city has to offer. I would recommend jogging at Zilker Park, canoeing on Town Lake or taking in a view from the top of Mount Bonnell.
Q: What about college admissions counseling are you most looking forward to?
A: I look forward to working with students that have become overwhelmed by the entire process of applying to college.
I look forward working with those students and their families in an effort to help them learn everything they can about The University of Texas at Austin. The idea of helping students was what attracted me to the position initially and I hope that I will have many opportunities to do so.
Advice to Students
- Choose a university that is a good fit for you. At times even the greatest schools in the nation can be a poor choice for you depending on your personal preferences.
- Use your junior and senior years to visit different university campuses. Even though academics should always be a top factor when deciding where to attend, it’s important for you to enjoy the campus community and environment.
Updated 10 July 2007
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