Student of the Week

Awards/Honors

Academic Dean’s List, 2007- 2009
Kraft Foundation Scholarship recipient, 2008-2009
The Farm Credit Bank of Texas Scholarship recipient, 2008-2010
Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society inductee, Spring 2008
Certified Peer Educator, Fall 2008
LeaderShape Institute Graduate, May 2009.

Visit the archives to view previous student profiles.

Gisela Alanis, 20, a junior at The University of Texas Pan-American, plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting and a Master of Science in accounting in December 2012. Her parents, Jose G. Alanis and Bertha Martinez, taught her to be responsible for her education and keep it as a priority. Alanis was selected as the highest ranked student during her high school graduation at “Preparatoria Colon” High School in Reynosa, Mexico. At UTPA, Alanis has demonstrated her perseverance to excellence through her academic achievement and commitment to the university community. She is a second-year member of the Ambassador Program where she serves as the mentor to an entering freshman and has the opportunity to represent UTPA in different campus events. Alanis has been active in different campus activities such as Bronc Awakening, University Program Board and HESTEC. She had the opportunity to work as a research assistant in the UT Research Consortium with Dr. Baltazar Arispe y Acevedo Jr., and while there strengthened her technical work and research abilities. Acevedo has shared with Alanis several mentoring guidelines that have made a great difference in her UTPA experience. Alanis is currently an assistant accounting intern in the Development Office of University Advancement where she has the opportunity to learn and gain experience in her field of study.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to obtain my CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license and go to work with one of the Big Four accounting firms to gain more knowledge and experience in my field.

Do you plan to return to the Valley?

After graduating I would like to have the experience of working with one of the Big Four accounting firms. After gaining more experience, I would like to come back to the Valley and develop my learned skills by running my own business.

What has your education done for you?

My education has made me the person I am today. It has given me incredible opportunities and amazing experiences that have allowed me to grow as a student and as an individual.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience?

I feel it has been one of the most gratifying experiences in my life. UTPA has provided me with numerous opportunities to get involved, to give back to the community and to make my way toward my career goals. UTPA is an incredible place.

What is your best tip for success?

Find a good mentor and believe in yourself. There is nothing better than being around people you see as a role model. Certainly, one key for success is to have a good mentor who can guide and support you in your journey. However, the most important thing is to believe in yourself. If you do not believe in yourself, no matter how good your mentor is, you will always struggle to succeed. Therefore, keep in mind to believe in your skills, knowledge, experience and aptitude.

What advice do you have for college-bound students?

Be involved on campus or in the community. It is always a great experience to be involved in different events because you have the opportunity to grow and learn new things. Being involved helps you to be aware of what is happening around you.