A Changed Perspective on Academics

Brandon Aviado’s academic journey reflects a profound transformation, which began after his six-year service as an Army medic. Initially, he did not prioritize his educational endeavors; however, his experiences in the Airborne Infantry instilled in him a sense of purpose that motivated him to pursue new challenges in both his personal and academic life.

Enrollment at UTSA Honors College

Aviado’s newfound motivation led him to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where he became a proud member of its esteemed Honors College. The program, which currently boasts over 2,500 students, emphasizes a rigorous and experiential educational approach designed to foster leadership qualities in its participants.

Insights from the Podcast

In a recent episode of the bigcitysmalltown podcast, hosted by Robert Rivard, Aviado shares insights into his journey. The episode also features Victoria Kidder, a fellow student, and Jill Fleuriet, UTSA’s vice provost for honors education and professor of anthropology. They discuss the continual growth and transformative impact of the UTSA Honors College on its students.

The Vision of the Honors College

According to Fleuriet, the mission of the honors college is to attract and cultivate talent from within the undergraduate community. “We have that kind of talent, it abounds in our undergraduate population, and it’s a matter of reaching them and bringing them into the fold of the honors college,” she stated.

A Community of High Achievers

For students like Victoria Kidder, the appeal of the honors college was the opportunity to engage in a close-knit academic community. “In high school I was in the magnet program, which was just a smaller group of students who took a bit more rigorous courses, and I wanted a community like that in college,” Kidder noted.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The UTSA Honors College prides itself on its approach to education, emphasizing experiential learning as a core component. Fleuriet explained, “We take each individual student, figure out what their professional, civic, social, personal goals are, and then we give them the resources and the coaching, the courses, and the funding to be able to achieve those.”

Both Aviado and Kidder have benefited significantly from internships facilitated by the honors program, setting them on paths towards successful professional careers.

Conclusion

The journey of students like Brandon Aviado at UTSA highlights the profound impact of academic programs that prioritize experiential learning and community. As they pursue their career aspirations, the support and environment provided by the Honors College play a crucial role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.