Gustavo Moran holds a “Viva Mexico” picture frame during Mexico’s Independence Day, at the Abriendo Caminos Laboratory on the Edinburg campus.
A student organization at UTRGV is focused on creating a welcoming and supporting environment for migrant students.
President Antonio Rodriguez said Abriendo Caminos’ main goal is to provide an opportunity for migrant students to connect with one another, share experiences and feel supported academically and socially.
Rodriguez said the group hosts themed events such as fundraisers and social gatherings to raise funds and bring students together.
He added Abriendo Caminos recently organized a Halloween fundraiser featuring homemade “boo baskets ” designed and sold by members of the group.
According to the president, a big part of Abriendo Caminos is a scholarship program, which includes tutoring, mentorship and academic guidance.
“I like to think of it as, like, a guide because our scholarship involves mentors as well, so those mentors go ahead and help each student because our program [consists] of mandatory weekly tutoring hours,” Rodriguez said.
Abriendo Caminos Historian Sara Guzman said academic accountability and finding community can be overwhelming at first but the program makes a difference.
“When you’re coming into the campus and you don’t know anyone and you feel real, like, antisocial, the people there are very welcoming. I made a bunch of friends my second week, and I can tell right off the bat that these people are going to be my friends for a long while, too, ” Guzman said.
Guzman said members of the organization also attend workshops that focus on stress management, campus resources and academic success.
Rodriguez said he encourages students to step out of their comfort zone and not regret any opportunities taken.
“It doesn’t hurt to shoot your shot, and if you don’t land on the moon, you land on the stars,” Rodriguez said.
For more Information about Abriendo Caminos, visit its V Link page or email abriendocaminosorganization@gmail.com.
