There are students who leave an impact on UTEP, and Jane Aman, an English and American literature major, graduates this December with a slew of accomplishments under her belt.

Since transferring from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, Aman has been an active member in UTEP organizations that connect students with social issues.

She has used her minor in women’s and gender studies to educate students on campus and advocate for women’s rights.

“I loved my time here. I’ve been able to be involved, to be engaged. It’s been amazing,” Aman said.

Aman holds an officer position in Triota, the women’s studies’ honor society, where she helps bridge the conversation on hard-pressed topics by creating safe spaces for students to discuss and learn. She is a part of Triota Treats, a monthly series held in Prospect Hall, where different topics were discussed this semester ranging from transgender rights to the sexualization of Halloween costumes.

As an advocate, she is also a secretary for the sexual and reproductive rights group Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equality (URGE).

Last summer, she traveled to Washington D.C. along with other chapter leaders to celebrate the organization’s achievements on Capitol Hill. She also had the opportunity to speak with Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke’s staff for the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act, an act that would bring sex education to American schools.

Although her time at UTEP is coming to an end, she is still preparing events for next semester to make the transition of power for new officers in her organization less strenuous by organizing the Women’s History Month Conference.

Aman said being involved was an easy task for her because UTEP creates opportunities that are readily available for students.

Along with being involved in extracurricular activities, Aman also excelled as a student in her department. She was awarded one of UTEP’s oldest honors, the Men and Women of Mines Award in May of 2016, where she expressed her pride in being a part of the Miner community.

“I really love this university and getting involved in any way I can,” Aman said in a press release. “It’s an honor to be recognized for that.”

Aman’s community service and academic track record made her eligible to be among the 14 students who were recognized out of the 1,600 applicants.

She worked as a research assistant for the Center for Environmental Resource Management from August 2015 to May 2016, transcribing data and did an independent study with the English department.

Her biggest accomplishment allowed her to become a voice for the College of Liberal Arts student body.

In the spring of 2016, she became the Liberal Arts Collegiate Senator in the Student Government Association, where she has been working on several projects at once. She was involved in bringing more accessible designs to the building environment of UTEP in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as setting up the framework for a liberal arts conference.

“I’m proud to be a part of the leadership community. Working with SGA and seeing what all of the presidents and members are doing has been great,” Aman says.

Holding two leadership positions and being an active member of the SGA does not deter her from having a night job or being a volunteer for the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence. Aman is planning to receive training in order to accompany sexual assault victims to hospitals to receive medical examinations.

As for after graduation, Aman is considering extending her research in women’s studies and has applied to several internships and graduate schools.

Although she has been involved on campus in changing the conversation involving women’s rights and has volunteered in shelters for victims of domestic violence, Aman said her work is not done yet.

“I want to be a teacher, or get a job in political advocacy, pursue my research and make things more inclusive,” Aman said.

Aman will graduate magna cum laude in this upcoming graduation ceremony. Her efforts on campus and her dedication to change the conversation in politics will remain alive in the university long after she graduates.

Mariana Rodriguez may be reached at [email protected].