Posted on December 12, 2025 by College of Sciences
#ThisIsWhatAScientistLooksLike
Sarah Garcia, Environmental Studies Major
Commencement Story
By Ryan Schoensee, Senior Communications Specialist
Meet Sarah Garcia, a San Antonio native and proud Roadrunner who will earn her B.A. in Environmental Studies this December.
Sarah grew up in Alamo City hearing about The University of Texas at San Antonio, but it wasn't until her first campus tour that she knew it was the place for her. She fell in love with the scenery, the welcoming atmosphere, and the sense of belonging she immediately felt.
"The community here is unlike any other university I toured," Sarah said. "Everyone felt authentic and kind. In the Environmental Studies tract, my classmates have been so encouraging. I've always felt supported by both professors and peers."
As a freshman, Sarah joined the Honors College, where she was encouraged to pursue campus involvement and professional development opportunities. She received the Distinguished Presidential Scholarship, the San Antonio Education Partnership Scholarship, and additional grant and work-study support that helped fund her education.
Throughout her time at the university, Sarah has taken on multiple leadership roles. She began as a mentor for both First Year Experience (FYE) and the College of Sciences before earning promotions that led to her current role as a lead science mentor for the College of Sciences Student Success Center. In that position, she has coordinates events, works closely with faculty and staff, and develops valuable professional and communication skills.
Sarah has also gained hands-on experience in her field. As a habitat conservation intern with the Edwards Aquifer Authority, she learned about environmental protections and the responsibilities of environmental committees. Last spring, she served as a research associate with the Ramos Research Institute, collaborating with students from other universities to study the environmental, economic, and social impacts of fast fashion. Her team proposed solutions ranging from personal practices to policy-level changes.
Most recently last summer, Sarah worked as a camp counselor at the San Antonio Zoo, where she helped students build curiosity and compassion for wildlife by presenting animals and creating memorable educational experiences.
Like many science students, Sarah struggled with imposter syndrome early on, most notably when she was taking a class in bioscience.
"It felt like everyone else had it all figured out," she said. "It wasn't until I started talking to more students that I realized I wasn't alone in feeling this way."
Connecting with classmates helped her build confidence, form meaningful relationships, and share study strategies that benefited others as well. Events hosted by the College of Sciences, including "How to Get Involved in Research" also helped her discover new opportunities on campus and deepen her engagement within the academic community.
After graduation, Sarah plans to move to Florida with her husband and pursue a master's degree. She hopes to build a career in the environmental sector that blends her love of data analysis, environmental stewardship and connecting with others.
Sarah offers this simple advice to new and continuing science students: remember your why.
"Remember why you're going through all these late-night study sessions, research papers, statistical analysis and more," Sarah said. "When you keep your end goal in mind, the stressful times become more manageable, and a lot more meaningful."
— College of Sciences
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