Students as Learners and Teachers Program of Center for Teaching Excellence

My name is Alejandro Torres, Im currently a sophomore majoring in Finances with expected graduation on May 2026. When I first heard about this program I was intrigued because I didn't imagine that there would be a program where students could help the teacher improve their way of teaching, so I saw the opportunity to help so everyone including students can improve themselves. Being part of SaLT means to me helping others to get a better result, that includes the staff of the university, because maybe some teachers haven't adapted to some sort of new way of teaching, and us as young students we can help them so they can take advantage of the 100 percent of the tools that they have and use to teach.

My name is Alexis Guajardo, I am currently majoring in mathematics with a minor in health. Since I got word of the Students as Learners and Teachers at a Hispanic Serving Institution program, I had been reading on and found it to peak my interest. I wanted to become a part of it because I know education plays an important role in one's life. This opportunity is a way to prepare for the future in a way. The world of education is evolving and if I could change it, that would be awesome. As a student myself, I care about education in general. I am sure that the Students as Learners and Teachers contributions will help students currently attending and generations to come.

My name is Alonso J. Troncoso, I am currently a sophomore majoring in Business management, with a minor in psychology, planning to graduate on 2024. Ever since I knew about the Students as Learners and Teachers at a Hispanic Serving Institution program, I wanted to be part of it, because I think education plays an important role in everyone’s life. It is a way to prepare ourselves for our future, so I wanted to help the faculty to improve education, by working together as a team. Education is constantly evolving, and it would be great if we adapt to this changes that education is experiencing, so we can succeed. As a student I care about our education, but I am sure that our contributions will help our current students, and future generations as well. 

 Hello! My name is Ana Paula Suárez, and I am currently a sophomore majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration on special education planning to graduate in 2024. The primary reason I became interested in the SaLT program (Students as Learners and Teachers at a Hispanic Serving Institution) is because I truly respect the time and dedication that a student and instructor put into education. My main goal with this program has always been to get closer to perfection in every aspect so we can build a more caring community between professors and students. Being part of this program has been a wonderful experience for me since I am also improving my communication skills and getting out of my comfort zone. 

My name is Astrid Lecea. I am majoring in Chemistry. I became interested in SaLT HSI when a professor mentioned the program during class. After researching what the program does, I knew I wanted to be part of the change in improving the education of the students.

My name is Brian Gonzales, I am currently a junior majoring in Psychology, planning to graduate in 2026. I first learned about SaLT through my friends who was already a part of the program. She would tell me all about it and I immediately became fascinated with it and wanted to be a part of it. As I learned more about the program and realized I can help student with learning impairments like myself with my ADHD, I knew immediately that I was in the right field. As a learning impaired student I hope to help others like me feel more represented and understood.

My name is Edna A. Desilos Hinojosa, I am an English major with a Teacher Concentration (4-8). I joined the Students as Learners and Teachers at a Hispanic Serving Institution program because I believe in the vision of learning from one another. I think that open-mindedness and feedback are some of the most important steps for personal improvement and creating a community where we can have an open dialogue that will help us establish a healthy and nourishing educational setting. As I aim to improve, I want to help others do it as well, this is why SaLT HSI is important for me, as everyone around me has new opportunities every day to learn from one another, which takes us to create a better community and learning environment.

My name is Elianna A. Olivo. I am a senior majoring in Statistics, planning to graduate in May 2025. When I first heard about the SaLT HSI program, I knew I wanted to take part in it. I strongly believe that every student needs to know they are more than capable of reaching their academic goals without any barriers. I also understand how the school system is traditionally seen as intimidating for students, so I want to help change that perspective by implementing proactive communication between students and educators. Education is such a crucial aspect we need in our lives, so I want to encourage others to constantly pursue it. Education doesn't stop after graduation; we are and will always be learning new things every day as we try to better both ourselves and the people around us.

My name is Elsie A. Gutierrez. Currently, I am a sophomore in Computer Engineering. I first heard about the SaLT HSI program because of my old professor Dr. Hebbard. She thought a few of my classmates and me fit the description for this job. During this time, I was already on the hunt for a job, but the search was proving to be difficult. It didn’t hurt to apply so I did so. To be honest, what the program stood for is what truly intrigued me. I think it would be interesting to closely work with professors. So far, I am really enjoying what I do. My coworkers are extremely nice, and it’s nice to talk to people from varying backgrounds.

My name is Gleice Miel Cisneros , I am currently a junior majoring in Psychology, with a minor in nutritional sciences, planning to graduate on 2026. I got interested in the SaLT program through my English professor. Through my meeting with her, I was able to learn a bit more about what the program is and what it entails. Her guidance helped me become interested in SaLT and believe in my ability to contribute to the student and staff success. I am a part of SaLT because I believe that students voices should be heard through our education. As we know the world is changing and education is ever evolving, staff must adapt with the changing times. And with the help of students, they can better understand and help them succeed.

