As a first-generation American, this was a big move for Mark. His parents migrated to Muleshoe, Texas, and neither of them completed high school. They worked as field laborers – a job that Mark experienced himself at the age of 16 when he began working with them.
In Muleshoe, Mark had a teacher who gifted him a Harry Potter book for his birthday, sparking his passion for books. In Muleshoe, Mark also learned what true, hard work really was.
“When I was young, my parents sent me to work in the same fields they did to learn the value of a dollar,” Mark recalled. “And I attribute that to the work ethic that I have now.”
That work ethic brought Mark into the public administration program at UTSA, where he immediately became involved in community service and projects to help others.
“I wanted to be in the service of others. I really appreciate vulnerable populations like immigrants, LGBT, and Black people,” he explained. “And so I want to give them a voice when they don’t have a voice.”
Mark initially considered majoring in business, but found the atmosphere in public administration to be much more suited to his needs. “It’s not a very large major, so it has that capacity to be intimate,” he said. “I really got to know everyone, even my professors, on a first-name basis.”
He has built several lasting relationships in the two years he has spent at UTSA. In addition to volunteering with My Brother’s Keeper San Antonio, Mark is in the process of helping friends turn their annual event into a registered nonprofit.
“It’s called the Jingle Mingle,” he said. “It’s a gala in the wintertime that serves as a toy drive and fundraiser.” The group is going on six years of hosting the event, and Mark joined in for the last few years. “Because of my degree, this group of friends has encouraged everyone, including myself, to make it an actual nonprofit.”
When Mark first made the decision to return to school, he didn’t dream it would have the impact it did. But because of his professors and experiences in the classroom, he is now applying to graduate school to earn an M.B.A.
“I give credit to professors Gina Amatangelo and Patricia Jaramillo,” Mark said. “Both of them are change agents in educational leadership, and they both provide a space and a nurturing environment to really foster challenging thinking.”
Leaving UTSA to head to graduate school is a daunting prospect for Mark, who calls UTSA his home, but he believes it’s a necessary step to accomplish his goals. He also hopes to inspire others in similar circumstances, and prove that no matter where you come from, education is possible.
“There’s always a way to go out there again,” he said. “I’m a non-traditional student. I had college out of my mind at one point in my life. And I just jumped back into it and it was the greatest blessing.”
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May 12, 2021 at 01:32PM
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First-generation graduate proves work ethic is key to success - UTSA Today
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