Student of the Week

Awards/Honors

UTPA Cum Laude Graduate, B.A., Business Technology, 2005
National Scholars Honor Society, 2007
Sister Carol Messina Fellowship Scholarship recipient, 2007-2008
Golden Key International Honour Society, 2008
Who’s Who Among Students in American University and Colleges, 2009
Dean’s List, 2006-present.

Visit the archives to view previous student profiles.

Sarah Viranda, 29, plans to graduate from The University of Texas-Pan American in May 2009 with a master’s degree in public administration. Viranda graduated from high school at Southern Christian College in Cotabato, Philippines, where she was an honor student and actively involved in track and field, art exhibitions, chess tournaments, Girl Scout camps, educational science trips, ROTC, and student government. Years down the road, she moved to the Rio Grande Valley to attain her bachelor’s degree in business technology in 2005 at UTPA, where she continues to participate in campus organizations and being a peer advocate to fellow students. Right after achieving her bachelor’s degree she began in spring 2006 to pursue a master’s in public administration. While at UTPA, she has served as a representative for the Student Government Association and served as president of Chi Alpha and World Mandate Student Movement. As a Graduate Collegiate G-Force Mentor, she currently encourages mentors area high school students to pursue higher education. Viranda has also volunteered at Mission’s trash clean-up events and with World Center Church. During the RGV Fall Festival she has assisted in taking UTPA’s mobile lab for college access to be utilized by community members.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I plan to apply experience and education to a position in the public sector where I can serve and give back to the community at large.

Do you plan to stay in the Valley?

Although the Valley is my home where my friends and family reside, I plan to relocate where my future employment takes me. However, I also intend to continually return and visit.

What has your education done for you?

My education has equipped and empowered me with knowledge and insight about key management issues and practices. In addition, I have learned about the ethics of public service, which in turn helped me to better understand delivering an influential and impacting long-lasting change of service into peoples’ lives.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience?

My time spent at UTPA has been the most enriching experience as I confidently grew in becoming a peer advocate. I have appreciated the opportunities given to me to participate in several campus organization activities to better my leadership skills. I also enjoyed meeting diverse and wonderful friends, doting co-workers, and mentors whose hindsight became my foresight. In particular I would like to thank Lisa Prieto, a UTPA staff member, and Felipe Salinas, a higher education practitioner for the relentless time they spent in sharing their expertise and knowledge to inspire, guide, and advise.

What is your best tip for success?

Education without purpose is meaningless … so I’d say put God first and a person’s hopes, dreams and desires will follow. Never doubt what you can do, decide to be an agent of change, and have the character to walk like you talk.

What advice do you have for college-bound students?

The advice I would give to college-bound student is “to be proud of who you are.” Also, to international students – being diverse is good because it tends to open doors of many opportunities. Enter postsecondary education with a dream to make something of yourself, commit to it and work hard; this will never you in becoming what you want to be.