(March 8, 2019) — For many students, memories of their college experience may include tailgating at football games, sitting through long lectures, and of course, walking across the stage to receive their diploma. And for some, the opportunity to connect with alumni in an informal setting to learn more about life after graduation, will positively impact them for the rest of their college days – and beyond.
Recalling her time at UTSA, Laura Beth Garcia ’06 was encouraged after attending a student and alumni networking dinner sponsored by the Roadrunner Student Alumni Association (RSAA), which provided her guidance and gave her confidence in shaping her career path.
Now she’s doing the same.
As part of reinvigorating the RSAA Bird Feeders program, Garcia hosted five students at her home for dinner allowing them to spark conversation about career paths, education journeys and more.
“This was a bucket list for me to host a Bird Feeder and talk about not only my professional life, but about my experience at UTSA and how it lead me to where I am today,” Garcia said. “Every alumnus will have a different experience, and these Bird Feeders allow us to tell our own unique story of success. This event allows us to help a current student and guide them in the right path to succeed for the future.”
According to Lauren Lopez ‘16, development assistant for UTSA annual giving, the goal of the RSAA Bird Feeders program is to give students the opportunity to network with UTSA alumni, find out about life after college, and learn about the career fields they plan to pursue upon graduation.
“It also offers a chance for students to get a feel for the extended UTSA family, and to see how they can stay involved and connected with UTSA after they graduate,” Lopez said.
Alexandra Pitty, who is graduating from UTSA this summer with a bachelor’s degree in medical humanities, and Nina Davis, a junior majoring in philosophy, expressed the dinner left them inspired and feeling more connected to UTSA as Roadrunners for life.
“This was such a rewarding experience,” Pitty said. “The biggest take away was hearing about life after graduation and how to incorporate your experiences from UTSA into your professional career.”
Davis mentioned Garcia made her realize that, “once you are a Roadrunner, you are always a Roadrunner and the connection between alumni and current students are important in terms of improving UTSA.”
Lopez is encouraging UTSA alumni to take part in the Bird Feeder program in the future.
“As a participant, you will help to make UTSA a smaller, friendlier place for students, bridging the gap between current UTSA students and alumni,” she said. “This is the perfect opportunity to share your experiences with fellow members of the UTSA community.”
Garcia is also calling out her fellow Roadrunners to get involved.
“Support your alma mater when you can,” Garcia said. “UTSA is a special place and we are only growing. Share your story and show these current students how your UTSA experience shaped your decisions and where you are today.”
