MEET ASHA

Name: Asha Dane’el

Hometown: El Paso, TX
High School: Canutillo High School

Major: Social Work
Minor: Women’s and Gender Studies

Favorite study spot: Perry-Castañeda Library (5^th floor)

How could I not...

When I was in third grade, my mother had a conference at the UT Austin campus. I fell in love. I specifically remember the LBJ fountain. But when I was in high school, I wanted to go somewhere totally different from my hometown. I thought this was just pointless hoping, but I did apply and got in. I think what most excited me and why I decided to attend UT Austin is because of the endless amount of opportunities here. The campus is located streets away from the Capitol. There are some wonderful, intelligent professors here. How could I not choose UT?

So Much More to Learn

The best unexpected thing that’s happened to me since I arrived is the fact that I have met so many intelligent, loving people. When you come to college, everything changes. I also realized that there is so much more to learn. I came to college pretty well adjusted and open to new possibilities. But then I realized there was so much more out there…it’s a shock really.

Social Work = Empowering People

I have always wanted to focus on social issues. I never was the kind of person that wanted to earn a lot of money. I decided social work was right for me my senior year of high school. Social work is about empowering people, not “helping” and that’s exactly what I want to dedicate my life to.

Asha’s advice on...

Living on-campus

I think during your first year at UT Austin, it is important to live in the dorms. There are so many resources located in the residence halls and so many opportunities to meet new people. It’s part of the college experience. Also, it’s really nice getting up for class ten minutes before it starts. If you start to get involved on campus, it is great being able to walk to meetings or lectures instead of planning your day around the bus schedule.

Being a successful student

To be a successful student, you need to be happy and doing what you want to do. You need to have a major you feel comfortable with, something that you love learning about, because that’s your future. Don’t overextend yourself, but do try to see what is out there, even if it only slightly interests you.

Balancing studying, friends, family and work

When you are trying to balance all these important things, just remember to do what makes you happy. If you do really need to study, do it for an hour and then call your family or friends during a break. If you do get a job, make sure they are flexible, because college is crazy. Keep your priorities in line and do what you feel is right.