The University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) hosted “Level Up” a graduate school, fellowship and scholarship showcase designed to inform students of the resources available for them to upgrade their education. The event was brought together by departments such as Student Fellowships and Awards, Scholarships and UTEP’s graduate school.
On April 8 students were able to explore a list of opportunities for their next step, from research and volunteering to career advice and prestigious fellowships. Jennifer Green, assistant dean of UTEP’s graduate school, was excited about putting this event together and giving students a look into the many possibilities after graduation.
“What we wanted to do was put all the things students want when they’re thinking about their future in one place. So graduate school, means of funding graduate school, whether that be here or elsewhere, amazing activities after they graduate, like the Fulbright student program. So basically, anything that you can use to level things up.” Green said.
Faculty were happy to inform attendees of the many different paths they could take using their degree. Stephen Crites, Ph.D, dean of UTEP’s graduate school, encouraged attendees to take full advantage of the resources offered by the university and use those tools to better understand their academic pathways.
“Mentors and using the resources here is really important. A lot of students are switching, they’re in one major, and they switch to another one. It’s important to know some of those options, salaries and what you want to do,” Crites said. “So, it’s really important, I think, in your undergraduate degree, to think about that and know where you might want to go and what skills you’ll need.”
Every booth meant a different possibility. Gabriela Mariscal, a junior studying engineering in materials and metallurgy and undergraduate fellows’ alumni, was excited about learning about study abroad programs and fellowships that align with her academic goals.
“I feel like it’s a dream to study abroad,” Mariscal said. “I feel like it’s that way for everyone to get to do a master’s or Ph.D. program somewhere else. I feel like these programs help a lot, not only to see people who have done it, but for financial help to actually make it an achievable dream.”
To take those dreams and turn them into objectives, students might need a little mentoring and a lot of confidence to send in their applications. Felipe Martinez, Student Coordinator at the Office of Student Fellowships and Awards, believes encouraging students to get involved on campus is the best way to build that courage.
“It’s kind of figuring out your why. It’s really doing it with a with an intention of knowing that you’re going to get it, and with that being said, reminding yourself that you belong in that space, that you should own that space,” Martinez said. “You own that Fulbright, Hawkins or Truman space. That’s the message that we want to spread here at UTEP. We want that culture with the students that you should apply to all these fellowships, because you belong and your story matters.”
Life after graduation can generate feelings of uncertainty and doubt for students, but with the right guidance that stress can turn into motivation and excitement about what’s yet to come. It is never too late to level up.
Vivien Noe C. is a staff reporter at The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected]
