MAY 6, 2021 — Jaida Sloan always had an interest in and dedication to public policy and activism, stemming from her experiences on the debate team in high school.
When it came time to graduate, her mind was set on the public administration program at UTSA. As a second-generation UTSA student, she wanted to carry on the tradition established by her mother.
Of course, her situation was a little different — because Jaida graduated high school at 16. Now, as a UTSA graduate at 20 years old, she is planning to attend law school with a full scholarship in hand.
A young prodigy? Maybe. But Jaida dismisses that idea.
“I like to say that I’m not like the smartest person in the room, but I am highly productive and I like to get things done early,” she said. “I think that my education at UTSA definitely prepared me for the environment that I’m about to enter.”
Jaida came to UTSA as the inaugural recipient of the Henry B. Gonzalez Scholarship. Based on academic excellence and financial need, the scholarship is for students pursuing public administration or criminal justice. Jaida was able to meet Charlie Gonzalez shortly after enrolling, and since then he has served as a mentor as she makes her way through to law school.
During her time at UTSA, Jaida joined the Public Administration Student Organization (PASO) and worked her way up to treasurer. She also joined the staff of The Paisano and became assistant news editor. Not one to be content, she went on to join student government and is the downtown affairs chair as well as a second-term senator representing the College for Health, Community and Policy.
Juggling all of the extracurriculars as well as a demanding course load is not daunting to Jaida. She maintains that organization and efficiency are the keys to getting it all done. That organization was key when it came time for her to begin applying to law schools.
Her interest in law began during her administrative law course with professor Francine Romero, and accelerated during her internship with Judge Norma Gonzales of Bexar County’s 131st Civil District Court. “Charlie Gonzalez really helped facilitate that internship for me,” Jaida said. “I had always been interested in the public sector, but I wasn’t sure how I wanted to help and pursue it until I had those experiences.”
Gonzalez was not her only mentor to guide her through her studies. Jaida is quick to credit Romero with her ability to get through the program. “Dr. Romero was an amazing mentor and I can’t thank her enough for all she’s done for me,” she said.
“Jaida is clearly motivated to learn, especially about the law, so she is such a pleasure to have in class,” Romero replied. “She has always asked really pertinent questions and is able to help other students become interested in ideas. We are so proud of her heading off to law school and I know that with her passion and commitment she is going to make a mark.”
As she prepares to move to Boston to begin her law school studies, Jaida offers several pieces of advice for those wanting to follow a similar path: “Form strong relationships with your professors,” she said. “Take classes that will help inform your knowledge of law, and lastly I would recommend joining The Paisano, because writing is a skill all graduate programs look for.”
While it is easy to be impressed by all she has accomplished at a young age, Jaida remains humble and gives credit to those she’s met along the way — and gives most to the woman who first inspired her to attend UTSA.
“I was raised by a single mother, and her strength and perseverance really shaped who I am and my dedication to my own education,” Jaida said. “I got to see her spend 10 years pursuing her degree because she was going to school part-time. Seeing her strength and perseverance really informed my perspective and my promise to myself to pursue education and never have any excuses.”
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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.The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
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We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
