Undergraduate Admissions Counselor Laura Reksc

Hometown: Marietta, Georgia

College Major: Art History (minor in Music)

Territories: Greater Houston, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee

Office: Houston Admissions Center

Phone: 713-871-2385

E-mail: laura.reksc@austin.utexas.edu

Q: Where are you from?
A: I grew up in Marietta, Georgia, which is a suburb of Atlanta. I spent most of my pre-college years playing viola in every different music ensemble in Georgia. I moved to Houston in July 2008 to be closer to my family. After spending two summers here, Houston makes "HOTlanta" feel like "WarmLanta." 

Q: Where did you go to college? What did you study?
A: I am a 2008 graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. I began as a viola performance major. After having the opportunity to study abroad in London via the UNC London Honors Program, and spending a semester immersing myself in some of the finest art collections in the world, I switched my major to art history. I still stayed very involved in music playing in both the UNC Symphony and Baroque Ensemble.

Q: How long have you been working in higher education?
A: While I was a student at UNC, I was an Admissions Ambassador. As an Ambassador, I gave campus tours, advised and hosted prospective students and their families, and spoke on various panels. I enjoyed being a positive force for students during such a transitional phase of their lives.

Q: What is your favorite place on the UT Austin campus?
A: As an art historian, I am captivated by all the beautiful sculptures that can be found enhancing the scenery on campus, especially the Littlefield Fountain!

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Austin?
A: As a connoisseur of food, Austin is an oasis of unique culinary experiences. Also, Austin is the Live Music Capital of the world. The End.

Advice to Prospective Students

• Do what’s right for you: College is a time to explore who you are! Don’t make college decisions based on where your friends are going. Just because one place is right for them doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
• Research: If you have your heart set on a certain major, make sure you research thoroughly to make sure the college of your choice has all the academic opportunities you are looking for.
• Visit: Make sure you visit the schools you are considering! Going to campus and envisioning where you will spend the best four years of your life can really be the factor that makes or breaks your college choice.
• Get Involved: UT Austin has so many amazing opportunities. Make sure you don’t miss out.
• Stand Out: UT Austin receives thousands of applications every year; make sure you have a way to stand out from the rest of the crowd.