Mr. TAMIU Candidate: Jose Ramon "J.R." Lara

Jose Ramon "J.R." Lara, a senior Nursing student, has made his mark at Texas A&M International University.

J.R. began his experience at TAMIU as a D.D. Hachar Honors Scholar ready to embark on a journey that would be memorable, impactful, and beyond the description of words.  As such, he was one of initial students chosen to participate in Reading the Globe Ambassadors, traveling to Krakow, Poland.

Thereafter, Jose Ramon dedicated himself to inspiring individuals to take advantage of the opportunities that TAMIU offers, many of which are geared at developing an individual's personality, global awareness, and perspective of life.  Thus, he joined the Office of Student Affairs as an Orientation Leader in order to provide incoming freshmen an experience worth sharing.  As an OL he helped build the spirits and traditions seen on campus including:  DUST ‘EM DEVILS, the ALMA MATER, and TAMIU'S Fight Song.  Jose Ramon continued as an Orientation Leader for three years.

Shortly after participating as an OL, Jose Ramon realized that freshmen hold the key to TAMIU's success and decided to become a Student Mentor for the Advising and Mentoring Center.  Working for AMC has allowed J.R. the opportunity to develop the study habits, time-management skills, and pride at Texas A&M International University.

Dedicated to advancing TAMIU's prestige as an academic institution, Jose Ramon became a representative at Harvard's Latino Leadership Initiative.  Participating at the conference J.R. learned leadership skills, which include:  public speaking, networking, and negotiations.  With these newly attained skills Jose Ramon joined forces with Office of Student Affairs in order to build what is known as Leadership TAMIU and Freshmen Leadership Organization.

Since J.R. has developed his leadership and social skills this year he was chosen as the Student Mentor who was traveled to Santiago, Chile with Reading the Globe.  His role was to assist the freshmen with their questions about flying, fears about home-stay, and culture shock during the fifteen-day adventure. 

Global awareness and cultural competence has allowed J.R. the opportunity to participate in the Student Nurses' Association (Treasurer), Association of International Students, and Club Alma Gitana.

Jose Ramon has personally experienced the progression of campus spirit and traditions.  J.R., as Mr. TAMIU, hopes to further continue what is likely to become a history in the making.  DUST ‘EM DEVILS!