Brandi Reyes

As secretary of the University of Houston-Victoria Student Senate, Brandi Reyes and other Senate members have spent countless hours this school year rewriting the organization’s bylaws, a necessity with the addition of freshman and sophomore classes in the fall.

“The old bylaws wouldn’t accommodate us when we expand, so we’re adding more executive positions,” she said. “That way, we can have more members and increase involvement.”

Reyes joined the Senate to become more involved herself. She wanted an executive position that would give her leadership experience.

“I basically fell into the position of secretary because it was the only one available, but it’s perfect for me,” she said. “I wanted to be able to experience everything the Senate had to offer, and I get all of that as the secretary.”

She also got to experience Washington, D.C., when the Senate attended a leadership conference in September and plenty of great activities like a Meet the Leaders event that brought together students and community leaders.

“It’s great, and I’m having a blast,” she said. “There are so many friends I’ve met who I wouldn’t have known if it weren’t for the Senate. The way I look at it is that you only go to college once, so you need to make the most of it.”

But making the most of it also means finding the time. Reyes is a full-time mom and student teacher at Vickers Elementary School in Victoria, where she lives. She also teaches Sunday school at Parkway Church and has mentored several students. She is a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies major, certifying in elementary school education, who will graduate in May. She hopes to teach in Victoria where her two children attend school.

“I want to teach,” she said. “I love to teach. Student teaching has confirmed that this is what I want to do with my life. This is my passion. I’m ready for my own class and my own students.”

Reyes also is in Gamma Beta Phi honor society and the National Scholars Honors Society.

“I have a full-time job being married and a mother,” she said. “It’s also a full-time job student teaching and serving in the Student Senate, so I have to stay very organized, stay on top of my schedule and plan things very far ahead. That’s been the most challenging part of the Senate – just finding the time do all the events because we really do a lot for the community – but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The UHV Outstanding Student is an online feature highlighting the exceptional students who attend the University of Houston-Victoria. To nominate a student, contact UHV Communications Manager Paula Cobler  or call 361-570-4350.