Student Ambassador Program
Student Ambassadors are an important part of the fabric of the College of Education community. They represent students from across a variety of majors ranging from Sport Management to Exercise Science to Early Childhood and Bilingual Education. The college’s ambassadors work closely with prospective and transfer students, scholarship recipients, alumni, Student Affairs and other departments throughout COE to share stories, assist with events and celebrate the accomplishments of our community.
Meet the COE Student Ambassadors
Major: Special Education
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Get to know Lainey
Give us some background on yourself (where you’re from, any hobbies, fun facts).
Hi everyone! I am from Dallas, Texas and am currently a freshmen at the University of Texas at Austin. I love to travel, bake, and spend time with my family and friends.
Why did you choose the College of Education at UT Austin?
I chose the CoE at UT Austin because I have always had a passion for pursuing a helping profession, and specifically special education has allowed me to do this!
What do you enjoy most about being a student ambassador?
I enjoy meeting new people and getting the chance to see a new side of our incredible education department.
What’s next? What are your future aspirations after graduation?
As of now, I am still exploring all of my options as I am still a freshmen. However, I hope to be somewhere teaching special education in an urban setting!
Major: Early Childhood Education ESL Generalist
Expected Grad Year: 2026
Hometown: Round Rock, Texas
Get to know Jordan
Give us some background on yourself (where you’re from, any hobbies, fun facts).
Hi y’all! My name is Jordan, I’m a junior here at UT, and I’m from Round Rock, TX!
I have two dogs who I love dearly, and for fun I LOVE to read (favorite genres are romance and mystery) and I have been penpaling (snail mail letters) since 2020! A fun fact about me is that I just started reading the Harry Potter series for the first time in October (they’re so good!)!
Why did you choose the College of Education at UT Austin?
I’ve dreamed of becoming an early elementary teacher since I was 6 years old. I remember that when I was picking a university, I had heard from my friends that the College of Education at UT Austin was beyond amazing. As a student in the COE, I can proudly say that this school has proven time and time again that they go above and beyond for their students and are so supportive of everyone. The professors are amazing and I have truly learned so many new concepts that I can’t wait to incorporate into my future classroom.
What do you enjoy most about being a student ambassador?
What I love the most about being a student ambassador is the connections I get to make. I meet so many new people and get to make so many new friends! I also get to give back to the college that has given me so much, and it’s such an amazing and rewarding opportunity!
What’s next? What are your future aspirations after graduation?
I’m really excited for what comes next! After graduation, my goal and plan is to become a kindergarten or first grade teacher (those are my dream grades!). I am leaning towards staying in Texas, and hopefully add another dog to my family!
Major: Special Education
Expected Grad Year: 2025
Hometown: Pflugerville, Texas
Get to know Emily
Give us some background on yourself (where you’re from, any hobbies, fun facts).
I enjoy journaling, going on walks downtown and visiting with friends. I have a fish named Pomie (short for Pomegranate). I love to explore new coffee shops in Austin. My dream travel destination is New Zealand and I hope one day I can cross it off my bucket list.
Why did you choose the College of Education at UT Austin?
I chose the college mainly because they have an excellent special education program. I wanted a place where I could receive a quality education through coursework, as well as gain hands-on experience teaching in real classrooms. What sealed the deal for me, though, was the campus itself. I love how friendly and approachable everyone is and I’ve made real connections that have enriched my college life.
What do you enjoy most about being a student ambassador?
Being a student ambassador has been an incredibly rewarding experience. One of the highlights of this role has been the opportunity to meet a variety of different people, from prospective students to experienced educators. I’ve loved being able to share my experiences at UT and offer insights on college life, whether it’s about choosing the right courses or navigating campus resources. The chance to positively impact my fellow Longhorns’ experiences makes being a student ambassador truly fulfilling.
What’s next? What are your future aspirations after graduation?
