Ugo Aririelenjoku ’24
Neuroscience
Nigeria
Meet Ugo Aririelenjoku, a Neuroscience major who is a recipient of the UTSA Bold Promise program.
Ugo decided to attend UTSA because of the university’s diversity and unique traditions. She knew she wanted to study Neuroscience in the 10th grade after watching a video about Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon.
Bold Promise is part of UTSA’s effort to make college more affordable for our students that come from middle- and low-income Texas families. Each fall, incoming first-time freshman who qualify and are admitted by the January 15 priority deadline will have their tuition and fees covered 100% for eight fall/spring semesters (approx. a $40,000 value). Costs are covered by scholarships, grants or tuition exemptions from federal, state and/or institutional funds.
Ugo believes the Bold Promise program is a great opportunity to focus strictly on her academics and put all her time towards school without the worry of paying tuition and working multiple jobs.
“To me, Bold Promise means that my dad will no longer have sleepless nights where he’s worrying about how he will pay for my tuition,” said Ugo. It means that I only have to worry about my academics and can put in all my time towards school.”
Ugo started at UTSA this fall as a freshman. This school year has definitely been different due to COVID-19. Classes are now mostly taken online, and it can be challenging to adjust, but Ugo has created a routine that has helped her adapt to learning virtually by taking it day by day.
Ugo believes becoming a Roadrunner means joining a diverse family that supports each other.
“What makes UTSA great are all the resources that exist to help students be successful,” said Ugo. “There are countless opportunities available that can come from just connecting with a professor or a fellow student.”