Senior Spotlights
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Gerardo Diaz - Psychology - Fall 2021 Senior Spotlight
Gerardo Diaz
Major: Psychology with a minor in Biology
Campus Activities and Achievements: Alliance, National Society of Leadership and Success, Library Aide at the Sueltenfuss Library (best job ever), and Volunteer with Grace Place: Alzheimer's Activity Center Volunteer, Meal-on-Wheels of San Antonio, and the San Antonio Fatherhood Campaign.
Impact of OLLU: OLLU has impacted my life in a number of ways. Although I moved to San Antonio from the Rio Grande Valley, about a four hour drive, I have definitely grown so much as an individual here. I've learned so much about myself and have learned so much more academically. I can honestly say, without any doubt, that deciding to come to OLLU has been the single greatest decision I have made in my life so far. I cannot imagine my life without all of the experiences I have had here and without all the people I've met: faculty, staff, and students. From my first visit up to the few days before graduation, OLLU has always felt like home and words are not enough to sum up my three and a half years here.
Sheccid Rosales - Psychology and Social Work - Fall 2021 Senior Spotlight
Sheccid Rosales
Major: Psychology and Social Work
Campus Activities and Achievements: Sigma Theta Epsilon Sweetheart, Ronald E McNair Scholars Program, Worden Social Work Organization, Mexican American Student Association, Psi Chi Honor Society, Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, Resident Assistant Work Study, Chapel Choir, National Society of Leadership and Success, and Dean Merit Recipient.
Impact of OLLU: OLLU has helped shaped me into the person I am today. I have been able to build lifelong friendships, with friends who I consider my home away from home. I was able to grow in academia through the constant support of my professors, faculty mentors, advisers, and so many more people who just want to see me succeed.
Giselle Ayala - Social Work - Fall 2021 Senior Spotlight
Giselle Ayala
Major: Social Work
Campus Activities and Achievements: Residence Life, Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc., Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society, Order of Omega, the National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma Delta Pi Honor Society, Worden Social Work Organization, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Student Government Association.
Impact of OLLU: OLLU has helped me grow and gain wonderful experiences and useful skills as a Social Work major. At the same time, it has given me the resources to thrive academically and professionally.
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.