Meet Nallely Salinas, a UTRGV Unsung Hero
Text by Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa
Nallely Salinas, program coordinator in the P-16 Outreach and Testing Services Department on the UTRGV Edinburg Campus, works closely with high school initiatives and Abriendo Caminos scholarship winners. She helps organize conferences and camps for students, helping to bridge the gap between high school and university life.
“My favorite part of my job is seeing students grow,” she says. “It's great to see students we work with, whether in a summer program, one of our workshops, or at a conference, walking around campus as university students.”
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT UTRGV?
Within our department, I am the current program coordinator for high school initiatives, and Abriendo Caminos scholarship, conferences and camps.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE?
I have about eight years of service.
DESCRIBE YOUR AVERAGE DAY
Every day is different due to the various services we provide in our department. This is one of the things I like most about my job. One day, I may coordinate an event for a school district, other departments within the division, or for one of our programs. I also plan and prepare for summer camps throughout the year as we meet with different partners. Other days, I'm in academic follow-up meetings for Abriendo Caminos scholarship recipients or conducting monthly workshops. I am constantly recruiting and hiring mentors for our Collegiate Mentorship Program and providing the necessary training to ensure they are prepared to start. During the school year, I recruit, interview, select and hire about 60 student employees. Although each day is unique, the goal of assisting students and the community remains the same.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?
Seeing students grow. It's great to see students we work with, whether in a summer program, one of our workshops, or at a conference, walking around campus as university students. They come to our offices looking for a job, assistance with class questions, or a recommendation letter. Being able to be that bridge of help between high school and university is very gratifying to see students continue on with their academic journey. One of my favorite aspects of my job is witnessing how our student employees improve. Since this is a first job for most of them, it can be a source of preparation for when they graduate and have a full-time job.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY, OR STORY, ABOUT YOUR TIME HERE?
One of my favorite memories is when an Abriendo Caminos scholarship student thanked me for encouraging her to join the Student Government Association. During one of the academic follow-up meetings, I told her I saw her potential and that I saw her as president of the Student Government Association. She said no. She was afraid, since it was her first year at the university. I explained why I could see her as president and encouraged her to participate. In 2023, she ran for SGA president and was elected, and she remains in the position to this day. One of the reasons I saw potential in her as president of this organization was her unwavering support for her fellow scholarship students. Being a part of these students' achievements and seeing them grow is a beautiful reward.
TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU
I enjoy traveling. It is interesting to discover new places and appreciate their landscapes. I enjoy learning about the culture and traditions of every place I visit. I have had the opportunity to visit eight countries and different states in the United States and Mexico. I have taken away a great memory from each place that will remain with me always. I still want to visit and learn about other countries and states.
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UTRGV COMMUNITY?
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to establish strong working relationships with incredible colleagues who have helped me with various programs in our department.
