Student Spotlight: Brenda Davila, Multidisciplinary Studies ’24

Balancing Roles, Breaking Barriers 

For Brenda Davila, returning to college as an adult was a decision that took years to materialize. Motivated by a desire to fulfill a personal dream and inspire her children, she decided to take a bold step forward. Since she works part time for UTSA Athletics, Davila needed a degree program that offered flexibility and robust student support. She found the perfect match with the UTSA Online Multidisciplinary Studies program.  

“It was something I had thought about for years but always put off due to the demands of life,” said Davila. “I realized that age is just a number when it comes to education, whether you’re 25 or 55, you should seize the opportunity to grow and develop, no matter where you are in life.” 

The 100% online degree program’s structure, combined with resources such as academic advising and tutoring, provided the foundation Davila needed to succeed.  

“I knew I needed a program that offered flexibility, quality education, and support to help me succeed as an adult learner,” said Davila. “The support from faculty and staff reassured me that I could achieve my goals.” 

At UTSA, Davila serves as an insurance coordinator and administrative assistant, working in a long room, outside the Sports Medicine Center at the UTSA Roadrunner Athletics Center of Excellence (RACE). From her desk, Davila is able to provide seamless support to the athletes and the sports medicine team.  

This dual role has given her a unique perspective on the university’s culture and values. She said that she feels energized coming to work, enjoying the camaraderie that she’s built among her peers – both UTSA employees and residential undergraduate students who work in the RACE building. 

“UTSA isn’t just a place to work or study, it’s a family,” she said. “Being both an employee and a student has deepened my sense of pride and connection to this community.” 

Davila’s journey has not been without challenges. Balancing coursework with her professional and personal responsibilities required immense discipline and resilience. Late nights and early mornings became the norm as she worked to meet deadlines and fulfill her commitments. Health challenges and moments of self-doubt added additional hurdles.  

“There were times I questioned whether I could succeed,” Davila said. “But overcoming those obstacles taught me perseverance and helped me grow into a stronger, more confident person.” 

As the first in her family to graduate college, Davila is breaking barriers and creating a legacy of educational achievement. She is celebrating this milestone alongside her children, who are achieving academic success as well. Her son graduated from Texas State University in 2016 and her daughter is about to begin pursuing her second bachelor’s degree at the University of Incarnate Word. She credited her children and partner for supporting her through difficult moments and keeping her focused.  

“Returning to school has been a journey of self-discovery and it’s taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone” she said. “Education has transformed my life and I’m excited to see how I can use what I’ve learned to make a positive impact in my community.” 

After commencement, Davila plans to continue her education by pursuing a Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies through UTSA Online.