Student of the Week

Awards/Honors

UTPA/Baylor College of Medicine Premedical Honors College Scholarship, 2005-2009
UTPA Excellence Scholarship, 2005-2006
Rotary International Scholarship, 2005-2006
Christus Spohn Hospital Academy Scholarship, 2005-2006
Dean’s List, spring 2006
UTPA Residence Life Scholarship, 2006-2007

Visit the archives to view previous student profiles.

James Berglund, 19, a sophomore at The University of Texas-Pan American, plans to graduate with a Bachelors of Science in biology and a minor in chemistry in May 2009. Berglund graduated salutatorian of his class under the Distinguished Achievement Plan from Foy H. Moody High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. While in high school Berglund was actively involved in the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta National Math Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, and Health Occupation Students of America. At UTPA, he is currently a senator at large in the Student Government Association, is a resident adviser at Unity Hall, and a member of the Student Leadership Academy. He has also served as a volunteer at various community service events such as the Mujeres Unidas beautification project and as a translator for medical mission trips to Reynosa and Rio Bravo, Mexico. When home in Corpus Christi, Berglund volunteers as much as possible at Christus Spohn Hospital – Shoreline.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to attend Baylor College of Medicine in Houston to pursue a degree in medicine. I intend to stay in Houston for my residency program in, as of now, pediatric medicine with further specialization. My ultimate goal is to open my own practice in pediatric medicine, hopefully somewhere here in South Texas.

Do you plan to return to the Valley?

I would definitely love to return to South Texas and give back to my community and the medically underserved, but I do not know what God has in store for me. My mom has always taught me to “never say never!” so I guess I cannot say that I would never return to South Texas but in the end I will go where God sends me.

What has your education done for you?

Not only has my education given me great insight into the various aspects of medicine but has also allowed me to be a more open-minded and confident person. My education has been one of the greatest factors in my success thus far.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience?

When I first chose UTPA, I was afraid I would have regrets but if I was asked to do it all over again, I would not change my decision. Mentors and student leaders at this school have instilled in me a great love for this institution. I look forward to being a part of its continued growth. I love UTPA and am proud to be a Bronc!

What is your best tip for success?

Always keep a positive attitude. The road to success is never a smooth one. There will always be bumps and roadblocks but keeping a positive attitude and faith in God and yourself will surely get you through it all.

What advice do you have for college-bound students?

Take advantage of all resources available to you. Contrary to popular belief, people at the university level are not there to see you fail. At UTPA for one, faculty, staff, and even your peers want to see you succeed. There are numerous student services to help reach that success; you just have to take advantage of them.