Volume 9 | Issue 3 | May 2020
VEGAS IS ABOUT TO GET THREE DEGREES HOTTER
By Martha Amaya, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
My name is Martha Amaya. This May, I will graduate from UNLV’s Honors College and from the Hixson-Lied Success Scholars program with degrees in Criminal Justice, French, and Political Science. I selected these degrees to direct my career towards the U.S. Foreign Service. I chose Political Science to gain an understanding of the world’s political area, I selected Criminal Justice to solidify my understanding of the American justice system, and I studied French to master an additional foreign language. My undergraduate journey was ambitious, and it was because of the Hixson-Lied team that I was able to delve into my studies with the appropriate support.

My Hixson-Lied family gave me an incredible cohort and a group of mentors who have guided me throughout the last four years. Every month, we’ve gathered for our professional development meetings and the other Scholars have shared their awe-inspiring achievements. Being surrounded by such a passionate group of students has fueled me to excel; I wanted nothing more than to bring my own experiences to share with the other incredible Scholars.

My French major allowed me to study abroad. I spent a semester in southern France as a U.S. Department of State Gilman Scholar. That experience enabled me to learn about what it’s like to live immersed in another culture. Every day, my host mom and my international friends taught me a myriad of lessons that have stayed with me until today. My Political Science degree encouraged me to spend a semester completing Running Start’s incredible Congressional Fellowship, which gave me access to a network of strong women in politics. Through the fellowship, I interned for the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico and have weekly professional development meetings with Running Start staff, which developed my public-speaking skills and trained me to run for office!

I also participated in Princeton University’s Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute, which is a summer-long commitment to taking graduate-level courses in economics, statistics, and completing a policy workshop. My PPIA experience complimented my studies at UNLV, and I was extremely grateful to bring my UNLV research experience to share with my PPIA cohort.

This semester, it’s been my absolute pleasure to serve as a Hixson-Lied Peer Mentor in a COLA 100E course. The professor I’ve worked with is Dr. Hanna Andrews, and she’s been an absolute delight. Not only have I been able to participate in her courses, but she’s offered me mentorship of her own. Dr. Andrews has allowed me to develop my public-speaking skills even further, and she’s welcomed me to the class with warmth. Serving as a peer mentor is, undoubtedly, one of the most rewarding experiences of being a Hixson-Lied Success Scholar.

I will be attending the Harvard Kennedy School as an MPP candidate this upcoming fall. As a Charles B. Rangel Fellow, I will immediately begin working as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer upon completion of my degree. It is my hope to specialize in the economic career track, where I will be able to support American foreign policy as it relates to the political and economic spheres. It was through the support and encouragement of the Hixson-Lied Success Scholars cohort and staff that I applied to the top public policy and international affairs schools. I am excited to continue my studies in the best practices and policies, and I feel confident entering graduate school with the toolkit that UNLV has provided me with.

Most of all, I am thankful to the Hixson-Lied Success Scholars program for helping me throughout my undergraduate career. The support that the entire Academic Success Center has provided me with has made a definite and obvious difference in my career opportunities. I am thrilled to continue exploring public service, and I am so looking forward to the day when I can give back to the ASC for supporting me in the ways that it did.
A STEP FORWARD
By Danika Manguiat, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
When I first walked onto UNLV campus four years ago as a freshman, I had no idea what to expect of the future. Needless to say, even as a senior about to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, I find myself once again at the precipice of something new, unfamiliar, and unknown. If I look back at my experiences at UNLV, however, I find that the once previously hesitant future is now filled with not only a mix of indecisiveness and frustration, but also wonder and inspiration. Yes, there were times where things were endlessly frustrating; friendships falling through; projects, deadlines, and tests to complete; and, of course, that good old-fashioned artist block hitting at all the unexpected times. Yet, as a graphic design major and an artist, I always manage to find myself in awe of what the world has to offer. My time at UNLV was no different.

When I first started UNLV, I didn’t particularly enter the university with any lofty endeavors. I was more on the pragmatic side, but because I’ve always had good grades, I felt a pressure to pretend I did. One such example was studying abroad. At the start of my freshman year, I made a goal to study abroad in Japan during fall of my junior year. It was something I certainly wanted but at the time it was just something to pretend to strive for; I come from a single mother and my sister was also in college so needless to say I did not think financially it would ever be possible. All it took was a single push from my Academic Success Coach with the Hixson-Lied Success Scholars program to encourage me to take the first step in making that dream a reality. Now, I’d like to say this was a privilege I was granted. The reality, however, was that it was something I fought tooth and nail to achieve, wrote essay after essay to earn scholarships, strived for even when my apprehension told me to stop. This is what I like to call the “shift” in my university career, the point of which I suddenly became “awake.” When I got back from studying abroad, I had a different perspective. I felt more confident in my decisions, let go of things out of my control, and truly held onto the things that were important to me. Even my design work felt more inspired and more reflective of who I was.

