Student of the Week

Awards/Honors

LeaderShape Institute graduate, January 2008
Dean’s List, spring 2005, spring 2006, and spring 2007
Outstanding Student Dean’s Award, 2008
Excellence Scholarship, fall 2006
Microsoft Scholarship, fall 2007
Xerox Scholarship, fall 2006
Robert L. Townsend Scholarship, fall 2008.

Visit the archives to view previous student profiles.

Isamin L. Armendariz, 23, is a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American who plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and a minor in Spanish in December 2009. She is an international student from Reynosa, Mexico. While attending UTPA she has also been working with the computer science department since 2007, in the Computer Science Mentoring Program. As a mentor, she assists entering freshmen students in completing their academic study successfully by providing help regarding their new UTPA environment, university procedures, assigned computer science and engineering coursework, and generally finding the route to the information they want, when they need it. She served as secretary in the Association for Computing Machinery in 2006. In 2008, she completed the LeaderShape Institute, a weeklong program intended to help develop and improve leadership skills. In addition, Armendariz is a Sophomore Academic Mentoring Program mentor on campus since fall 2008.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to start working right after graduation in a company where I can show the programming skills I learned and developed at UTPA, and get into a master’s program while working to increase my knowledge in the computer engineering field.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley?

I would love to stay in the Valley. However, I plan to leave the Valley to pursue my master’s degree and career. Apart from that, I am not a native of the Valley nor is my family, but I would definitely like to come back at one point in my life, since the Valley has proved to be a great place to grow professionally; besides, the people here are really warm and welcoming.

What has your education done for you?

Education is one of the most important things a person can have. The education provided here at UTPA is not merely academic, it also helps students to become more reliable and responsible persons. The education I have embraced has provided me the tools to be a leader. I am really thankful for the education I have received from my parents, professors, and friends.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience?

I’ve really enjoyed it. This University is very caring of students and provides a vast amount of opportunities for professional and personal growth. At UTPA I have been able to explore new interests and to discover my capabilities in different areas. It also provides an amazing experience when talking about diversity of culture and campus activities.

What is your best tip for success?

Never say I do not know, even if you do not know; say I will try my best. Never get discouraged when someone tells you something you want to do is impossible. The sky is the limit, reach for it.

What advice do you have for college-bound students?

Take advantage of the resources UTPA provides. Time management is crucial while studying. There is time for everything, you just have to find the right time to study, have fun, help others and relax. UTPA student organizations provide the most amazing experiences when in college, join them, learn from them and have fun with them. Finally, enjoy your time here UTPA, because being at UTPA is an amazing experience.