Eyes on TAMIU is a feature highlighting the campus’s diversity.
Name: Gabriela RagaDepartment: Killam Library-CirculationPosition: Student Employee
Why did you decide to attend TAMIU?”I chose TAMIU because it was close to home. Since I was fresh out of high school, TAMIU seemed like a good start.”
Name an embarrassing moment?”When I was in kinder, my mom cut my hair. It was shoulder length, but then she cut it eye length–like a mushroom haircut. I walked into the classroom and started to cry, because some little boy pointed and said, “Look! She looks like a boy.”
If you could have one wish, what would you wish for?”If I had one wish, I would stop child neglect and abuse. There are many children who are neglected and abused by their parents or guardians. As a future teacher, I would want to protect the lives of children that are mistreated.”
Do you have a celebrity crush?”Well, I have two celebrity crushes: Brad Paisley and George Strait. George Strait is an old-fashioned cowboy, but he’s a little too old for me. Brad Paisley, on the other hand, is young, handsome, and has a nice voice.”
How do you feel about the campus?”It feels great. I like the atmosphere on campus. The different wild life we have here makes it unique. I also enjoy the various activities the student clubs provide here. In addition, it’s great they have on-campus jobs. I also like the fact that I work at the library. A lot of my memories have been made because I work there.”
What type of hobbies do you enjoy?”I like baking and cooking. I enjoy trying new recipes. I take my co-workers the different things I make; they’re like my guinea pigs (no offense–I love them.) And I also enjoy spending time with my boyfriend (I love him).”
What suggestions can you give to improve TAMIU?”The campus should get bigger, so people can recognize it. People won’t say, ‘Oh, it’s a small university. It’s the only thing in Laredo.’ I want it get recognition as a great school for academics, student population, and the campus itself, such as UT.”
What did you want to be when you were growing up?”I wanted to be a singer, but I also wanted to be a gymnast like Dominique Moceanu.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?”I see myself working at an elementary school and finishing up my bachelor’s degree. Maybe getting married and traveling. I would want to travel to Europe and other countries with my future husband.”