Spring 2022
Eva Magallan 
April 2022 | College of NursingWhat do you enjoy most about working with students?
I love that as a Texas A&M Nursing Advisor, I am enabled to be a part of our students’ academic journey. From the beginning of the admissions process to their graduation, their successes consist of growth, challenges, and perseverance. Additionally, I feel privileged to work as a nursing advisor. There is a special honor to work with present-day heroes that don a superhero cape in their nursing profession. Every student in our programs symbolize a better day, a hope for a better served Texas, and a chance to make a difference in our communities that are in dire need of healthcare access.
What is one fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I love chihuahuas. Chihuahuas are my weakness. I think they can sense this because they adore me too! My family and friends call me the “chihuahua whisperer”. If it wasn’t for my 11-year old chihuahua named Selene who loves being an only child, by now I would have had lots of chihuahuas and would have been called the “chihuahua lady”.
What advice do you have for our Aggies this semester?
To ask questions and not be afraid to ask for help. It is important that if something is unclear in the course or if they are having difficulty learning the material, to reach out early for help. I often share with my students on how being a first-generation Latina college graduate, it was scary and difficult to navigate through college at first but asking questions and seeking academic resources helped me tremendously in making it a smoother transition into college.
What advice do you have for new academic advisors at Texas A&M?
My advice is to seek out professional development opportunities on advising. Through professional development, you can learn advisor tips and latest advising practices that other advisors are implementing in their advising that is working for them that you can adapt in your own advising. Plus, when attending professional development events, make sure to network with other advisors to learn from other experienced advisors. By keeping up to date with advising practices, learning from other advisors, and taking advantage of professional development opportunities, this will help you become the best advisor that you can be.
Antwone Woods
March 2022 | College of Education & Human DevelopmentWhat do you enjoy most about working with students?
What I most enjoy about advising is the opportunity to assist others in accomplishing goals. Navigating the current collegiate landscape can be challenging and often inspire doubt and feelings that are overwhelming in nature. As a graduate of Texas A&M, being able to draw on previous experiences to aid and encourage students that are in positions/predicaments that I was exposed to as an undergrad has been an incredibly rewarding experience. There are few professions where you so often can see such hard work by others pay off in such a substantial manner. Seeing that satisfaction of accomplishment regularly and understanding that you were able to play a part in a student’s success is something that is incomparable.
What is one fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I am really into sports/pop culture. I take pride in being able to engage most people where our interests align. Whether it be sports related, the latest Marvel production, or whether that new album that just dropped is an instant classic.
What advice do you have for our Aggies this semester?
As we navigate the current spring semester and approach the fall, I would encourage all Aggies to continue working to support others. The last few semesters have been absolutely trying; however I have seen what the collective will of Texas A&M Aggies is able to accomplish. I would hope as we return to some semblance of normalcy, we all can continue to exemplify the high-quality character traits that have allowed us all to continue to flourish.
What advice do you have for new academic advisors at Texas A&M?
I would encourage new advisors to attempt to take a genuine interest in the needs and aspirations of their student populations. This is a trait that is often discernable by the student, as the advisor’s confidence in the student can often produce intangible benefits outside of performance in class that can end up manifesting in some stellar ways.
Victor Castillo '13
February 2022 | College of ScienceWhat do you enjoy most about working with students?
I love being able to build long lasting relationships with these students that go beyond their time here at Texas A&M and being the person that supports them through their college journey. Hearing that some of these students here do not have anybody to talk to and becoming that one person on campus who gives them motivation, a drive to stay and keep pushing is rewarding. These students have become a second family to me and are the sole reason why I have the greatest job in the world!
What is one fun fact about you?
I just started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and got addicted to it.
What advice do you have for our Aggies this semester?
Remember your “Why”. We all have a “Why” and it’s the reason why we do anything in our lives. So, on those days where you’re tired of studying, super stressed or just got done crying, remember why you are here and never forget it. My “Why” was always my grandparents and wanting to make them proud! I wanted to make sure all their sacrifices were for something.
What advice do you have for new academic advisors at Texas A&M?
Remember the impact that you have on these students. I know it might be hard because we see a lot of students throughout the semester but to them, we might be the only person they have in their lives. So treat each student like its your first and make them feel like they are apart of your family. Trust me, they will appreciate it and be some of your best students here at Texas A&M.
Juanita Rodriguez '17
January 2022 | School of Public HealthWhat do you enjoy most about working with students?
I would say the one thing I enjoy overall is being able to empower students on their journey through the college arena. To empower is to know, and I like getting to know students’ stories, goals, and concerns. Not only does this bring the human element into the setting, but it also aids in creating customized advising support for each student.
What is one fun fact about you?
I am a huge wrestling fan (I acknowledge Roman Reigns)!
What advice do you have for our Aggies this semester?
Continue to ask questions in class, during office hours, in advising appointments - but, seriously! Be willing to ask questions without knowing the outcome. The more you practice that, the more comfortable you will get in doing it, unlocking your full potential along the way.
What advice do you have for new academic advisors at Texas A&M?
I would say 1.) always remember that you are appreciated and that your work is valued, 2.) connect with other advisors (yes, introduce yourself at UAC events), and 3.) take part in the advisor mentor/mentee UAC program. Through that program not only did I gain an amazing advisor mentor, I gained someone who is now one of my very best friends!