Rio Grande Valley RGV Reflection

There’s a lot to love about the area where I grew up, The Rio Grande Valley (RGV). Over the years, the major underlying factor that I’m most appreciative of is the bonds I have been able to form with its diverse communities. The following are some examples of my lasting interactions with the RGV.

My two years serving as President of the UTPA Society of Physics Students (SPS) have given me the opportunity to work directly with the various student communities of the RGV in the capacity of a student leader. Our SPS chapter has helped initiate a multitude of outreach programs for the students of the RGV. One of my chief aims as president has been to unite UTPA student organizations, such as the Astronomy Club, Geology Club, et al., towards collectively reaching out to our community. Together, we are able to band together to inspire the young minds of the RGV. During many of our annual events, we visit several local middle and high schools with the intent of raising cognizance of science via live demos. Through excursions such as these, we have encouragingly influenced thousands of students in our
Specifically, I have coordinated the “Walk” portion of the multifaceted day-long event, whose attendance is in the thousands, for the past 4 years. Raising awareness of diseases such as cancer, can lead to an increased consciousness of steps needed to prevent long-term progression. In this way, I can positively impact my community’s overall health. Seeing firsthand the impression these events can have on breast cancer survivors and their families is truly inspiring towards continuing to work with these communities. My personal interactions with breast cancer survivors and their loved ones during these yearly events have continually reinforced my passion for pursuing a career in