 | | Louie's Thoughts on Texas State
Why Texas State I applied to several different universities, and all of them were very good schools. However, when I visited the Texas State (then Southwest Texas) campus, I noticed that the professors and staff made special efforts to make the students feel comfortable. There was even one time that I peeked in on a class, and the professor invited me in to watch. The ambiance of the classroom left a distinct impression.
What I’m Doing Now I have been attending seminars at the Bartolomé de las Casas Human Rights Institute at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in Spain, and I’ve also been working with Save the Children España, helping to organize the International Day of Children’s Rights. I am currently applying to law school so I can continue studying human rights law next fall.
How Texas State Prepared Me The interdisciplinary nature of the International Studies and University Honors programs, along with the dedicated faculty and staff of the College of Liberal Arts, allowed me the opportunity to study what interested me. I also was able to actively take part in my studies by working with professors who were recognized experts in their fields and who show genuine interest in their students.
Career Goals I would eventually like to work in Latin America or Eastern Europe with NATO, the United Nations or the European Union on improving communication between nations, humanitarian organizations and those in need of humanitarian aid. I would also like to focus on how to make the transition from public complacency on global issues to organization and action.
Favorite Professor My honors thesis supervisor, Dr. María de las Nieves Pujalte in the Department of Modern Languages, was a driving force in my education. She showed me patience and demonstrated that scholarship is an act of dedication and open-mindedness.
Best Studying Advice Attack it little by little. I preferred going to a coffee shop or some quiet place on campus to study. (The University Honors Forum is perfect.) I would study maybe an hour or two at a time, take a break, and then continue. Cramming never worked well for me. It also helped me to study with a group of friends.
What I Tell Future Texas State Students This school offers you opportunities that are only available at a big university. At the same time, it offers you the same quality of education that you would expect from a small, private college.
Honors, Awards and Scholarships University Honors Program graduate, May 2007
Commencement speaker, College of Liberal Arts, spring 2007
Representative, Texas State Common Experience Team at the University of Texas-Pan American Outstanding Leadership Series, spring 2006
Honors Thesis Grant, fall 2006 and spring 2007
Roberto A. Galván Scholarship, 2006-07
International Education Fee Scholarship, 2004 and 2005
University Honors Program Scholarship
National Dean’s List, 2004-2006
Texas State Dean’s List, 2004-2007
Awards for contributions to The University Star, 2002 and 2003
First place, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Web site design contest, 2003
Honorable mention, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association sports feature photo contest, 2003 | | |
