Growing up at UTEP

April 2024

By Anna Carrillo, '19, '21

What excites me most about becoming a Miner Nation Contributor is that I will have the opportunity to hear and share my fellow Miners' stories. As students, our lives were often a whirlwind of academic pursuits, extracurricular engagements, and personal growth. During our day-to-day activities, it's easy to overlook our remarkable achievements and profound lessons that shaped our journeys. Along those journeys, we may also overlook those who helped us along the way. Looking back now at my time as a student, I don't know what I would have done without the guidance and support of my parents.

Growing up as an only child, my relationship with my parents was special. It allowed me to have a close connection with them. My parents worked full-time, and not having a babysitter or an older sibling to look after me meant spending lots of time joining my parents at their workplaces. I often tell people that UTEP holds a special place in my heart because, in a sense, it was my second home. With my mother working at the university, I grew up attending many sporting events, faculty and family gatherings, Dinner Theatre shows, and simply exploring the many beautiful buildings on campus. UTEP became a haven for cherished memories, so I couldn't wait until I was old enough to attend as an actual college student. Being their only child, my parents were always determined to equip me with all the necessary tools for success, especially through education.

Picture of me and my mom before we helped set up for a football fundraising event in 2017.

However, no matter how much you plan for, life has an unpredictable way of unfolding, and for my family, it took an unexpected turn. Before I graduated from high school, my mother faced the daunting challenge of being diagnosed with a tough and scary form of cancer. As too many of us know, when battling and overcoming an illness, there are so many challenges - physically, emotionally, and, of course, financially. Although my parents planned early and put money aside to make sure they were able to help me financially with school, most of what they saved went towards my mother's treatments and medical bills. Fortunately, in my first year at UTEP, I was given the opportunity to serve as an Undergraduate Assistant. In exchange for my time and work, the university awarded me a scholarship that played a pivotal role in alleviating the financial burden associated with paying for my tuition. Eventually, my mother won her battle with cancer and retired from the university in 2016.

Me and my parents at my mom's retirement party in 2016 with a special guest appearance from our favorite mascot - Paydirt Pete!

After a short two-month retirement, my mother decided she missed it all too much and returned as a part-time staff member in the Athletics department. Although not directly working together in the same department, she could still assist me in many activities and projects in the marketing department. Not only did this rekindle our carpooling routine, but it also allowed us to share the same workplace, which created a unique bond between her and me.

My parents' encouragement throughout my college journey meant the world to me. Like many students, I worked outside school as a waitress, mostly on night shifts. There were countless occasions when I'd come home after a late night shift only to face the task of completing assignments or studying for exams scheduled for the next day, and having my mother as my carpool buddy meant having extra time for me to review or finish up assignments on the way to school. Despite the many sleep-deprived mornings, the encouragement and discipline from my parents fueled my determination, always reminding me of the larger picture and goals I was working towards. Each time I became doubtful, my mother assured me the finish line was near and to keep pushing on.

While I don't necessarily miss the all-nighters, the late-night study sessions, and the demanding schedule of juggling two jobs, I miss the small yet memorable moments shared with my parents throughout my student journey. Their willingness to stay up late with me, proofread essays, and be my one-person audience as I practiced presentations were the moments I appreciated the most. My mother often stayed up reading a book or attending small chores around the house to keep me company while I worked on my homework. She would say it was because she didn't want me to stay up alone – but I believe she knew me too well and knew I would most likely fall asleep and tried to ensure I didn't show up to class with an incomplete assignment. Their belief in my abilities became the most potent source of motivation, considering I was to be the first college graduate in my family. The drive to succeed for them became a guiding force.

My parent's support and presence strengthened me during challenging times. Our shared experiences strengthened our bond and served as a reminder that we can overcome any battle, even the scary and unpredictable ones. Today, my mother still works part-time at the university, and I still love to join her in any work projects and events she has on campus.

Picture of my parents and I before we helped volunteer at Orange Fever Fiesta in 2022.

Family members can play such an essential role in a student's success. Their understanding and emotional encouragement alone can significantly impact a student's environment and personal growth. Today, as I reflect on my student journey and reminisce about those challenging yet rewarding years, I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices my parents made for me. I am also thankful that my parents were able to engage and be a part of my student journey. I hope they realize how impactful their sideline cheers were and still are to this day.

Anna Carrillo ’19, ’21, born and raised in El Paso, Texas, is a proud graduate of The University of Texas at El Paso, where she earned her bachelor’s in business marketing and a master's degree in leadership studies. With a strong belief in the power of leadership to bring about positive change and commitment to community service, Anna's current role as the Stewardship Manager at El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank allows her to engage and serve the community.

 

To learn more about Anna and our other Miner Nation Contributors, click here.