MAY 18, 2021 — Now that Commencement for the Class of 2021 has passed, UTSA graduates will be embarking on new adventures in the professional world, graduate studies and their personal lives.
To help them navigate this exciting time, a group of UTSA alumni were compelled to offer nuggets of wisdom to the university’s recent graduates, and now more have emerged to provide valuable advice and life lessons to the 2021 and 2020 classes.
From staying an active Roadrunner after graduation to landing a dream career, these alums shared what they feel will help the graduating students succeed in life.
We encourage all 'Runners to learn their faces and take their words to heart:
“Lose the shyness and the idea that you are not as good as other applicants when approaching an employer. You are. Believe it. Go to that interview, catch-up or meeting, and show them! Speak up with your ideas! Yes, you don’t have experience right now, but we hire new talent so they can bring a fresh perspective to processes. Ask more questions. If you don’t know the “why” or “how” of something, ask. Early in your career is when you get to be intellectually curious and ask all those questions. Know that you can do it. Tell yourself out loud. Write it down 500 times if you need to—whatever it takes for you to believe it because it’s true.”
—Diana Cuervo ’13, M.B.A. ’14
“My advice to the university's new alumni is to remember that everyone is running a different race. Maybe things are not panning out how you had planned after graduation. That is okay. Just keep working toward your goals and don’t forget to reach out to your network of Roadrunners. We have all been in your shoes.”
—Destiny Jones ’14, M.Ed. ’18
“Take time to reflect on your accomplishments and enjoy these moments. Document what you value, what energizes you, and what depletes you. This will help you design the next phase of your professional life. Revisit and reflect on these notes to re-center at different moments. Our University Career Center will continue to be a partner as you consider, pivot, and work to land new opportunities.”
—Mario Vela ’04, M.S. ’08
“This is an exciting time in your lives to take the next step toward your future goals. I graduated 15 years ago this month and have wonderful memories looking back on my college years. Keep in touch with your friends because most of them end up being your closest confidants. Take risks. I know it is scary, but a lot of times it ends up being the best choice you make. You will grow from your experiences and be better for it. Don’t simply take the first job offer you get—make sure it’s the right fit for you. Go back to UTSA and take the time to reflect back on what you have accomplished. UTSA has grown into an amazing university and has so much to offer graduates after they leave, like the Alumni Association and the Roadrunner Network. Remember you are a Roadrunner for life and that is something to celebrate! Congratulations and good luck in your future endeavors!”
—Laura Beth Garcia ’06
“My advice for new graduates is to start planning your financial future and create a five- and ten-year plan for your life and career. Time flies when you start adulting, and one day you will look up and be 33, 40, 50, or 65. Do as much research as you can to identify the best way to begin paying down your student debt—if you have it—and saving for retirement. We will not be young forever, and it is crucial to think about your older self and situation now. It is something I learned later than I should have, so I share this hoping you learn the lesson now. I wish you all the best. You are now and forever Roadrunner alumni!”
—Derek Bell ’10
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At 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 CampusJoin us for a tribute to Willie Velásquez, honoring the legacy of Willie Velásquez, a pivotal figure in shaping the history of Latino and Hispanic participation in the American voting process. Delve into his life and contributions as a champion of Latino voting rights. Moderated by UTSA's Teresa Niño, the event will feature influential voices, including Jane Velásquez, María Antonietta Berriozábal, Dora Oliva, and Anthony Gonzales.
Buena Vista Building, Gregory Luna Room, Downtown 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.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
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.
