Biology major dreams of medical career
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| Ericka Vasquez |
Most people head to the doctor when they feel under the weather or make their way to the hospital when things really get out of hand. University of Houston-Victoria sophomore Ericka Vasquez’s family is no different.
It’s just that for the more day-to-day health issues, they call her instead.
The 19-year-old biology major is on a path toward a lifelong dream: a career in the medical field.
“I have always wanted to help people, and I thought this would be a good way to do it,” she said.
Vasquez gets hands-on experience helping family members, assisting with insulin injections and whatever else they need when they aren’t feeling well.
“It’s good to know you’re helping them out and making a difference,” she said.
Her coursework might keep her busy, but it isn’t all that fills the Sugar Land native’s plate.
A soccer player ever since she can remember, the former Jaguars defensive player said she enjoys making it out for a game with family or friends any time she can.
“I’ve always loved to play,” she said, explaining soccer isn’t just good exercise, but also a bit of stress reliever. “I think I’ll always be a soccer player. It’s a big part of who I am.”
Other hobbies include listening to music – she listens to a little bit of everything – food and visiting with friends.
“I’ve always been outgoing - a social person,” she said. “My friends really mean a lot to me.”
And Vasquez’s new semester at UHV not only gives her a chance to revisit old friends, but also to show a family member the ins and outs of college life.
Her sister, Carla Vasquez, recently began classes at Victoria College, and she looks forward to having her nearby.
“It will be good having her here,” she said. “And it’s her first time away from home. This way, I can be here for her.”
All in all, Vasquez said she enjoys the path her life has taken so far and looks forward to her new semester at UHV.
“I’m excited,” she said. “I think it will be a good year.”
The UHV Outstanding Student is an online feature highlighting the exceptional students who attend the University of Houston-Victoria. To nominate a student, contact Paula Cobler, UHV interim director of marketing and communications, or call 361-570-4350.
The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 80 academic programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as an instructional site in Katy, Texas, and online classes that students can take from anywhere. UHV supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.
