Meet the Mentors
Center for Academic Student Achievement (CASA)
Andrea Amaya
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Major: Communication
Minor: Media studies
Classification: Graduated Student ( masters in Communication)
What would you say is your best strength? Creativity
Major: Communication
Minor: Media studies
Classification: Graduated Student ( masters in Communication)
What would you say is your best strength? Creativity
Career aspiration/Post-graduation plans:
I would like to work with a T.V. station as a reporter or producer.
Random Fun Fact:
I wanted to be a lawyer; so back in Colombia I went to law school for 3 years.
I changed my mind when I came to the U.S. and realized communication was my thing.
What elements of the AIMentor Program keep you excited to work for CASA at TAMUCC?
I like to help students that are going through the same situation
as I did, a "rough start". Sometimes good advice can change a lot.
Personal statement/motto/quote:
Don't leave for tomorrow what you can do today. It will only get worse
before it gets better.
Sergio Angel
Hometown: Houston, TX
Major: Biomedical Science
Classification: Freshman
Major: Biomedical Science
Classification: Freshman
Why did you choose TAMUCC?
For the beach, how affordable it was, and the good science programs.
What would you say is your best strength?
Strong communication and listening skills
Career aspirations/Post-graduation plans:
I plan to attend medical school
Random Fun Fact:
I like the Mad TV show "Can I get your number" episode.
What advice would you give to someone new to college life at TAMUCC?
Enjoy every moment, act responsibly, set goals and keep focus on class.
Manny Diaz
Hometown: El Paso, TX
Major:Integrated Biology
Minor:Chemistry
Classification:Junior
Major:Integrated Biology
Minor:Chemistry
Classification:Junior
Why did you choose TAMUCC?
I chose TAMUCC because of its prestigious science program and because I wanted
to work with aquatic animals. The environment on campus is also more welcoming than any
other campus I had visited.
What would you say is your best strength?
My best strength would be determination. Every day I am more and more
determined to reach my career goals.
Career aspirations/Post-graduation plans:
After graduation I plan to go to the College of Veterinary Medicine
at Texas A&M University.
What was your hardest obstacle to overcome while at
TAMUCC? How did you get through it?
The biggest obstacle I encountered as a Freshman was adjusting to the
different teaching styles of my professors. So much was covered in a single class period;
it was very difficult to keep up. I overcame this obstacle by meeting with tutors and
supplemental instructors daily. They helped me understand material that I could not
during lecture.
Personal statement/motto/quote:
"If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change the
way you think about it." -
Victor Galvez
Hometown: Orange Grove, TX
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
Classification: Sophomore
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
Classification: Sophomore
Why did you choose TAMUCC?
It was close to my hometown.
What would you say is your best strength?
I am able to relate to people and strive towards my goals.
Career aspiration/Post-graduation plans:
To work with ACS or M.D. Anderson
What advice would you give to someone new to college life at TAMUCC
Make sure you always pick school first and do not get carried away with the parties, clubing, or etc.
Personal statement/motto/quote:
Don't ever accept anyone else's preconceived limitations. If there's something you want to do, there isn't any reason you can't do it. - Amy Dodson
Marlina Ismanto
Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia
Major: Business Marketing
Classification: Junior
Major: Business Marketing
Classification: Junior
Why did you choose TAMUCC?
I was given an offer I could not refuse: in-state tuition
and an International scholarship.
What would you say is your best strength?
My best strength would be my strong interpersonal skills.
Career aspirations/Post-graduation plans:
I would like to have my own business and create jobs for
those in need.
Random Fun Fact:
I don't mind doing silly things to cheer people up.
What was your hardest obstacle to overcome while at
TAMUCC? How did you get through it?
I was clueless in my freshmean year, especially being in a
foreign country. I asked for some help from my newly acquired American
friends and the people at CASA. They helped me go through that challenging
period and I started ding well in my classes.
How is the CASA AIMentor Program different than all others?
The AIM program at CASA has great mentors that are helpful
in various aspects of the university. One top of that they have an
outstanding personal approach.
