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: 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 (DFW area), but I was actually born in Seoul, South Korea, Some things that make my heart full are traveling, playing video games, crocheting, reading and going to the gym. A few of my favorites are koalas, Coca-Cola and the colors green and pink! Two fun facts about me are that I have never broken a bone, and I have visited over 23 states! Outside of school, I am president of the Education Council and a section leader in the Longhorn Band.
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 COE 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 close relationships I am able to build within the college, is truly what makes 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, 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 be able to teach English back in South Korea for a little while before moving back to the U.S. to work as an upper-elementary/lower-middle school STEM teacher. This is where my heart truly is: in helping students navigate some of the most confusing years of their lives. In the summer months, I plan to incorporate my Sales minor by being involved in social media marketing. Long term, I aspire to pursue higher education to help me achieve my goal of expanding educational opportunities for students in underserved countries.
Major: Education – EC-6 Generalist
Expected Grad Year: 2027
Hometown: Spain
Get to know Elena
Give us some background on yourself (where you’re from, any hobbies, fun facts).
Hi! My name is Elena, I’m from Spain, but I went to high school in El Paso, TX. I’m currently a junior here at UT Austin studying Early Childhood Education. Some things I love to do include traveling, hiking, swimming, baking, spending time with friends and family and listening to music.
Why did you choose the College of Education at UT Austin?
I chose the College of Education because I have always wanted to become an early childhood teacher. Many teachers in my family have inspired me to follow in their footsteps and make a difference in young learners’ lives. Now, being part of the COE, I can confidently say this school truly supports its students. The professors are amazing and passionate and are teaching me things I would love to incorporate into my future classroom.
What do you enjoy most about being a student ambassador?
Being a student ambassador is the perfect way to encourage future longhorns to join this amazing college. I also love giving back to the college that has provided me with an amazing education and unforgettable experiences. I’m excited to share my own journey and support future students as they begin theirs here at UT.
What’s next? What are your future aspirations after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to return to Spain or go somewhere else in Europe to become a kindergarten or first-grade teacher!
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 senior here at UT, and I’m from Round Rock, Texas. I have two dogs that 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 six 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 it goes above and beyond for its students and is 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 is to become a kindergarten or first-grade teacher — those are my dream grades! I am leaning toward staying in Texas, and hopefully adding another dog to my family!
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 fourth-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 challenge me academically and 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. I love my hometown. It would be an honor and blessing to serve my community in the future.
Major: Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, minoring in Law, Justice, and Society
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Get to know Sadie
Give us some background on yourself (where you’re from, any hobbies, fun facts).
I grew up in Houston and went to a performing arts high school for violin, something I am still very passionate about and continue to play today! With both of my parents being teachers and 7 years of experience teaching violin myself, education has always been at the heart of my life, which is why I’m so grateful to be part of the College of Education at UT Austin!!
Why did you choose the College of Education at UT Austin?
Education has always been a passion of mine, whether through promoting health, teaching or law. The College of Education at UT was the perfect fit because it allows me to combine these interests and prepare for a career that enables me to help others!
What do you enjoy most about being a student ambassador?
I love meeting new people and sharing experiences, and I’m excited about the opportunity to connect with prospective students and support them in their journey at UT!!
What’s next? What are your future aspirations after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on attending law school to pursue a career in either health law or education law!
Major: Exercise Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
Hometown: Beaumont, Texas
Get to know Jolaine
Give us some background on yourself (where you’re from, any hobbies, fun facts).
Hi! My name is Jolaine, and I’m from Beaumont, Texas. I’m a sophomore at UT Austin studying exercise science on the pre-PA track. I enjoy reading, playing tennis and trying out new foods around Austin. A fun fact about me is that I am super obsessed with the musical Hamilton, and can sing the entire soundtrack start to finish!
Why did you choose the College of Education at UT Austin?
I chose the College of Education because it aligns with both my interests and future goals. Growing up, I was always active and developed a strong passion for healthcare and helping others. UT’s Kinesiology program stood out to me not only for its academic prestige, but also for the supportive community within the College of Education. From the start, it felt like the right place for me to learn, grow and prepare for my future career.
What do you enjoy most about being a student ambassador?
I’m excited about being able to meet prospective students and their families and share what my experience has been like here. When I was deciding on a college, it helped a lot to hear directly from students, so I’d love to be that person for someone else. I also just really enjoy representing the College of Education, as it’s such a welcoming and encouraging place.
What’s next? What are your future aspirations after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to apply and attend PA school to become a physician assistant. I am interested in pursuing a career in pediatrics or orthopedics; however, what’s most important to me is having a career where I can truly make a difference. Whether that’s helping someone recover from an injury so they can get back to the activities they love, or supporting families by being a trusted healthcare provider they can rely on. Being able to combine my passion for healthcare with the opportunity to impact people’s lives in a meaningful and lasting way is what excites me most about this path!
Major: Sport Management
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Armonk, New York
Get to know Aidan
Give us some background on yourself (where you’re from, any hobbies, fun facts).
I am from Armonk, New York and I am currently a Junior at UT. I love watching football, as well as working out and trying new restaurants all around Austin.
Why did you choose the College of Education at UT Austin?
I chose the College of Education at UT Austin because it aligns with my career goals. What stood out the most about the college were the professors in my department. They are leaders in their fields and are reliable, consistent and empathetic.
What do you enjoy most about being a student ambassador?
What I enjoy most about being a student ambassador is the fact that I get the opportunity to put myself in a prospective student’s shoes and give them all of the information they need to know in order to make their transition to college as seamless as possible and support the college that I proudly represent.
What’s next? What are your future aspirations after graduation?
After graduating, I hope to become a Scouting Intern in the NFL and work my way up to eventually become a General Manager in the NFL.
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_info@austin.utexas.edu.
Student Affairs (includes Academic Advising)
(512) 471-3223
Educator Preparation Services
Supports students in the Future Teachers Professional Development Sequence
(512) 471-1511
Certification Office
(512) 471-1511
Career Engagement
(512) 471-3223
