Meet Ashton

Another Way of Thinking

When I first came to UT Austin I was a Biology Honors and Pre-pharmacy major. I am now a Sociology and Corporate Communications major. I never expected to switch out of the College of Natural Sciences, yet that move has given me many opportunities as well as a another way to think.

I really enjoy biology and I still have a minor in it, but I wasn’t quite sure what I would do with a biology degree and at the time I wasn’t interested in research. I considered every option, did tons of online research, and finally decided on sociology and corporate communications.

I look at things with a “sociological imagination” now, which has sharpened my naturally intuitive nature. I also landed a wonderful internship in the summer of 2009 that I never would have considered had I not switched out of natural sciences.

Longhorn Spirit

I love the Longhorn spirit at UT Austin; it really makes me feel at home. Since UT Austin has so many graduates and even more non-graduate fans, I see burnt orange everywhere.

I love driving around Austin and seeing the Longhorn car decals. I love football game days, when strangers walk down the street cheering and yelling together. I love winning and seeing the Tower lit up burnt orange. I love watching the Longhorn Band perform, spelling out “Texas” during football halftime.

All of these things create a common bond between UT students and not only makes me feel proud to be a part of it, but also gives me a sense of belonging.

Proximity to Home

Aside from the obvious deciding factors such as wonderful academics, talented sports teams, and incredible opportunities, a huge reason why I decided to come to UT Austin is proximity to home. My family is very important to me and I really wanted to remain a part of my younger brothers’ lives as they grow up. UT Austin is far enough away for me to have my own life and continue to grow as a person, yet close enough to home that I can visit for important events.

Over the past two years, I have had the opportunity to go home for surgeries, hospital stays, a high school graduation, and numerous sports championships, which is a luxury I wouldn’t have gotten at any other school of this caliber.

Do Your Research

I am a huge online researcher, so I read just about every page of The University of Texas at Austin web site; I was perusing the course catalog at the beginning of my senior year.

I was also invited to attend the Honors Colloquium, which I attended the summer before my senior year. At that event, I got to experience the Harry Ransom Center, Gregory Gym, a freshman residence hall, and numerous other things. I also visited the campus with my family: we took a guided tour, visited the stadium, and toured my dormitory so I would know what to bring.

Come Here!

No matter who you are, UT Austin has something for you. As a very large public university, we have the best of both worlds. We have so many resources and unique experiences available for you to explore – everything from the Harry Ransom Center to an amazing football team.

However, there are also many ways the university feels like a small, intimate environment; getting involved in undergraduate research, joining student organizations, or living in a freshman dorm creates a small group where you can find friends and feel comfortable.

My advice: come here! You’ll love it as much as I do.

Continuing My Education

Once I graduate I plan to attend graduate school for organizational communication. Ultimately, I want to be a college professor but before that I want to work as a change management consultant or something similar. Aside from that, I want to make a foray into public speaking.

I expect to spend my early twenties doing a lot of traveling which I’m very excited to do. Mostly, I’m looking forward to continuing my education throughout my life. I love learning, and graduation from The University of Texas at Austin will definitely not be the end of my education.

Want to Contact Ashton?

Send Ashton an e-mail at ashton.barrineau@mail.utexas.edu.