If I asked myself four years ago how I envisioned my experience at UTEP, it wouldn’t have been how it happened. Even going to study in another country was a whole new world to me back then, and I had to get used to so many different things.
At first it was a struggle, suddenly taking classes that were completely in English, adjusting to the deadlines, the way classes and assignments worked and having to speak in a language that wasn’t my native language. On top of that, my ADHD made it really difficult for me to concentrate in classes and read 60 pages or more per week for each class. For the first semesters, I felt like an outsider, and it took me a while to make connections and friends.
It all had to do with campus involvement: during the first semesters, I only went to classes and went back home, commuting everyday back to Juarez. But as semesters went on, I became a bit more involved in campus activities. I got my first job on campus, then, later, I tried joining the UTEP Speech & Debate team for a semester and then I joined Student AdFed, a student organization for advertising majors.
Which is how I found out about The Prospector. Thanks to AdFed, I found this job opportunity. I never pictured myself working at the school’s newspaper, since what I was focused on as a Digital Media Production major was making short films, but I decided to apply because I wanted a change of scenery. I thought I wouldn’t get the job honestly, because my major was so different from journalism or advertising, but Veronica Gonzalez gave me a chance.
I’ve been The Prospector’s videographer since January 2019, and it has been an amazing experience, filled with challenges and more. From weekly videos to advertise the newspaper to commissioned videos, every week was a different experience. I improved overtime in my editing skills as well as my camera skills thanks to this job.
Not only was I the videographer, but I also had the opportunity to be a contributor during the fall 2019 semester. I ended up taking photographs of events, such as concerts and local events, while also writing about them. Never in a million years would I have imagined I would be able to do that, but it was a fun and educational experience.
Overall, my experience at UTEP has been an interesting one. Not everything has been easy or sunshine and rainbows, there were tough times, but either way, it was a learning experience.
I had so many accomplishments. Despite my inability to concentrate in class, I was in the Liberal Arts Dean’s List every semester during these four years. I met so many amazing people that will be in my life even after I graduate. I had the opportunity to work with an amazing and talented team over at The Prospector.
Right now, as I’m about to graduate with all that’s going on right now in the world, the plans I had, unfortunately, are not going to be possible. I will have to adjust, keep an open mind and hope for the best — which is also how I can describe my general experience at UTEP and in life.
Some words that I wish someone had told me back then is to not hesitate to ask for help if you need it, or if you feel like something is getting tough. Hold onto your friends, the people that really care about you are always going to be there for you no matter what. You got this; you can do it; you can write that ten-page essay for that class, even if it seems too difficult or boring. Take some time as well to relax, focus on your mental health, hang out with your friends, because these are four years of your life you’re never going to get to experience again.
Now there’s nothing left for me to say except thank you for these years and goodbye UTEP, it’s been real.
Alejandra Molina may be reached at [email protected]
