Meet a Roadrunner: Betina Vega doesn’t let anything stand in the way of her dreams
(Oct. 19, 2016) -- Meet Betina Vega. This 23-year-old UTSA psychology and political science major has defied all odds. Now she’s working toward law school and helping others with disabilities.
Blind since birth, Vega is finishing her bachelor’s degree at UTSA and will cross the stage at December commencement.
She started her college career attending Northwest Vista College, but she had her heart set on UTSA.
“I came to UTSA for a tour while I was attending Northwest Vista and fell in love with the atmosphere on campus,” Vega said. “Plus, I loved that I could still be in San Antonio to be close to my family.”
During her time at UTSA, Vega has been an advocate for not only herself but for other visually impaired students on campus. She meets with them often and gives them advice about how to take advantage of the resources UTSA offers.
“Student Disability Services has really made it easy for students like myself to achieve access so we can be successful in the classroom and in the future."
Vega credits UTSA for being the foundation of her success and helping her grow into the person she is today.
“I am more disciplined and focused. I know what I want to do in life and, thanks to UTSA, I know I have the skills to achieve my goals.”
Vega praises her mother and all that she has done for her. Patricia Vega assists her daughter around campus each day to make sure she gets to class.
“My mother is my biggest hero. She is my rock. She goes with me everywhere and she supports me in everything I do.”
In her spare time, the UTSA student enjoys playing the piano. She’s been playing since the age of two. For several years, she also has taught other students how to play the piano and read braille music.
“It's very rewarding to be able to help others like those who have helped me,” she said.
Vega said she’s enjoyed every moment at UTSA and her advice to other students is to do the same and take advantage of what UTSA has to offer.
“UTSA is a great school with great professors. Never be afraid to ask for help. I have discovered so many resources that have helped me during my time here,” said Vega.
After graduation, Vega will take the LSAT in hopes of entering law school next fall. She plans to pursue a law degree and eventually practice either family law or disability law.
To support that goal, Vega attended UTSA’s top-tier Summer Law School Preparation Academy and obtained a certificate in legal reasoning.
“I want to be able to help people with disabilities and I want to be an advocate like people have been for me,” Vega said. “I know I can be a source to people dealing with the same struggles that I have experienced.”
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Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.