Senior Spotlights
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Jewel A. Ruiz - Finance - Fall 2021 Senior Spotlight
Jewel A. Ruiz
Major: Finance with a minor in Business Administration
Campus Activities and Achievements: Captain of Dance Team, Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Impact of OLLU: During my time at OLLU, I was able to make great connections with my professors and classmates. I always felt very welcomed throughout the school, and I was able to further my education and get one step closer to achieving my goals. As a first-generation student, I was unsure of what college life would hold, but the OLLU community made the transition easy.
Yolanda Barajas - Social Work and Psychology - Fall 2021 Senior Spotlight
Yolanda Vazquez Barajas
Majors: Social Work and Psychology
Campus Activities and Achievements: Saints Women's Soccer Team, Event Services Work Study that allowed me to be a part of San Antonio's Fiesta Flambeau Parade, OLLU's 5K Confetti Run, and a variety of events on campus.
Impact of OLLU: OLLU has impacted my life in many ways. It introduced to me life-long friends, gave me memories that are unforgettable, professors that have been the best mentors, and the knowledge to succeed in the future.
Klarissa Siebert - Biology - Fall 2021 Senior Spotlight
Klarissa Siebert
Major: Biology with a minor in Mexican American Studies
Campus Activities and Achievements: Honors Program, Vice President of the Multicultural Alliance for Peace in Society (MAPS), an IFCC Work-Study Activity Assistant since 2019, and Community Service Volunteer
Impact of OLLU: OLLU has provided me with important faculty and staff connections, a basis for my future career and educational endeavors, and an opportunity for a unique and liberating experience from the Center for Mexican American Studies and Research program.
Nadia Gloria - Psychology and Criminal Justice - Spring 2021 Senior Spotlight
Nadia Gloria
Major: Psychology and Criminal Justice
Campus Activities and Achievements: Dance Team, Psi Chi Honor Society, Active Minds Club, Awakening Retreat and Chapel Choir
Impact of OLLU: OLLU has affected my life by pushing me to try new things and further my education by not only adding Criminal Justice as my second major but also letting me get a certificate in violence prevention. OLLU also let me start my graduate courses early by being a part of the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program.
David Urdiales - Social Work Major - Spring 2021 Senior Spotlight
David Urdiales
Major: Social Work
Campus Activities and Achievements: LIFE Mentor, STAARS, Orientation Leader, Saints Production Board, Cheerleader, Worden School Social Work Organization President, Alliance Club, Lead in Student Theater Productions, IT Helpdesk Work Study, Sigma Theta Epsilon, Theta Nu Boo, Phi Alpha, National Society of Leadership and Success
Impact of OLLU: OLLU has impacted my life in numerous ways - the memories, skills, and people have all had a tremendous impact on my life. The people I have met throughout my journey at OLLU have changed my life, all for better! I have made new friends, brothers, and teammates - all because of OLLU. My self-esteem has increased since being here, my knowledge has tripled, and I am truly grateful for OLLU giving me these opportunities! These three years have transformed me into the man I am today. I will be a proud OLLU Alumni! How has OLLU impacted my life? That is such a surreal question. I have never taken a step back and looked at the bigger picture, I will forever be grateful to Our Lady of the Lake University for all it has done for me.
Antonio Williams - Dual Degrees in Social Work and Interdisciplinary Studies - Spring 2021 Senior Spotlight
Antonio Williams
Major: Dual Degrees in Social Work and Interdisciplinary Studies - EC-6 Certification/ with specializations in English as a Second Language and Special Education
Campus Activities and Achievements: I was honored to practice my clinical teaching at Carvajal Elementary School. I worked with the brightest students and the most professional educational rock stars (teachers). In the BSW program, I worked with the Crisis Text Line (CTL) as a crisis counselor. The CTL mission is:
"At the intersection of empathy and innovation- we promote mental well-being for people wherever they are."
Jose L. Neri - Interdisciplinary Studies Major - Spring 2021 Senior Spotlight
Jose L. Neri
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Mathematics
Campus Activities and Achievements: Bilingual Education Student Organization, Teacher Association for Future Educators, Math Club
Impact of OLLU: OLLU has been a huge component of my success. The professors and staff have guided me throughout my college journey. OLLU has also provided me with opportunities to expand into my career field and connect with hiring districts.
Jalin Oliva-St. Romain - Psychology Major - Spring 2021 Senior Spotlight
Jalin Oliva-St. Romain
Major: Psychology with a minor in Social Work
Campus Activities and Achievements: Softball Team
Impact of OLLU: OLLU has given me the opportunity to further my education and provided me with the necessary tools to one day be a counselor for at-risk youth within the school system.
Crystal Ibarra - Psychology and Criminal Justice Major - Spring 2021 Senior Spotlight
Crystal Ibarra
Major: Psychology and Criminal Justice
Campus Activities and Achievements: Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society, Sociology Department Work Study
Impact of OLLU: OLLU has offered me the tools I needed to reach my full potential. I have grown so much as a person and feel like I am prepared for what is to come.
Ciera Martinez - Kinesiology Major - Spring 2021 Senior Spotlight
Ciera Martinez
Major: Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology
Campus Activities and Achievements: Softball Team, Confetti Run Participant, Volunteer Activities at the Food Bank
Impact of OLLU: OLLU has impacted my life in several different ways.
The first being my professors, who were such a huge part of my successes and getting me to where I am today. They were always patient with me even when I had away games; they always seemed to make it work for me. I would like to give a special shout-out to Dr. James Hall, Dr. Alexander Hutchison, Dr. Julio Guerrero and Dr. Randy Dietz. Next, I would like to acknowledge the support from all the staff and maintenance people. Lastly, I enjoyed all the wonderful people I met and crossed paths with throughout my time at OLLU. I will forever cherish every moment I had with each and every one.