By Ryan Carreon
Graduate student Katrina Reyna’s scholarships were matched dollar for dollar by the Society of Human Resources Management at Texas A&M-San Antonio (SHRM@A&M-SA) giving her a total of $4000 for the 2015 academic year.
Reyna received the SAHRMA $1,000 Scholarship for both the Spring and Fall 2015 semesters from The San Antonio Human Resource Management Association. In addition, Reyna received a $1,000 Chapter Match for each scholarship from The Society for Human Resource Management at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, bringing the total award amount to $4,000.
Reyna offered the following advice to students in need of scholarships.
“Find out which scholarships you do qualify for because certain ones have restrictions,” Reyna said. “And getting to know your professors — that to me is key. So, if you need recommendations, references… who is more perfect than your professor?”
For students seeking financial assistance, the priority deadline for A&M-San Antonio’s annual scholarship application falls on March 15. The application cycle runs through June 30. Students applying for scholarships should remember to double check limitations, preferences, and eligibility requirements unique to each scholarship.
Although Reyna has accomplished a lot in her academic career, she said it didn’t come easily.
Her involvement with the SHRM@A&M-SA chapter is another key aspect for students seeking scholarship awards, as many organizations prefer applicants be actively involved with student groups related to their field of study.
“We [SHRM@A&M-SA] are an academic affinity group at A&M-San Antonio, whose purpose is to create awareness, stimulate interest, and provide learning opportunities for students interested in any area of human resource management,” said Associate Professional Adrian B. Guardia.
In 2015, Reyna served as team captain at the SHRM Case Competition (West Division) in Ontario, California. She currently serves as a V.P. of Programs on the Chapter’s leadership team.
In addition to her academic achievements, her employer, Embassy Suites Riverwalk, promoted Reyna to human resources manager. She plans to graduate with her M.B.A. in Fall 2016 and work on her H.R. certifications while applying all that she has learned at A&M-San Antonio into her new role.
For many students, life can feel overwhelming having to juggle multiple aspects of life including work, school and family, but that doesn’t keep Reyna from looking toward the future and working hard for her daughters Emily, 11, and Lauren, 15.
“I have two daughters, so I’m trying to show them that it can be done. As hard as it is, it’s possible. “Just keep going for it.”
