Student of the Week

Awards/Honors

Texas Scholar, 2007
Distinguished Achievement Graduate, 2007
Who’s Who, 2007
Wal-Mart Endowed Scholarship recipient, 2007
Knights of Columbus Scholarship recipient, 2007
South Texas Academic Rising Scholar (STARS), 2007-2009
Dean’s List-Second Honors, 2007-2008
The National Scholars Honor Society, 2008
Student Leadership Scholarship recipient, 2007-2009.

Visit the archives to view previous student profiles.

Jennifer Renee Garza, 20, a junior at The University of Texas-Pan American, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biology and double minor in psychology and leadership. She plans to graduate in spring 2010. She graduated in the top 10 percent of her class in 2007 under the Distinguished Achievement Plan at Edinburg North High School. At UTPA, she is a second year member of the Student Leadership Program and a first year member of the Ambassador Program. She also holds a leadership position as secretary in the Pre-Physician Assistant Association. Through these programs she has completed various trainings and attended different conferences. She has also served as a camp counselor for several AVID and Camp of Champs events. Garza is a Certified Peer Educator and has mentored incoming freshmen by offering academic guidance and tutorial services. She also gives back to her community by doing volunteer work with Make a Difference Day, Adopt an Angel, Keep McAllen Beautiful, HESTEC, Palm Fest, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

What are your plans after graduation?

Upon graduation I plan to further my education by attending graduate school to obtain a master’s degree in physician assistant studies. I would also like to keep in close contact with the Make-A-Wish Foundation where I have interned for the past year. It has been a gratifying experience to assist in granting the wishes of terminally ill children.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley?

After graduation with my master’s in physician assistant studies, I would like to work with a research organization at MD Anderson. Cancer intrigues me and I would like to help in the research for finding a cure. After some time, I plan to return to the Valley and practice with a physician in this area. I would like nothing more then to give back to my community that I grew up in.

What has your education done for you?

My education has given me the knowledge that I need to achieve my dream of becoming a physician assistant and the skills to make me successful in my profession. It has given me confidence to do things that I never thought were possible, and has greatly strengthened my weaknesses. It has taught me to be a leader both on and off campus, to set priorities, and work hard for the goals that I have always dreamed of. Education has become my priority to a better future.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience?

My experience here at UTPA has been one of the best experiences of my life. UTPA has opened many doors in my life and provided me with different opportunities. The professors, faculty and staff have always been there for guidance and support and I have made friendships that I know will last a lifetime.

What is your best tip for success?

The best tip for success that I have is to set your goals from the very beginning and never give up no matter how difficult some obstacles may seem. Also, take advantage of all the resources on campus and never be afraid to ask for help. Last but not least, never lose faith in yourself and always know that you can do it.

What advice do you have for college-bound students?

The best advice I have for college-bound students is to make sure that they develop good time management skills. At times in college you may seem like you can do everything, but trying to do too much may end up affecting your success. Each student must always remember that their main purpose is to get an education, and everything else will fall in place after that.