Facing the obstacles that come with college life is no easy task. The hurdle it takes to come back to school at a later stage in life is an even more daunting thought. But Crystal Esquivel sees it as a challenge.

Esquivel was named the Fall 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Student for the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at the University of Houston-Victoria. She will graduate in December with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The Outstanding Graduate Student is Gracie McAndrew, and she will graduate with a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology.

Craig Goodman

"It's so great to see Crystal and Gracie being acknowledged for their hard work and commitment," said Craig Goodman, associate dean for the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. "These students have shown exceptional motivation toward achieving their goals. I wish them the best as they take the next step."

Each semester, faculty from UHV’s four colleges select outstanding students to be honored during commencement. The university will host three fall commencement ceremonies on Dec. 14 at the Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive. The first ceremony begins at 9 a.m. to celebrate graduates from the College of Education & Health Professions. The second ceremony will begin at noon to celebrate the graduates from the College of Business, and the third will begin at 3 p.m. for graduates of the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences and the College of Natural & Applied Science. A live stream of the ceremonies will be available on the UHV Commencement page. 

Crystal Esquivel

“Being chosen as the Outstanding Undergraduate Student is such an honor, and it feels like a full circle moment for me after facing so many challenges,” Esquivel said. “This recognition really shows how perseverance and dedication can pay off.”

For the 34-year-old Falfurrias native, being chosen as an outstanding student is also a deep personal triumph, she said. Her late father would have been proud of her decision to come back to finish her degree as a first-generation student, she said. After starting her undergraduate studies right out of high school, her father passed away, and she had to take a step back from her studies, Esquivel said.

“But knowing how proud he would be that I’ve come this far, it means a lot to me,” she said. “I feel like this also gives me the chance to set an example for my son; showing him that hard work and determination can lead to meaningful accomplishments.”

Throughout everything, the thought of finishing her education never stopped, Esquivel said. When she moved to Port Lavaca, one of the first things she did was see if there was a college or university located in the area. One thing led to another, and Esquivel enrolled at UHV and said one of her favorite things is how tight knit the UHV community is.

“Going back to school, one of the things I was apprehensive about was the fact that I’m older than most of the people that are in school,” Esquivel said. “But I want students to know it’s never too late. It’s never too late to go back to school. My experience was all positive, and I am so grateful.”

Looking back, Esquivel said her journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support of her mother, son, professors and other members of her family.

“Walking that stage will mean everything to me,” Esquivel said. “It’s been a dream of mine, especially as a first-generation college student.”

When Gracie McAndrew first received the letter informing her that she had been selected as the Outstanding Graduate Student, she was filled with a mix of emotions.

Gracie McAndrew

"I wondered if it was real," McAndrew recalled. "I read over the letter, and I didn't know this kind of award existed, so I emailed back for clarification. I was very surprised, but very happy as well. It made it seem like my hard work over the past two and a half years has paid off."

Originally from Magnolia, McAndrew’s journey began at The University of Texas at Austin, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After completing her undergraduate program, McAndrew said she began searching for a graduate program to specialize in the field of forensic psychology.

“The forensic psychology program gave me so much information about the legal system and really put me ahead of other people who just don’t have that language yet,” she said. “And I’ve really enjoyed my time at UHV; I will grow close to becoming a mental health professional by the time I graduate, and I am so thankful for all my professors and mentors who have put time into making me into the person I am today.”

Throughout her time at UHV, McAndrew has been inspired and mentored by professors, such as Karen Parsonson and Rebecca Heron, who she credits as being “instrumental” in her academic career. The guidance and support has been crucial as she navigates the challenges of graduate school, particularly the late-night classes.

"Sometimes we would be there until almost 10 o'clock because lots of students work, and that was the only time the graduate classes were offered," McAndrew said. "All of us just being there and like, kind of eating our dinners in class, because we're all so busy and laughing about funny stuff like that, I do cherish those memories."

After graduation, McAndrew said she plans to work as a chemical dependency counselor and continue to research and work in the forensic psychology field, especially in jails, prisons and residential correctional settings.

“Mental health professions are so few in number, and there are just so many individuals who need our services,” McAndrew said. “And when I’m in those settings, I can really see my impact right there in front of my face.”