Rayne Trevino

Name: Rayne Trevino
Age: 20
Major: Philosophy
Class: Senior
College: College of Liberal Arts
Hometown: Helotes, Texas
High School: Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Helotes, Texas 

Why UTRGV?
While I grew up in San Antonio, my parents and grandparents are from the Rio Grande Valley. I chose UTRGV to grow closer to my family, culture, and language while also receiving formal education. Because of that, I feel like I not only know my family better, but also myself, and that kind of education I don’t think any other university could have offered me.

What made you decide on your current major?
I have always had a genuine passion for being a student, especially when it came to reading, writing, and history. Majoring in philosophy allowed me to combine all of my favorite things and apply it to the world.

What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
I will be attending graduate school for philosophy in the fall. Beyond that I hope to continue to a PhD or J.D. program. I want to continue to read, write, and research specifically on the topics of race, culture, class, and law. 

What do you like most about UTRGV?
My favorite thing about UTRGV is the professors. My professors have been inspiring to me, seeing how they think and then seeing their own work has raised the expectations I hold for myself. I am thankful for the way they care for and encourage my peers and me.

What does being a Vaquero mean to you?  
Vaquer@s know that we all relate to each other, whether that be because of our culture, language(s), or interests there is something special and empowering about being part of a community where we are surrounded with people just like you that all want to meet the same goals.

What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
At UTRGV, I was able to participate and contribute to my community in ways I feel are important. I was able to intern with a nonprofit, RGV PUEDE (Padres Unidos para una Educación Dual de Excelencia) which advocates for linguistic justice and dual education in the Rio Grande Valley school systems. UTRGV also provided me the opportunity to work on campus as the first-year internship program director within the Student Government Association, where I aided in fostering new generations of campus representatives.

What advice or words of encouragement do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
Enjoy your time and make the most of it.