My second shift was when I was hired as a graphic designer with the SIA on the third floor of the Student Union. My coworkers and supervisors were a huge support system; some of my fondest memories of UNLV were made in that office. I was surrounded by people who cared about the same things I did, who appreciated art for what it was. It’s interesting, I knew I wanted to major in graphic design when I first started UNLV, there was no question about it. Yet, it took me a good three years to feel confident and comfortable with my work as an artist. Now, after realizing my strengths and embracing how important the arts are to the quality of life, I am confident to say I’m an artist.

Of course, my time as a Hixson-Lied Success Scholar helped to create a community within the ASC. I had the opportunity to work with different COLA 100E professors each semester. Working as a Hixson-Lied Peer Mentor helped me reach out to students and share the knowledge I gained from my own experiences. Additionally, the Hixson-Lied community showed me how important it is to collaborate with people outside your usual circles. Since my classes were studios and usually held in the same building, I felt a bit disconnected from the rest of campus. I was comfortable about that fact - I tend to get overwhelmed when I’m thinned out too far - but keeping that small bubble within the ASC helped immensely feel that important connection. 

At the end of the day, the people I met were what truly made my UNLV experience exciting. Talking with others, learning from them, and even something as simple as walking across the street to get boba on a Tuesday afternoon helped stave away things like lethargy and artist block. Now, graduating from UNLV in Graphic Design, I am excited to take my first steps out into the world.
MY COLLEGE JOURNEY
By Joshua Deleon, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
College was, is, and always will be a significant part of my life even though five years out of my entire lifetime may not seem like much. I say this because in the five years of being in college, I learned so many things about life, what it means to take the first step into adulthood, my degree field, and so many other things. Although it was a tough journey, I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything in the world.

My name is Joshua Joven Montefero Deleon, or as many people call me, Josh. I’m an anime loving, church going, family oriented, first-generation Filipino-American, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar, and UNLV Computer Science student. That may sound like the first sentence to an introduction you would read on a dating profile, but I assure you it’s not. In fact, they’re important aspects of my life that not only have defined me as a person but have also defined many aspects of my college career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

To start it all off, I have to preface the fact that UNLV was not my first choice, and neither was my major. My life has been a whirlwind of indecision and hopefully, by the end of my college career I can say that my decision-making skills have improved over the years. After graduating from Silverado High School in 2015 as Salutatorian, I had no idea what I wanted to do; all I knew was that as an Asian-American, especially with a strict Filipino mom, I was expected to go to college. Due to family’s circumstances, going to college outside of the state was not an option. My family was not financially capable of sending me off to UNLV let alone a college outside of the state. So, I decided to stay in state and maybe try my luck at community college. But fate had a different story for me, as I found out that I was eligible to earn several scholarships and grants that would cover the cost of my education in full. This allowed me to enter UNLV straight out of high school and start my undergraduate journey into a career field that I had no idea, at the time, what it would be.

When I first enrolled into UNLV, I had no idea what major, discipline or career field I wanted to study. I started off as an Exploring Major my first year at UNLV, and I don’t regret that decision to this day. Starting off as an Exploring Major allowed me to take COLA 100E: First-Year Seminar – a class that will always have a special place in my heart because it gave me the necessary skills to make decisions and ultimately choose the major that I had then (Hospitality) and eventually the major that I have now (Computer Science). Being in the COLA 100E class also opened up the opportunity to become a Hixson-Lied Success Scholar and peer mentor because I was inspired by my very own Hixson-Lied Peer Mentor that was there at the time. For four years, I have served as a Hixson-Lied Success Scholar and peer mentor in the COLA 100E class that I myself attended as a freshman, which has taught me so much. It opened my eyes to my love for leadership and mentorship as well as public speaking. It allowed me to make great connections with my fellow Scholars and with peers, who have taught me so much. The Hixson-Lied Success Scholars program allowed me to be vulnerable and transparent about my own shortcomings and struggles as a university student and walked me through some very tough times that I probably would not have been able to get through on my own. I am so grateful for this program because my college career would have turned out a lot differently if it weren’t for such an amazing program.

In December of 2020, I graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. I intend to focus on the Software Engineering path of computer science because it interests me the most. I have always loved tech and I am excited to pursue a career that is filled with creating technological applications that will benefit people. My passion for the field became more profound after participating in the College of Engineering’s Senior Design Project, where my team and I created a mobile phone application that although didn’t end up winning, was selected to be displayed and showcased at UNLV’s booth at CES January 2020. This was arguably one of my greatest accomplishments here at UNLV and felt like a confirmation for myself that I was on the right career path.

