Newest Cardinal Families Welcomed During Move-In Days
UIW welcomed new students to campus on Thursday during first-year student move-in day. Throughout the day, we met several students and their families. Below, see why these incoming students are excited to finally be at the Nest, and learn why their families are happy their Cardinal found the perfect school for them.
Madeline Aguilar-Chapa
Why UIW?
I chose UIW because the fashion program is really good here, and the environment, and the people… I loved it the second I came here.
How does it feel to finally move in to your college home?
I’m excited to finally move in, to live the college life and to get to experience making new friends and being part of this community.
Priscilla Aguilar, Madeline's Mom
What has this process been like for you?
It wasn’t a difficult process. It was an easy decision. She has always liked UIW, and so when she was offered a scholarship, it was an easy choice!
Why was UIW the right choice for your daughter?
We like that the school is faith-based, and it has a great fashion program, so that was a bonus. The campus is beautiful, and it’s close to home.
Kaitlyn Weightman
Why UIW?
I chose UIW because I really liked the swim team and the coaches, and because it has a good education program.
How does it feel to finally move in to your college home?
I’m excited to be moving in so I can start practicing with my team and getting to know my roommates.
Amanda Weightman, Kaitlyn's Mom
What has this process been like for you?
It’s exciting. It’s sad. It’s my second child to go off to college. It’s sad knowing I’m going to be home with one more, but I’m excited for her to join the swim team and travel, and all of the things that she’s going to get to do here.
Why was UIW the right choice for your daughter?
I loved the campus atmosphere. Everything I saw at orientation really just pulled me in, and knowing that she’s going to be here and be safe with her coaches and teammates helps.
Xavier Perales
Why UIW?
Both my parents graduated from here, so I wanted to follow in their footsteps.
How does it feel to finally move in to your college home?
It’s a little strange, because I’ve lived at home my whole life, but I’m excited about moving onto campus.
Eddie Perales, Xavier's Dad
What has this process been like for you?
It’s been incredibly exciting and at the same time, a little bit stressful because we’re having to let go. But we’re confident that he’s going to find a home here and hopefully have a great education like we did. Hopefully he will become part of the campus life and learn what it means to be a Cardinal.
Why was UIW the right choice for your son?
I’m a veteran, and my wife and I both graduated from UIW. We had a wonderful experience with the faculty and the mentors that we interacted with here, and just the class ratios. The program he selected, nursing, is highly regarded. We’re looking forward to all the great things he’s going to do and learn here at UIW.
Alejandro Brown
Why UIW?
I chose UIW because it is very close to my home, and because the opportunities I have athletically and academically seem very exciting for me.
How does it feel to finally move in to your college home?
It’s kind of a relief, you know, it’s almost that time to go to college. Class starts in a few days, and I’m just really excited to finally start and start being an adult and more independent.
Tony Brown, Alejandro's Dad
What has this process been like for you?
I think it’s been great. He was getting recruited by several schools for track and field. Academically, he’s been accepted to every school he applied to.
Why was UIW the right choice for your son?
What it came down to was what the academic programs offered here and the coaches that he was going to be working with. He’s been pre-selected to go into the doctoral program for physical therapy, and that’s what he wants to do. UIW was an obvious choice and he jumped on it.