Noviana Puspita
Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia
Major:Special Education & Diagnostician
Classification: Graduate Student
What would you say is your best strength? I have a good time management skill.
Major:Special Education & Diagnostician
Classification: Graduate Student
What would you say is your best strength? I have a good time management skill.
Career aspiration/Post-graduation plans:
I love working with kids and young people at a school and
clinic.
Random Fun Fact:
I was so scared of dogs, but it has changed lately. I just realize that they have to cute puppies here!
What was your hardest obstacle to overcome while at
TAMUCC? How did you get through it?
I am international student and been in U.S. for 3
years. I was worried before because we have different culture here and
also English is my second language. It was a challenge for me. Through the experience, I feel much better and my friends also help me out of this
matter.
Personal statement/motto/quote:
Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what
want to be tomorrow. -Fernando Miramontes-Landeros
Mandy Gonzalez
Hometown: McAllen, TX
Major: Biomedical Science
Classification: Junior
What would you say is your best strength? Patience and determination.
Major: Biomedical Science
Classification: Junior
What would you say is your best strength? Patience and determination.
Career aspiration/Post-graduation plans:
I plan on attending medical school.
Why did you choose TAMUCC:
The affordability, school size, and distance from home.
Personal statement/motto/quote: Never give up,
never surrender.
Brian Garcia
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Major: Marine Biology
Classification: Sophomore
Major: Marine Biology
Classification: Sophomore
Why did you choose TAMUCC??
I chose TAMUCC because it offers the best marine biology
program in the state of Texas.
What would you say is your best strength?
My determination to achieve what I want.
Career aspiration/Post-graduation plans:
After completing my bachelors in science, I would like to
continue my graduate studies and become part of the United States Animal Rescue
and Rehabiliation Program.
What advice would you give someone new to college life at
TAMUCC?
Make the best out of your college experience, work hard and be
yourself.
Personal Statement/Motto:
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world" -
Mahatma Gandhi
Dianea "Da Da" Willis
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Major: Kinesiology
Minor: Business Administration
Classification: Senior
Major: Kinesiology
Minor: Business Administration
Classification: Senior
Why did you choose TAMUCC??
Google! I wanted to get out of Ohio and go somewhere hot. I
search Kinesiology programs in Texas, and TAMUCC came up. Three months later I
was here.
Random Fun Fact:
Every city I have ever lived in has started with a C.
Career aspiration/Post-graduation plans:
To go on and get my Masters, and eventually work in collegiate
or professional sports.
What advice would you give someone new to college life at
TAMUCC?
Step outside of your box. TAMUCC is very diverse and there is
so much always going on. If you try something neww you will be surprised at what
you find interesting.
What is the hardest obstacle you have had to overcome whlie
at TAMUCC?
Being far away from home. I video chat with my mom like 4
times a week! She reminds me why I am here and helps keep me focused.
Personal Statement/Motto:
Laughter is the best medicine.
Kathleen Ramirez
Hometown: Mathis, Texas
Major: Communication
Classification: Junior
Major: Communication
Classification: Junior
Why did you choose TAMUCC??
I picked TAMUCC because I love the fact that it's still a
relatively small school, small enough to where your professors know you by name
and not by a number. I also love the look and feel of the campus, very tropical
and laid back.
Random Fun Fact:
I am a vegan.
Career aspiration/Post-graduation plans:
After graduation I would like to volunteer work witht he Peace
Corps, and eventually travel the world writing and volunteering for non-profit
organizations. If not, I would like to write for a newspaper or magazine.
What advice would you give someone new to college life at
TAMUCC?
Don't procrastinate! You don't have to be up to 2 o'clock in
the morning barely starting an essay that should of been finished three days
before.
What are some of the resources you would reccommend to
someone new to TAMUCC campus?
Books on reserve in the library. Instead of lugging around
your textbook all day, check out a copy of it from the library and do your
homework there.
Personal Statement/Motto:
You get one life, but a million different ways to live it. 
