Lia Cavazos Garcia
Name: Lia Cavazos Garcia
Age: 20
Major: Political science
Class: Junior
College: College of Liberal Arts
Hometown: Brownsville, Texas
High School: South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito, Texas
Why UTRGV?
I chose to study at UTRGV because I wanted to study close to my family and work at the same time. It would have been a lot harder to complete so many of my accomplishments if I had gone to another university. I also like that the sizes of the classrooms are smaller than other universities. I like getting to know my professors and them getting to know me instead of being a number on their roster.
What made you decide on your current major?
I have always liked politics and having political discussions with my peers on current events. I hope to pursue a professional degree in law school and run for office in both the local and national offices.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
I hope to learn skills that will help me develop professionally and go to law school and be involved by helping my community in any way I can.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
I really like the close-knit community that I found at UTRGV. From the clubs I am part of and fellow peers I met taking classes to the opportunities I have been awarded in my job.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
A Vaquero is someone determined to work to reach a goal, no matter how far-fetched it might seem. We strive to be community engaged and defy stereotypes that have been given to us. And we work hard to succeed in all professional and academic areas.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
I have been able to join clubs that I am an officer in like the UTRGV Model UN club where I will be representing our campus in the New York conference in the Spring. Another club I volunteer in is Young Life College at UTRGV, where I have volunteered at Trail West in Colorado and will be volunteering at Crooked Creek in May 2024. I have been able to attend conferences in Denton, TX and Chicago, IL because of my job at the office of Engaged Scholarship and Learning. I was able to get deputized to register students to vote in Cameron County and started a fellowship with the Campus Vote Project in Fall 2023 and will continue this spring semester. Because of this fellowship I have connected with several non-partisan organizations to boost political participation in the Brownsville campus. I hope to continue this trend in the following semesters I have at UTRGV.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
I would advise always to connect with peers and organizations. Most of the time those people are the ones who will help you when you least expect it. You will never stop learning if you surround yourself with like-minded individuals with a hunger for knowledge.