Chilly yet warm welcome back 

 Despite the cold weather, students took part in today’s bash hosted by UTRGV Student Activities to welcome Vaqueros  into the spring semester with s’mores, drinks and DIY activities. 

“These events are important for [Vaqueros] to feel like college students,” said Hilary Martinez, a UTRGV social work senior.

According to Martinez, who is an intern for Student Rights and Responsibilities, organizations at today’s event came together to inform students on what UTRGV has to offer and encouraged Vaqueros into building good relationships with their peers. 

“The one thing we want to provide students, is that sense of belonging,” she said. 

“The university offers a lot of opportunities in terms of entertainment,” said Bryan Jimenez, member of Phi Kappa Theta whose organization was present during today’s bash. “There’s a lot of avenues, today isn’t the only day, especially in the spring, there’s a lot of stuff that happens.”

As the spring semester begins with cold weather, UTRGV’s organizations provided warm drinks to help warm up students’ nerves. 

Jeannette Balderas, an integrated health science sophomore, said she felt nervous on her first day of school, but felt “good” after attending today’s bash.

“I was nervous because it’s cold… but I was like no, I have to come,” said Angela Diaz, a psychology sophomore. 

Students such as Diaz and Balderas, who attended today’s event said they had a “fun” and “nice” time.

“[These events] make us feel positive and feel encouraged to come more,” Diaz added. 

UTRGV Student Rights and Responsibilities aimed to motivate students into having a successful semester during today’s Welcome Back Bash. 

“It’s important for [students] to have support during their academic journey, because that definitely pushes their success as a student,” said Student Rights and Responsibilities intern. “And furthermore, hopefully their success, through their careers after graduating.”