Assistant Director of Admissions Regional Director - San Antonio and South Texas Regions Belinda Celis

Hometown: San Antonio

College Major: Human Development

Territories: Central and South Texas

Office: San Antonio Admissions Center

Phone: 210-804-2388

E-mail: belinda.celis@mail.utexas.edu

Q: You graduated from UT Austin.  Why did you decide to attend the university?
A: When I began my college search in high school, I compared UT Austin to other schools and was impressed by all it had to offer.  Nationally-ranked programs, a faculty comprised of individuals who were leading research in their fields of study and its graduates were going on to make an impact on the world. 

On my first campus tour, I felt a wonderful energy from the people, the buildings, the trees—everything around me was dynamic and exciting!  It had so much to offer.  I immediately understood that coming to UT Austin would give me the chance to learn from people different from myself and know that I could also contribute to the teaching of others.

Q: Where are you from?
A: I’m from the great city of San Antonio—home of the Alamo!  Growing up in a city with such a rich history and culture gave me an early appreciation for the unique contributions we can all make to our global community.  The people from San Antonio are Texans through and through.  They are warm and generous with their time, helpful and not afraid to try new things.  I know San Antonio has grown to become one of the largest cities in the country, but it still manages to keep the flavor of a small town because of the friendly people.

Q: What did you study in college?  Why?
A: I studied human development at UT Austin because I was interested in how people develop across the life span: cognitively, physically, socially and emotionally.  I had the opportunity to participate as an undergraduate research assistant in two longitudinal research projects that studied child development and the formation of family and peer relationships.

Q: What is your favorite place on campus?
A: It’s hard to pick just one spot!  I love the turtle pond just north of the tower, the stadium on game day and the “Six Pack” (the group of six building that surround the south mall lawn) at the beginning of spring.

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Austin?
A: Spinning under the big Christmas tree at Zilker Park during the holidays; going to outdoor shows (Shakespeare in the Park at the Zilker Hillside Theater), concerts and meteor shower parties at Mount Bonnell; and canoeing on Town Lake are some of my favorites, and they’re free.

Q: What is your favorite (or most interesting) UT Austin fact?
A: The nationally-famous PBS television program "Austin City Limits" is taped on the sixth floor of Communication Building B in the College of Communication complex.

Q: What do you enjoy about admissions counseling?
A: I enjoy helping students through the application process.  This is an exciting time in their lives and helping them connect with a school that is their “best fit” is fulfilling.

Advice to Students

• It’s never too early to start the college search process. 
• Visit as many schools as possible and ask questions.  Take tours of the schools that you are considering.  And go at different times of the year. 
• Ask plenty of questions of students, admissions staff, alumni and your guidance counselors.  There is no such thing as a dumb question! 
• Don’t choose a school because your friends might be going there.  Instead, choose a school where you know you can be comfortable and successful.