UTEP Profiles: Meet Steven
Last Updated on September 04, 2018 at 12:00 AM
Originally published September 04, 2018
By UC Staff
UTEP Communications
Name: Steven Tyler Brown
Graduation Year: 2018
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Multidsciplinary Studies
What high school did you graduate from? J.M. Hanks High School, class of 2011
What drew you to UTEP? I chose UTEP because it was affordable and I wanted to stay close to home with my family. I had an opportunity to study elsewhere, but I heard great things about this University, so I decided to stay here at UTEP.
What unique assets and talents did you bring to the University? I came to UTEP with determination, a hard work ethic, and confidence. My grade school years were not the best for me because I failed a lot of classes and I had many obstacles to overcome. I wanted to prove to myself that I could achieve anything my heart and mind desired, no matter how bad my past was.
What was your favorite class, and why? My favorite class was Math for Social Sciences. For so long I had not taken a math course since my terrible high school days. I thought I was going to automatically fail the class because I received a 38 on my first test. After moments of reflection, my professor challenged me to push harder and overcome that failure. I then attended tutoring, office hours, and used any resource here on campus to help me succeed. At the end of the semester, I received an “A” for the class! Through hard work and belief, anything is possible.
Tell us about a UTEP Edge Experience you took advantage of at UTEP. Becoming a student employee was the most significant thing I have done in my life, hands down! I learned so much from my mentors and training that I am even more confident and excited to achieve my wildest dreams. Gaining experience is an understatement when it comes to being a student employee. I was able to instruct students, become a peer advisor, and become a UTEP Edge Presentation member.
What are your career aspirations? After graduation, I became a full-time staff member at the Academic Advising Center here at UTEP. This career path will allow me to fulfill my main goal in life: to impact students’ lives. As for my educational career, I plan to continue my academics here at UTEP as I am now applying for graduate school to earn a master’s degree. Later down the road, I plan to open my own youth program for at-risk kids. I want to be able to help students of all ages and show everyone that anything is possible.
How will your experiences at UTEP, particularly any Edge Experiences, help you achieve those dreams? The experiences that I have had here at UTEP adequately prepared me for my journey after obtaining my degree. My mentors have done so much for me as I have evolved into a better person because of them. UTEP helped me gain confidence to move forward and succeed from my past failures.
What’s your favorite UTEP event, and why? Minerpalooza has to be my favorite event. I have been attending it for the past four years in a row! It is an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to come together as a city and enjoy food, music, and fun games. Going to the UTEP basketball games is one of my favorites as well.
What advice would you give to an incoming UTEP student? Never be afraid to use the resources and ask for guidance we have here at UTEP. College is a brand new experience, and there will be moments that will push you to your maximum limits, but always remember that you never have to battle those moments alone. Many phenomenal people on campus are willing to help you every single step of the way. They truly will help you achieve your goals.
What is your best UTEP memory? The best memory that I will never forget is the last day of my workshop that I had to teach as a peer mentor. One of my former students, Horacio, came up to me and thanked me for everything that I have done for him through the semester and told me that I became his role model. Being able to impact students’ lives was my goal as an undergrad. To have that moment happen was indeed a blessing for me. Being able to instruct, help, guide, and connect with students has been the best part of my journey at UTEP and I will never forget those moments! Lastly, after all the negativity that I endured in my life, walking across the stage in the Don Haskins Center to receive my college degree is a moment that I will never forget.