Freshman Admissions Counselor Alex salinas
Hometown: San Benito, Texas
College Major: Marketing (Undergraduate), Business Administration (Graduate)
Territory: Rio Grande Valley
Office: Valley Admissions Center
Phone: 956-365-8633
E-mail: alex.salinas@mail.utexas.edu
Q: Where are you from?
A: I was a born and raised in the city of San Benito, Texas–home of the Mighty Greyhounds! It is a small city that is nestled among the tall tropical grasses of deep South Texas. The people are friendly, caring and wear a smile on their face. The city is just minutes away from places like Mexico and South Padre Island. This area is filled with historical landmarks, tropical fruit and market places where you can shop ‘til you drop. It is a place where you have the best of both worlds. The traditions, culture and people blend the historic worlds of Mexico and the United States. ¡Viva la frontera!
Q: Where did you go to college? What did you study in college?
A: I attended The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (UTB/TSC) where I received my bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s in business administration. Being a first generation college student was not easy; however, I knew that I had to set the example for the rest of my family by not only attending college, but graduating, too.
My family was part of the migrant working tradition where together we toiled in the fields and where I became acquainted with the term “hard work.” It was working under the hot sun and always traveling place to place that I then decided that I had to stop this cycle. I recognized that my best option was to pursue an education and that by doing so I would make both my family and me proud. After working in the fields and working hard to achieve my degrees, I know that education is the key to success.
Q: How long have you been working in higher education?
A: I have had the pleasure of working in higher education for seven wonderful years. While attending college I started working in different departments within the university. Working with students from all walks of life gave me an insight into the various challenges that students face on a day to day basis where they strive to conquer their goal of achieving a higher education degree. I came to understand that the students face challenges such as family, economic and personal hardships that they must deal with in order to stay in school. Being able to talk to them, whether it was as their friend or mentor, and sharing my personal experiences is when I realized the impact and importance education played in their future. I understand that the students see people like me as role models. This is why it is of great importance that I have the chance to encourage and motivate them to obtain a post-secondary degree.
Q: Why do you enjoy working with students?
A: I enjoy working with students because it allows me to assist them in making the right choices when it comes to college. Giving them a sense of direction and eventually letting them make the final decision is what I strive for. I only act as a guide; it is their responsibility to pick themselves up and walk the road to a better tomorrow.
Q: What is your favorite place on campus?
A: My favorite place on campus would definitely be the main mall in front of the Tower. It is a place where you can study, read or just relax. It is also a place where you can see the people come together and share their culture and ideas which is reflected in the student body of UT Austin.
Advice to Prospective Students
- Don’t just make it your goal to apply to college. Attend and graduate from one!
- Get involved with your campus and community. Meet people and build your network of friends, colleagues and professionals.
- Do not procrastinate when it comes to important applications and deadlines. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to finish your tasks efficiently and effectively.
- Never think that money is the reason why you cannot attend college; there are plenty of scholarships and resources that can assist you when it comes to college expenses. You just have to look for them and take the time to APPLY!
Updated 19 December 2007
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