My name is Grecia Alexandra Ortiz Nino. I am currently a sophomore in Manufacturing engineering and planning to graduate in spring 2025. I am interested in SaLT because I think our opinion can help improve education, give new ideas, and learn about other perspectives.

My name is Hannah M. Fabian, I am currently a sophomore majoring in Pre-ASL Interpretation with a minor in Art, planning to graduate in 2026. As soon as I found out about SaLT’s existence, I realized that this was the program for me. I love the way that we are able to help improve our education and future others education hands on. This will not only help myself as a student partner but others as well. We are here to learn, to succeed, and what better way to improve that is by helping/collaborating with faculty from a students point of view.

My name is Isabel Del Rosario Amaro, I am currently a senior majoring in Mathematics with a concentration in Middle School UTeach and a minor in Business Administration planning to graduate on Spring 2025. I am interested in Students as Learners and Teachers at a Hispanic Serving Institution program (SaLT) because as a future educator it is important to observe, learn, and communicate on the improvement of education for all ages. I decided to be part of the SaLT program to help on the improve of education for our community and in order to do so we must work together as a team to not only give and receive feedback from the staff but to receive feedbacks from the students as well.

My name is Jorge A. Duran, I am currently a senior in the college of engineer and computer science, my major is Mechanical Engineering, planning to graduate in spring 2026, since I discovered a the center of teaching excellence due a internship between the program and the college of engineer, as a student, I wanted to more for the students and the faculty here in the university and this inspire me to go for my masters and one day become a teacher here in the university.

My name is Larissa Cortez, I am currently a sophomore doing my BFA in Visual Communications. I joined SaLT because of my passion for learning and teamwork. I hope that my vaquero pride can leave a mark for the better on the students after me.

My name is Luis J. Cavazos, I'm currently a Sophomore and im currently majoring in Computer Engineering and I plan to graduate in May of 2026. I feel that the program, Students as Learners and Teachers at a Hispanic Serving Institution program, genuinely represents an important factor of giving back to those who educate students that strive to make a difference in this world, should be appreciated to improve the quality of the classroom and every-day tasks that satisfies both faculty and students to strive and reach their goals. I feel that having the opportunity to collaborate and help in this one team we will be able to continue giving back to teachers as the way that Education continues to change and adapt to many more people. Feedback is the key to strive for perfection in various routes that classroom quality aspects can be improved significantly. In my perspective as a student, education has a big contribution to the way that in today's world continued to develop through a team to represent a big difference in our future.

Hello, my name is Miranda Guerra and my major is history with a minor in education. I am currently a junior and I am from Corpus Christi Texas. I plan to graduate in 2026 and become a history teacher. After learning about Students as Learners and Teachers at a Hispanic Serving Institution program, I knew that this was something that I wanted to become. After learning more about the student outcomes and what it means to be a SaLT Hsi partner I am thrilled to be a part of this team. I want to learn, grow, and implement what I learn in the classroom. Education is super important to me and I want to be able to help others around me with the power of evolving education with the help of faculty and other SaLT Partners.

My name is Natalie V. Gonzales, I am currently a Junior majoring in Environmental Science, with a minor in Art, planning to graduate in 2025. Through a friend, I became aware of the Hispanic Serving Institution program and Students as Learners and Teachers, after learning more about the program, I was tempted to sign up as a student partner. My favorite aspect of the program is how students may provide constructive criticism and helpful input on the course material, which gives for insight into the scenario of instructor-student development and success. Therefore, SALT HIS is to there to assist in making the course accessible and easy to comprehend for upcoming students, which will result in more successful and efficient courses. Whenever there is a discussion about creating avenues for Students to voice their opinions about issues related to education, I usually want to weigh in.

My name is Perla J. Pena. I am currently a sophomore majoring in English looking to obtain a teaching certificate and planning to graduate in 2027. I found SaLT through my ENGL 1302 professor, and when I read the flyer, I was really impressed and curious regarding SaLT and wanted to become part of this opportunity since I really liked reading about how much SaLT valued the opinion and feedback of students and how this feedback is used to improve the way in which many professors teach. The professor uses this feedback to enhance their teaching, but it also benefits the students by making them feel valued and included in the courses. Since I plan to be a teacher in the future, I intend to take whatever lessons I may learn from being part of SaLT into my career and apply them so that I can be the type of teacher my students feel comfortable learning from.

My name is Theresa Anciso, and I’m pursuing Mathematics with a 7-12 grade teacher certification. I joined SaLT HSI because, as an education major, I want to enhance my teaching methods for the future while also making an immediate impact in the classroom at UTRGV. Being part of SaLT allows me to explore different viewpoints and actively contribute to creating a better learning environment for students.