Student of the Week

Awards/Honors

Dean's List, fall 2005-fall 2008
Certificate of Participation, UTPA LeaderShape CATALYST, 2008
Certificate of Completion, Student Organization Conference, 2008
Certificate of Appreciation, Food Bank RGV's Sort-A-Thon, 2008
Certificate of Participation, UTPA Student Leadership Conference, 2008
Certificate of Completion, Multicultural Leadership Conference, 2009.

Visit the archives to view previous student profiles.

Rey Garcia, 26, a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American, plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology in May 2009. Garcia is currently president of The National Honor Society in Psychology, treasurer of the History Club, member of the Leadership Academy and research assistant to Dr. Kristin Croyle, associate professor in the Department of Psychology and Anthropology. He will be presenting his research poster at the Third Annual College of Social and Behavioral Science Conference 2009 and at the Psi Chi Southwestern Regional Convention Program 2009. Garcia also served as vice-president of the Psychology Club where he was an active member of the community volunteering in events such as H-E-B Feast of Sharing, Paint McAllen Beautiful, Make a Difference Day, Rio Grande Valley Food Bank, and HESTEC.

What are your plans after graduation?

My immediate plans are to begin the master’s program in clinical psychology here at Pan Am in the fall. Once I complete my master’s then I am going to get my LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor).

Do you plan to stay in the Valley?

Right now school is the only thing keeping me in the Valley. Once I get my education then I feel the world is really my playground. I cannot say for sure whether I will come back, maybe eventually to raise my kids.

What has your education done for you?

It has really developed my analytical skills. It is also providing the necessary stepping stone to realize my true dream and that is to become a therapist.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience?

It has been great. Many people put down UTPA but the education has been sufficient to make me feel like I can compete with the best. As a matter of fact I know I can. It has also been really fun getting to know staff members from the different departments such as Carina Alcantara from the Office of Student Development, Mrs. Rebecca Gadson from the Leadership Academy, Dr. Kristin Croyle from the psychology department whom I have loved working with, and many others.

What is your best tip for success?

My best tip for success is to hurry up and break out of your shell because fortune really does favor the bold. Life waits for no one. So many people just don't have the confidence to speak up and it cripples their chance for success.

What advice do you have for college-bound students?

That college isn't as hard as people make it out to be. Just go to class, take notes, and read the material. That's all you need to do to get good grades. Also use the Learning Assistance Center if you need to; don't be embarrassed.