Valley Admissions Center Myrna perez
Hometown: McAllen, Texas
College Major: Sociology and Spanish (undergraduate); Higher Education Administration (graduate)
Territory: Rio Grande Valley
Title: Financial Aid Counselor
Office: Valley Admissions Center
Phone: 956-365-8619
E-mail: myrna.perez@austin.utexas.edu
Q: Where are you from?
A: I was born and raised in McAllen, Texas, which is centrally located in the Rio Grande Valley with a population of about 120,000. It’s a city that is large enough to offer the conveniences of a large city but it's still small enough to get anywhere in town (or to surrounding cities) in a relatively short amount of time. I graduated from McAllen Memorial High School.
Q: Where did you go to college? What did you study in college?
A: One summer during high school, I was able to participate in a program that took us to several universities across Texas. Among those universities was UT Austin. As soon as I stepped foot on campus I fell in love with its atmosphere. Students were coming and going and everything just seemed so full of life and energy that I knew that this was the place for me! Other campuses just paled in comparison. I graduated from UT Austin with a double major in sociology and Spanish (Hispanic Studies Concentration). I was originally a computer engineering major and had the opportunity to intern at IBM in Austin for two summers. Those experiences helped me realize the computer engineering field was not the right fit for me, so I explored other majors until I finally found sociology and Spanish.
Q: How long have you been working in higher education?
A: Four years ago I obtained a master’s degree in adult and higher education administration. I've had the opportunity to work previously as an academic advisor, a program coordinator for a federal grant program, as a student development specialist, as well as in other areas such as recruitment, orientation and now financial aid! I am glad to bring these experiences with me into my current position because I will be better equipped to answer students' and parents' questions, and not be limited solely to one area of knowledge.
Q: Why do you enjoy working with students?
A: I can certainly understand all the feelings of uncertainty and stress that may come with being a prospective college student or even a continuing college student. I feel great knowing that everyday I make an attempt to make a positive difference in a young person's life when I answer a student's questions or help them solve a problem.
Q: What is your favorite place on campus?
A: My favorite place on campus has got to be the turtle pond. There is something about watching the turtles come out to bask in the sun with not a care in the world. I'm jealous! As a student I liked to go to the Perry-Castaneda Library to study (and catch a few naps as well).
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Austin?
A: Driving up to Mount Bonnell and looking at the view of the city and Lake Austin from the top is a must for anybody visiting or living in Austin. I also enjoy visiting new restaurants around town. What can I say? I love food!
Q: What is your favorite UT Austin fact?
A: I actually have a couple:
- The Harry Ransom Center holds one of only five complete copies of the Gutenberg Bible in the United States. This copy is also one of 21 complete copies in the world.
- If you look at one of the corners of the Tower from the side, the two clocks and the architectural designs surrounding them along with the edge of the building make it resemble the face of an owl.
Advice to Students
- Financial aid is available to everybody, regardless of income, but you MUST fill out the FAFSA to be considered for aid!
- Be aware of companies and individuals that promise scholarships and other types of aid in exchange for a fee! If you need help filling out the FAFSA, contact me at 956-365-8619, a UT Austin financial aid counselor in the Office of Student Financial Services at 512-475-6282 or call the FAFSA help number at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). Bottom line: Do not pay for FAFSA or scholarship help.
- Make sure to familiarize yourself with all deadlines regarding any type of applications (i.e. FAFSA priority deadline, scholarship application deadline, etc).
- If, during the academic year, there are extenuating circumstances that occur, please contact your assigned UT Austin financial aid counselor so they may review your individual case.
- Ask! Ask! Ask! Many times freshmen are too shy to ask questions about financial assistance, but sometimes the only way you'll get help is to ask for it. This applies to all aspects of life as a college student—not just financial aid.
- Look at a college degree as an investment and be open to the idea of taking out a student loan to help pay for your education if necessary. In the long run, your investment will pay off.
Updated 11 February 2008
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