Student of the Week

Awards/Honors

Texas State Bank Scholar, May 2006
DECA Scholar, May 2006
Wachovia Bank Scholar, November 2008
Dean’s List, spring and fall 2007, spring 2008, spring 2009.

Visit the archives to view previous student profiles.

Laura Davila, 21, is a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American and plans to graduate with an accounting degree and Master in Science of Accounting in December 2011. While at UTPA, Davila has been an active member of the Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA) since 2006, serving in the offices of director of public relations, vice president of internal affairs and vice president of external affairs. Through HBSA she has participated in a number of community service projects such as the Upper Valley Humane Society initiative, Beach Clean Up, and Mujeres Unidas. She also participated in a food donation drive by HBSA for a needy family in Reynosa.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to go to work with one of the Big Four accounting firms in Houston where I have already interned in the past and again this summer. I would like to work for them for a couple of years and after gaining knowledge in the audit/tax world and building up my profile I would like to move back to the Valley and maybe open up my own business.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley?

No, I will most likely be relocating. But nevertheless, would like to end up in the Valley once again.

What has your education done for you?

My education has made me the person I am today. Thanks to my education I have built great networking, organizational, leadership, and communication skills that have helped me compete as a professional with other students from major universities. My education has also helped me build a type of confidence in myself that I will be able to take along with me anywhere I go.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience?

I definitely think UTPA made a big difference in my life. I feel UTPA’s size has provided me with the opportunity to feel confident enough to grow as a leader, yet has given me the opportunity of a major university to provide the same competitive advantage. I feel UTPA has been great! I think UTPA has great resources; you just have to make sure to take advantage of them.

What is your best tip for success?

Be involved. My success has come from the clubs in which I have been involved. Being able to demonstrate commitment on your résumé allows your potential employer to get to know you better as a responsible candidate. Thus, if you have a club in your résumé, most likely it will mean you have examples of how you demonstrated leadership, how you worked with a group, etc. – qualities any employer would love to have in their organization.

What advice do you have for college-bound students?

Never give up. Maintain a good GPA throughout your entire college years. Your GPA reflects your dedication and work ethics. Also, never think, “how am I going to be able to work and go to school?” Plenty of UTPA students have been able to maintain a great GPA doing both. Therefore, don’t make excuses, keep trying!