Get to Know Alanna
Alanna Hile is a military kid originally from New York. When her mother wanted to retire to San Antonio, Alanna decided to follow her. A quick search of the best schools in San Antonio helped her discover UT San Antonio, the perfect place for military affiliated students.
Alanna has always loved art, and after taking an art class at UT San Antonio she was inspired by her instructor to change career paths and pursue a teaching certificate to become an art teacher. She’s currently student-teaching at a middle school, already gaining valuable real-world experience through the program.
Getting Involved
The move from New York to Texas was a big change, and she didn’t know anybody in San Antonio. However, after encouragement from her admissions counselor, she joined some student organizations, starting with Women of Honor. Through organizations like Women of Honor and the Black Student Union, she not only met lifelong friends, but her husband as well. Along with gaining a sense of community, Alanna learned valuable soft skills from these organizations.
Getting Career Ready
Before her student-teacher program, Alanna learned the basics of supporting students through her work as a peer mentor and Orientation Leader. As a peer mentor, she helped students transition to college life, assisting with things like time management, budgeting and adjusting socially. Her work as an Orientation Leader involved leading around 25-30 students on a campus tour, providing insight as a current student and getting them excited about starting their college journey. Mentoring and supervising other students on campus has given her further skills for her future career as well as the confidence she needs for leading a classroom.
"You're never going to stop learning and growing at UT San Antonio."