Education Pre Grad Intern Alejandra Gonzalez

Alejandra Gonzalez on left"My name is Alejandra Gonzalez and I am studying bilingual education at the University of Texas at Austin. While sitting in class and listening to my professor, Dr. Franquiz, speak about her research, I couldn't help but become completely intrigued with her work. After expressing my interest in helping her with her research project and knowing a little more about the research process, she introduced me to the Intellectual Entrepreneurship (IE) Pre Grad Internship. The IE program has allowed me to expand my horizons as an undergrad and venture out into the world of graduate school.

Being a first generation Latina student, education has always been very important for my parents. My father has always said that the reason they sacrifice so much for my siblings and me is because he wants us to succeed in our studies and focus on making our educational dreams come true. I would love nothing more than to make my family proud.

After joining IE and showing interest in graduate school, I have become more involved in the college of Education and have developed amazing networks. My mentor Lucia and I have developed a trusting mentor-mentee relationship; it has allowed us to share different perspectives and provide feedback from different generational views.

There have been many rewards of being involved in the IE program; thus far, I have been appointed to the 2013 Bilingual-Bicultural faculty search committee to represent undergraduate students. I have also been referred to other Graduate school programs and scholarships available here at UT. This would not have been possible without my involvement with the IE program.

The IE program serves as a portal connecting undergraduate students with graduate school mentors and faculty. I am a true believer in what the IE program has to offer to undergraduate students interested in graduate programs."

Watch a video clip of Alejandra and her mentor