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Omer Garcia III,
25, was born and raised in the valley; where he graduated from
the Science Academy of South Texas (public magnet
high-school). He attended STCC for two years back in 1997 and
1998. As of Spring 2003 he has completed his undergraduate
degree at UTPA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He is continuing
his studies in the graduate program at UTPA; working towards a
Masters of Fine Arts.
I can remember
being in third grade and drawing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,
who ever knew it would bring me to where I am now. Art is
definitely a passion and a labor of love. My last two and a
half years of undergraduate school I worked with the UTPA Art
Galleries as part of the Work Study Program. Being a Work
Study has proven to be invaluable; as a Work Study I was able
to get a behind the scenes look at how an art gallery runs and
I have made great contacts in the local art scene.
In 2002 I was
nominated for Work Study of the year. Also in 2002 I gave a
little speech and presented a drawing to Yvonne Anderson at a
scholarship ceremony, where all those who contributed were
thanked. Again in 2002 a great friend of mine, Lisa Carlisle,
and myself were commissioned to paint a mural for UTPA. The
mural depicts a rider on a bronco and is based on an old
photograph from a yearbook way back in UTPA’s history. The mural
is located
at the University Center on the second floor.
Since attending
UTPA I have participated in every art show open to students,
which has been a great learning experience and has allowed me
to mature as an artist.
What are your
plans after graduation?
After graduating
with my masters I would like to continue at UTPA as an
instructor but life has twist and turns and I may go somewhere
else to school to teach or get a doctorial degree in Art
History or Art Education. I plan to create my own graphic
novel between now and then. I would love to go into the
illustration field for a couple of years. After I get my
masters in art I may get another masters in Computer Science;
computers have always fascinated me and I know my way around
them.
Do you plan to
return to/stay in the Valley?
I would love to
stay in the Valley. For so long I have always wanted to leave
the valley and move to a big city; that when I did it, it was
no longer a desire. I have learned how to succeed here at
UTPA and with that I can now succeed anywhere. I understand
that I am a part of the valley and the valley is a part of
me.
What has your
education done for you?
I certainly
understand the nature of bureaucracy! It’s a lot of fun,
running around campus sweating, you’ve got to love that valley
heat. Seriously though it has given me the confidence and
self-awareness that make successful people. I know that I can
do anything with the right amount on knowledge at hand. If I
want to be an astrophysicist I can, I just have to study until
the cows come home. With the help of my parents and a couple
of experiences along the way I’ve learned that success is made
easier with a positive attitude.
How do you feel
about your UTPA experience?
UTPA is a great
school, certainly one of the best. Without UTPA the valley
wouldn’t be what it is today. I feel as though UTPA has
improved tremendously since I first started. Graduating with
my undergraduate degree from UTPA was on of the greatest
moments of my life. I do feel a sense of pride and loyalty to
UTPA because I was able to accomplish my goal of getting a
degree; now I’m in for another two years and UTPA keeps
getting better. I must say that the “UTPA experience” is
different for everyone but once you got it, you will know.
What is your
best tip for success?
1. Love what you
do.
2. Truly love your
friends and family.
3. Make a lasting impression on The ART WORLD!
4. Smile throughout the day!
5. Laugh at least once a day.
6. Enjoy life to the fullest (Love Life)!
7. Have a positive attitude.
8. Learn how to mange your time.
What advice do
you have for college-bound students?
Get your priorities
straight! Why are you at UTPA? I hope the first answer is,
“TO GET AN EDUCATION, SIR!” My answer certainly wasn’t that,
it what to meet girls. All kidding aside, it took me one year
of school, a semester off and being broke to realize that I’m
paying money to get an education; so that should be my number
one priority. Since you wont have time to talk to all the
pretty girls you can at least smile at all of them as you walk
on by to your next class because you have to study to make
good grades. And what does good grades equal? Free money!
Learn how to manage your time wisely; coffee and coke are your
best friends, they will teach you how. After the first two
years you wont need them as much because you will truly be
getting into your major and will have the foundation so you
will already know what you have to study. Learn all the
buildings on campus and where the bathrooms are. Getting to
school early will get you the best parking space and you can
do all your studying while you wait for your class. Then
you’ll have time to do what ever you want – girls. Get into
the subjects you dislike, go crazy about them; it’s the only
way to get a passing grade or an “A”. Most importantly have a
positive attitude when you go to school.
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