Student of the Week

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Alondra Hernandez, 21, is a junior at The University of Texas-Pan American and plans to graduate December 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with minors in mathematics and engineering. She graduated in 2006 from The Science Academy of South Texas in Mercedes with distinguished honors. Being a middle child, she has always had the need to exceed expectations. She is currently working with the Mother Daughter Program in which she tries to encourage higher learning and environmental awareness among middle school girls. Hernandez strongly believes that everyone and everything can be assisted if people only took the time to care and help. She is highly devoted to helping others, especially females, as a way to increase more professional women working in higher earning jobs and becoming more successful. Hernandez is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and president of the G-Force Student Organization. She enjoys volunteering in activities that will improve the planet’s environment like the Great American Cleanup, Don’t Mess with Texas Trash Off and the Spooky Science Fest at Estero Llano Grande State Park. She hopes to make an outlasting impression on both her community and the environment.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans include attending graduate school in Texas with emphasis in environmental engineering. After grad school, I want to join a nonprofit organization that promotes environmental cleanup, in order to repair some of the damage that is being created.

Do you plan to return to the Valley?

I don't plan to return to the Valley because I know how much help is needed to clean up certain messes around the planet and I am willing to travel in order to accomplish this.

What has your education done for you?

My education has allowed me to help make a difference and change this world. I am able to advocate for the ideas that I believe in. It has also taught me that the more education you have, the more you need to learn. You should never quit learning ever. Like Albert Einstein said: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

How do you feel about your UTPA experience?

The Valley is blooming and we are right in the middle of all the progress being made. I am able to be close to my family with the comfort of knowing that my education will be universal. Whatever I learn here will transcend to the future.

What is your best tip for success?

Be passionate in everything that you do. Whether it is a certain subject, your job, love or something as insignificant like biking, do it with passion. You will become an unanticipated leader to those who need you.

What advice do you have for college-bound students?

Have fun. Challenge yourself academically, but make time for distractions as well. This is the time of your life! Be impulsive, fall down, make mistakes, and break the rules occasionally. Don't let the blare of others' opinions sink your own interior voice.