Student of the Week

Awards/Honors

LeaderShape Institute graduate, 2009
Rio Grande Regional Auxiliary Scholarship, spring 2009
Texas Grant Program, 2007-2009
Texas Scholar, 2007

Visit the archives to view previous student profiles.

Eliza A. Sebastian, 20, a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American, plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in chemistry and English in May 2011. She graduated from PSJA North High School in 2007, where she was a member of Who’s Who Among American High School Students, National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars and National Honor Roll. She was also an active participant in the University Interscholastic League. At UTPA, Sebastian currently serves the Student Government Association as a senator for the College of Science and Engineering and holds the position of event manager in the Indian Cultural Association. She is an active member of Leadership Academy, University Community Affairs and she recently graduated from the LeaderShape Institute. In addition, she has volunteered at least once a week since 2007 at the Rio Grande Hospital. She was also a mentor in the Sophomore Academic Mentoring Program and student assistant in the Department of Math for a year.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to participate in the microbiology and immunology program and get my doctorate at The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Do you plan to return to the Valley?

I plan to go to other places or universities where I can acquire new skills and knowledge. However, my ultimate goal is to return to the Valley with my best experience and become a part of UTPA again.

What has your education done for you?

My education has taught me the rules of life. It has not only taught me to challenge myself and the problems of my daily life but also how to stand up after a defeat. I personally believe that education holds the key to several opportunities in one’s life.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience?

I cannot express my gratitude to UTPA in words. It has given me more than education; it has taught me the skills and knowledge that I need as a person and also as a future professional. Today, I can say with certainty that The University of Texas-Pan American is a place which gives its students education beyond the degree.

What is your best tip for success?

Hard work, confidence and God’s grace in life will show you the way to success. All you have to do then is to seize that opportunity. A UTPA professor once told me that “even with all your hard work and confidence, if you find no opportunity, create one.”

What advice do you have for college-bound students?

There are many opportunities that college has to offer; grab the best of those opportunities that come your way before it’s too late. I believe that college networking is very essential. You will get to know a lot of things through your friends and classmates. Meanwhile, do not forget the main reason you are in college is to get an education, so keep up your GPA.