Once a Miner, Always a Miner
March 2024

By Alexandra Sanchez ’17

 

One of my most incredible memories of being a student at UTEP was working at the UTEP Phone Center as a Phone Ambassador. I got this job my first semester of college and had no idea what I had even applied for. I just knew I wanted to work on campus. This job entailed calling UTEP alums, updating their records, connecting with them, and asking for their support to the university.

 

Listening to all the stories from alumni was always inspiring and entertaining. Many alums had so much pride for UTEP and spoke about their wonderful memories at the university. I enjoyed updating them about the current changes, such as constructing the Centennial Plaza and encouraging alums to visit the campus.

The view of the Centennial Plaza from the UTEP Phone Center located at the Peter and Margaret de Wetter Center shortly after construction had been completed (2015).

 

I remember thinking how cool it was to be part of university changes and see it evolve. Each semester, we would tour each college and see what they were implementing with the donations from donors. Because of this experience, I saw the importance of donating and became a donor when I graduated.

 

There are other reasons I chose to continue supporting UTEP as an alum.

 

My experience as an undergrad was one that I would LOVE to relive.

My experience as a student employee and my overall college experience was terrific. Being part of student organizations, attending tailgates and football and basketball games, attending Minerpalooza, and many other experiences will always be memorable.

 

UTEP gave me so many opportunities that it’s the least I can do.

The opportunities that UTEP gave me are something I will always be thankful for. One of my favorite experiences was being part of the Student Accelerator program. This was a collaboration of students from the College of Business and the College of Engineering, where we teamed up, thought of a product we would like to create, and conducted product validation at the University of Texas at Dallas.

 

I want current students to have a great college experience at UTEP and achieve their goals.

I was a first-generation college graduate, which was a challenge when I was trying to apply for college, including financial aid, and navigating everything about college. I am thankful to have had support from friends, mentors, and advisors at UTEP. I want to be a helping hand to other students who may be struggling financially or for any other lack of resources.

 

I choose to support the College of Business and other current projects that are in need. I spent most of my time at the College of Business and saw how passionate the professors were. I also admired how most of my peers want to learn and succeed, which keeps me donating to the College of Business. I recently visited the College of Business and was excited to see that there have been renovations since the last time I went, which was in 2017. I love seeing the growth of the university and its students.

 

UTEP will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue supporting it, from cheering on the athletic teams to donating. Once a Miner, Always a Miner. Picks up!

College of Business students participating in a weeklong program, Student Accelerator Program, at The University of Texas at Dallas (2016).

 

Alexandra Sanchez ’17, an El Paso native, currently works as a Digital Marketing Specialist. She is a proud graduate of The University of Texas at El Paso with a Bachelor's in Business Administration in Marketing. She further pursued her Master of Science in Digital Audience Strategy from Arizona State University.