I want to become a special education teacher here in Texas. I firmly believe that every student should have access to a high-quality, individualized education that meets their unique needs. My goal as a future educator is to create an inclusive and supportive classroom where learners of all abilities can succeed.
Major: Kinesiology – Exercise Science
Expected Grad Year: 2026
Hometown: Uvalde, Texas
Get to know Claudio
Give us some background on yourself (where you’re from, any hobbies, fun facts).
I am a third year student here at UT Austin from Uvalde, Texas. My favorite thing to do outside of school is spend time with my very supportive family and friends. I enjoy playing music, playing video games, watching movies, and reading in my spare time as well. A fun fact about me is that I grew out 14 inches of my hair and donated it while in High School!
Why did you choose the College of Education at UT Austin?
I chose the College of Education because of the prestige of the Kinesiology program and of the University as a whole. I knew that coming to UT would not challenge me academically, but provide me with the skills and techniques to be successful after my studies. The College of Education has been extremely helpful in allowing me to chase my dreams. The faculty and staff have provided me with so much guidance and wisdom, which I will always be grateful for.
What do you enjoy most about being a student ambassador?
I enjoy helping prospective UT students in their search for post-secondary education. I remember being a Senior in high school and feeling overwhelmed with the whole process of applying and choosing a university to attend so it is rewarding to help others out in any way that I can. I also love serving the College of Education by setting up or helping with events. It is a great way to give back to the community that has given me so much to me.
What’s next? What are your future aspirations after graduation?
I plan on applying to Physical Therapy school after graduating here at UT and becoming a licensed Physical Therapist. I plan on staying in Texas close to family but will also try and apply to top programs around the country. My ultimate goal is to settle back down in Uvalde after gaining years of experience as a Physical Therapist and open up my own clinic back home. I love my hometown and it would be an honor and blessing to serve my community in the future.
Major: Education – EC-6 Generalist
Expected Grad Year: 2026
Hometown: Frisco, Texas
Get to know Elisa
Give us some background on yourself (where you’re from, any hobbies, fun facts).
Howdy! I am from Frisco, Texas, but I was actually born in Seoul, South Korea! I love doing things that make my heart full, including traveling, playing video games, crocheting, and going to the gym. Some fun facts about me are that I have never broken a bone, and I have visited 23 states! I have two minors and I am also currently an officer in Teachers of Tomorrow and Education Council!
Why did you choose the College of Education at UT Austin?
Aside from my love for my major and learning how to help students grow and learn, I love the College because it is so diverse yet integrated, and the faculty is willing to get to know and support us. The wide range of individuals and their interests, along with the intimate relationships I am able to build within the college is truly what makes the COE hold a special place in my heart.
What do you enjoy most about being a student ambassador?
Being a student ambassador is so rewarding, as I get to give back and be a part of the behind-the-scenes of the College that has given me so much for the past two years! I love getting to interact with all the lovely current and prospective students of the College of Education, but above all, one of my favorite parts so far is getting to befriend all these wonderful people outside of my own major, especially in Kinesiology!
What’s next? What are your future aspirations after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to immediately jump into becoming an educator here in Texas! I wish to start teaching in 5th grade, but then gradually move up to 6th and 7th grade, as that is where my heart truly is- in helping students overcome some of the most confusing years of their lives. In the summers, I plan to incorporate my Sales minor by being involved in social media marketing, then in the later years of my career, I hope to involve my EDP minor by becoming a school counselor and perhaps pursuing higher education to become an administrator.
Student Ambassador applications open in mid-summer and all current students are eligible to apply.
If you have questions about the program, please contact COE Marketing and Communications.
Student Affairs (includes Academic Advising)
(512) 471-3223
Field Experiences
Supports students in the Future Teachers Professional Development Sequence
(512) 471-1511
Email Field Experiences
Certification Office
512-471-1511
Email the Certification Office
Career Engagement
(512) 471-1306
Email Education Career Engagement
Student Success and Recruitment
(512) 471-3223
Email Student Success and Recruitment