Mayan Tellez Alcantar ’21
Interdisciplinary Studies
San Antonio, TX
Mayan is a San Antonio local who is majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and is planning on becoming an elementary school teacher. In high school, several of Mayan’s teachers graduated from UTSA and they always made positive comments about the university and its programs. These glowing remarks helped Mayan decide on becoming a Roadrunner, a choice that she knew was right for her.
At UTSA, Mayan has found her professors to be passionate and knowledgeable, and they’ve encouraged her to persevere in a virtual learning environment. She’s especially grateful to Professor Herrera and Professor Haddad for their help in shaping her identity as an educator.
“My professors have given me wonderful memories, opportunities, and experiences that I will take with me into the future.”
Mayan is also part of a year-long clinical teaching program that is offered through her major. The program lets Mayan take what she’s learned from her UTSA courses and apply it in grade school classroom. Working with both a mentor teacher and students, she’s already gained nearly a year of teaching experience as a Roadrunner!
During this time of online learning, Mayan has had to adapt more than most because she’s both a student and a teacher-in-training. Through professional development courses and becoming involved in discussions based on virtual learning, Mayan has managed to adapt to online learning. She admits that it’s not always been easy, but with the help of her professors, students and fellow Roadrunners, the experiences and opportunities she’s gained from learning and teaching online have helped her grow as both a person and as an educator.
“The past four years at UTSA have been the greatest years of my life,” said Mayan. “Whichever field of study you decide to pursue, there will be friends, family, peers and professors that will support you throughout your education at UTSA.”
“When I first became a Roadrunner, I immediately felt immersed in the diversity around me,” said Mayan. “UTSA stands out from other universities because of its ability to create an environment that promotes and advocates diverse cultural practices, traditions, and linguistic abilities.”
Interdisciplinary Studies offers several concentrations for students who wish to become teachers. These concentrations include early childhood education, special education, English as a second language, and more. Learn more about Interdisciplinary Studies.