Meet Saul

Experiencing It Firsthand

I am originally from Los Angeles but moved to Texas in junior high because my mother wanted to be closer to her family. It was a big change and I missed Los Angeles very much. However, over time I came to appreciate Texas and its larger than life ideals. The weather is another story though; I am not sure if I can ever appreciate this unforgiving Texas weather. I lived in Edinburg, Texas until I graduated in 2007. My mother is Mexican and my father is Chinese. It has been an interesting road growing up with that dynamic, especially having moved from Los Angeles. I would have to say I identify more with my Hispanic side simply because I have lived with my mother since I was born. I have not had much Asian influence in my life and I am not sure if that is a good thing or not.

I grew up loving basketball and football, so I am a big time sports fanatic. Go Lakers!! Sorry Texas, but the West Coast is to basketball as what Texas is to football. My family has no real connection to UT. I just grew up watching Texas sports (the Vince Young/ Kevin Durant era) and after my first visit to campus during a high school trip, I just knew this was the place for me; I felt it. It is an eerie feeling that you may have heard of before, but there is nothing like experiencing it firsthand.

Patience is a Virtue

Many can probably relate to my story. In high school, I was only worried about the next game or meet and, although I was a student-athlete, in my mind I was an athlete-student. I had an unimaginable time in high school so I do not regret going about it the way I did. I was not horribly surprised when I did not get accepted into UT off the bat because I knew a lot of the spots were given to top ten percent students and I was not even in the top twenty-five percent. I received the CAP offer and accepted; but once I realized they did not offer my school of choice, Education, I had to apply as a regular transfer student. The admission process is brutal! I remember checking my application status online three to five times a day in hopes they had finally reached a decision. I almost settled for a major in another college because they took so long to get back to me and I was afraid I was not going to get housing; but I waited it out and everything turned out fine. Patience really is a virtue.

The Place for You

I chose to come to The University of Texas at Austin mainly because I knew, inside, that this was the school for me. If you are not fortunate enough to receive that revelation, consider the vibrant city surrounding UT, the diversity that exists here, the unmatched sports programs, the tradition, and the memories…the Horns.

Having come from a mid-size university I can tell you from experience that many other small colleges or universities and even other large universities simply cannot offer you what UT can, both tangible and intangible. If you really want to make a life changing move, reach way out into the stratosphere of possibility; don’t let anything hold you back. UT is the place for you.

Make a Real Difference

I know that my time here will have prepared me to do greater things. The “What Starts Here Changes The World” motto really emanates on this campus. None of us want to go out into the work force and simply fill in a seat. We’re all looking to be leaders in our respective fields, to change the grain and make a real difference. I do not know another school that has a better representation of the real world than UT.

Devoted to Exercise and Fitness

I was discussing student organizations with a friend one day when we ran into the question, “Why isn’t there an organization on campus devoted to exercise and fitness?” At that point, we knew what we had to do and today we are both working diligently to ensure the success and longevity of Collegiate Bodybuilding, Fitness, and Figure (BFF). Being the founder of an organization, I know that it takes a lot more work and energy than others can see. My co-founder, Jordan Garrett, is a real visionary with excellent leadership skills and I foresee us taking our organization beyond what anybody could have expected. It won’t be long before you hear about UT BFF again.

Want to Contact Saul?

Send Saul an e-mail at saultrejo33@yahoo.com