Undergraduate Admissions Counselor Wintress James

Hometown: Dallas

College Majors: Communication Studies (Corporate Communication)

Territory: Dallas-Fort Worth Area

Office: Dallas Admissions Center

Phone: 214-526-2387

E-mail: wintress.james@austin.utexas.edu

Q: Where are you from?
A: I grew up in Dallas and spent most of my time in the Pleasant Grove and Oak Cliff neighborhoods. I went to Skyline High School (Go Raiders!) where I was apart of the Man and His Environment Cluster (Applied Social Sciences). I was very involved at Skyline and was even named Raider of the Year my senior year of high school. 

Q: Where did you go to college, and what did you study?
A: I am a May 2011 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin. Hook 'em Horns! I was admitted to the Red McCombs School of Business as a freshman. After taking different communication courses during my first few years at UT, I became really interested in the College of Communication and its Communication Studies department. I really loved the classes, the content, the professors and teaching assistants, so during my junior year, I switched majors. It was one of the best decisions I made for my education.

Q: How long have you been working in higher education?
A: Although this is my first professional position in higher education, I worked as a student SHARE Ambassador and volunteer in the Undergraduate Admissions Center for three years. I really enjoyed working with prospective students and their families because it gave me opportunities to share my experiences and help them maneuver through the college admissions process. 

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in Austin?
A: Austin is such an amazing city with it’s own unique personality and culture. I love going to South Congress to shop or to check out the great restaurants and food trailers. The food in Austin is like no other--just great! Another awesome thing about Austin is that you can run the trails on Lady Bird Lake, or take a hike at Mt. Bonnell. 

Q: What is your favorite place on campus? 
A: The Malcolm X Lounge (the X-Lounge) in Jester Center was my second home on campus. It is part of the Warfield Center for African and African American Studies. The X-Lounge is a space on campus dedicated to studying, socializing and just taking a break from classes and work while at the same time building a community and getting to know other students. Whether it is studying for a test, having in-depth conversations about the African American experience or playing a card game, you can always find students in the Malcolm X Lounge having a great time.

Q: What is your favorite UT Austin fact?
A: We are the first and only university to have a 24-hour, seven-days a week sports network, The Longhorn Network. 

Advice for Prospective Students

• Pick a major that interests you! When choosing a college major pick something that you are passionate about. If you haven’t found that passion yet, don’t be afraid to explore new and different things; you’ll never know if it'll turn into something you’ll love and enjoy.
• Find a mentor! Whether it’s a mentor from an organization or program, or an older student who just wants to give you advice, a mentor is a great resource for answers to all of your questions and concerns regarding academics and personal issues.
• Get involved in at least one student organization. UT Austin has more than 1,100 student organizations! Getting involved will help you make the transition from high school to college and allow you to meet new people. 
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for help. These two things are essential. There are tons of resources here at the university to help you if you find yourself not knowing what to do.