Meet Tanya
Staying in Texas
Coming to UT was always something I really wanted to do, although going out of state seemed pretty appealing as well. My parents were very hesitant on letting me go away, much less out of state. I brought them to a tour at UT and they ended up loving it just as much as I did. They agreed to let me leave home as long as I stayed in Texas. I feel that UT is the best university in Texas, so if I had to stay in Texas, I would only go to the best! Overall, I am happy that I decided to stay in Texas, I have had the time of my life attending UT and making awesome memories in Austin.
Knowing Exactly What to Major In
During high school I was in a program called KMAC, it is basically a program where you learn how to use video equipment and video editing programs to create projects such as music videos, newscasts, and commercials. My KMAC teacher was a UT graduate and still had many ties to academic advisors and deans at the College of Communication. He had them talk to us about all the majors they offered and as soon as they talked about Public Relations, I knew this was exactly what I wanted to major in.
Joining a Service-based Sorority
My first semester here, I got involved as much as I could but still felt like I was missing something. My second semester of my freshmen year, I decided to try and join a service-based sorority, Kappa Delta Chi. Being part of the organization has not only led me to lifetime friends, but has helped me in many different areas as well. I have learned major event planning, how to better manage my time, and found a new love for my community.
Tanya's advice
On studying
Start early! Try and study material right after you cover it so that you will remember more of it later.
On making friends
Be yourself and friends will come!
On living on campus
Take advantage of all the services provided to you like dining, computer labs, study areas etc…
My freshmen year I lived on campus and wasn’t very excited at first, but I ended up loving it. I had everything I needed right there. I liked being able to get out of class, eat lunch, take a nap and not have to go very far. I now live in an off campus apartment, very close to campus and like it, but it is very different from living right on campus. My advice is to live on campus at least your first year. It gives you the opportunity to meet friends and concentrate on your studies, instead of having to take time to cook or pay bills.
On what to wear
Be comfortable but always cautious, you never know who you will meet on your way to class.
On parking/transportation around campus
Read signs and believe what they say! Parking on campus is one of the most difficult things I have had to experience on campus. Parking and Transportation staff is very strict and not afraid of giving tickets. If you do get a ticket, pay it quickly; the longer you wait, the more problems you will run into later.
On how to be a successful student
Learn how to manage your time properly!
Balancing studying, friends, work, and family
Know what your priorities are and stick to them.
Asking for Help
I feel that it is very important to have interaction with faculty and staff. Getting to know my professors is something I try to do in every class because it helps me feel comfortable going in and asking for help later, and it also makes me feel like I am an important asset in my classes and not just a number.
Preparing Myself for the Future
After earning my undergraduate degree I plan to continue my education by attending law school. I feel that my time here at the University has and will prepare me to attend law school in many ways. The College of Communication is very competitive and has many great professors and I foresee myself using many techniques and strategies they have taught me, not only in law school, but later in life as well.
More about Tanya
Scholarships
Favorites
- Study location on and off campus: Mozart’s, stacks of the Life Science Library, or sitting out by the six-pack if the weather permits.
- Place to eat on or near campus: Madam Mam’s, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, and Austin’s Pizza
- Class: Advertising 318J with Dr. Wilcox. Everyone scared me about taking this class, calling it a “weed out” class. Taking this class was one of my favorite memories from my academic career so far. Dr. Wilcox is passionate about what he teaches and passes some of that passion down to his students.
- Professor: Dr. Dave Junker is a great professor and, although he has hundreds of students, he takes the time to learn everyone’s name, which proves that we are not just numbers at UT.
- Books: Catcher in the Rye, Twilight series, The House on Mango Street
- Movies: Bella, La Misma Luna, 10 Things I Hate About You
- Thing about Austin: Atmosphere
- Pastime / recreational activity: Traveling!
Biggest challenge
My biggest challenge was the transition I had to make from high school to college. Starting your first semester at college away from home can be a very scary experience, but taking it as a challenge and overcoming it has been one of my biggest accomplishments thus far. I can safely say now that coming to UT was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The experiences and opportunities I have been given and gone through just in these past two years are ones that I will never forget and I look forward to creating many more in these next two years!
Best unexpected thing
Becoming very involved in the university, meeting my best friends, and being able to show my sister all that the university has to offer, now that she is a freshman.
Send Tanya an e-mail at tfernandez23@yahoo.com