UTSA scholarship recipient is dedicated to supporting cultural diversity and equity

OCTOBER 7, 2022 — Hewitt Family Scholarship and Sue Jockusch Endowed Scholarship recipient Zachary Nepote has been interested in learning for as long as he can remember.

His grandmother immigrated to the United States from Mexico as a young child in the 1950s. She grew up in Robstown, a small town outside of Corpus Christi, Texas, where Chicano immigrants were the majority of the population. She always placed a strong emphasis on Nepote’s education and achieving success in his life. His grandmother and mother wanted to be sure that he would be able to provide support for himself and his family without the financial stress they endured.

“When I found out UTSA has a large percentage of first-generation and Hispanic students, I felt comforted that my academic journey would be valued.”

With his upbringing close to his heart and an appreciation for his heritage, Nepote developed an interest in other cultures. He is now in his third year at UTSA, pursuing his degree in Global Affairs from the College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA).

The first in his family to attend college, Nepote wanted to find a school that reflected the community where he grew up. UTSA’s diverse student composition and its designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution eased his initial anxiety about attending a university. Nepote felt confident that UTSA would provide an inclusive and comfortable environment for him to receive his education.

“I was really worried about attending college and facing adversity,” he said. “I was also anxious about being a first-generation student at a university and being made fun of. When I found out UTSA has a large percentage of first-generation and Hispanic students, I felt comforted that my academic journey would be valued.”

As the Executive Director of the Student Government Association, a member of the President’s Student Advisory Council, a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council for COLFA, and an intern with UTSA’s Annual Giving Department, Nepote has an exceptionally active campus life. Following the completion of an Honors class, Central American Migration, he began volunteering at the San Antonio Airport to assist migrants entering the U.S.

Given Nepote’s many extracurricular activities and intense area of study, scholarships have been a tremendous relief when it comes to school expenses and other necessary life expenses such as buying groceries, which can become overwhelming. His scholarships are allowing him to focus on his studies and participate in activities that enhance his education.

“I want to say thank you, graciously, from the bottom of my heart. I can’t even emphasize enough just how much these scholarships alleviate barriers for higher education,” Nepote said. “My scholarships have made me realize that as I achieve success, I can also give back to first-gen Hispanic students like me.”

Nepote plans on attending law school and becoming an attorney. Staying true to his roots, he hopes to eventually go into politics and run for Congress on the humanitarian issue of immigration as a platform.

While Nepote’s name may not be on the ballots yet, he is sure to leave a positive impact on others by making the world a kinder and more equitable place.

— Jordan Allen