Although college has been filled with stressful nights, long days of studying, days of anime-procrastinating-studying for an exam and playing it off as “self-care”, it has been a fulfilling journey. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for my family, my Hixson-Lied family, friends, and especially God by my side. I am so grateful for everything I’ve experienced and accomplished here during my time at UNLV, and I’m so excited for what the future has in store for me.
GRADUATING WITH CLARITY
By Lidia Wossen, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
Four years ago, my journey as an undergraduate student started with many uncertainties. I felt unsure of the path I wanted to take, let alone begin to understand how to tackle the university lifestyle. Still coping from the death of my father in high school, I lacked motivation towards my academics and veered away from accomplishing the goals I had once set for myself. If it weren’t for the UNLV community and Academic Success Center’s Hixson-Lied Success Scholars program, I would not have found the success and clarity I possess today.

I began as a Biology major but quickly realized my passions aligned within the psychology field. While I faced much pressure to pursue a degree within the medical field, it quickly dawned on me that I would make the most impact and reach the most success in choosing the path I see fit for myself. I found the most passion in wanting to improve the mental health and overall quality of life of others while simultaneously being able to relate to those that have lost someone in their life. Over the past four years, I have had the pleasure of participating in numerous psychology laboratories, presenting psychology topics in classrooms, constructing different psychology related projects and contributing to many different service sites in need.

Helping others is simply a value instilled in me since I was young. Serving as a Hixson-Lied Success Scholar presented me with the opportunity to do that and so much more. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many first-year students who were still navigating their own journeys. Serving as a role model and an influencer within their classrooms granted me the chance to truly make a difference within the UNLV community. Getting feedback from my students about how much I’ve motivated them or made a difference in their life is what reminds me of why I love the field of psychology. I strive to motivate others, instill positivity in their lives and hopefully make a difference.

While I enjoyed finding opportunities on campus, I spent a large sum of my undergraduate career making a difference in the community. I had the incredible opportunity of becoming a site leader and leading my peers in service projects at different organizations such as Springs Preserve and Spread the Word Nevada. Aside from my network with UNLV, I’ve also had opportunities to organize numerous toy drives through my role as a fitness instructor. My coworkers and I have consistently collected hundreds of toys each December for local families that were in need.

In retrospect, I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunities and setbacks I have endured. Above all else, they clearly showed me the amount of perseverance, grit, and support I have within and around me. I’m beyond grateful for the Academic Success Center and their numerous resources. Much of my success I owe to the guidance and support I received from the Hixson-Lied Scholars program. I’m not only graduating with accomplished goals but also with a family that I have gained and will cherish for a lifetime.

I’ll be graduating with a B.A. in Psychology this upcoming summer. My post-graduation plan includes beginning entry level positions within the field, beginning online graduate level courses in hopes to transfer into a Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology and continuing to impact my community. I owe much of my success to the Hixson-Lied Success Scholars program and the UNLV community. I will forever be grateful for the wealth of knowledge they have instilled in me and the connections made possible through them. I know I will represent UNLV admirably in my future endeavors and will make them, my family and my father proud. So long, UNLV!
MY FOURTH-YEAR EXPERIENCE
By Ines Rojas, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
Hello Rebels! My name is Ines Rojas, I am a fourth-year student here at The University of Nevada, Las Vegas and am working on my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. In addition to being a fourth-year student, it is also my fourth year as a Hixson-Lied Success Scholar.

The Hixson-Lied Success Scholars program is a terrific program designed to build leadership skills, give back to the community and provide financial support to high achieving students on their journeys to becoming future professionals. The program does many great things for students; however, it would not be what it is today without the amazing Hixson-Lied leadership team that is behind it all. Thanks to all of them, I have learned and grown so much. Programs like these help college students succeed! Even though my journey here at UNLV has been long and tough, it is still not over.

Despite it being my fourth year, I still have some time before graduation. See, going into college, I didn't always know I wanted to major in Computer Science, so, I did some exploring. I explored the fields of Liberal Arts and Biological Sciences before deciding on Computer Science. Although these fields are wonderful and I learned a lot from them, I also learned that they were not for me. Though exploring my interests has delayed my graduation, I believe that it is all worth it because I am now in a major I wholeheartedly believe is right for me. Additionally, I am appreciative of the courage and opportunity I had to explore my interests and find what ignites me.

After graduation, I plan to utilize everything I have learned from UNLV, the Hixson-Lied Success Scholars program and intern experience to land an entry level software developer job. I want my career to challenge me and to be my fountain of knowledge. In addition, I’d like to start a business in building and selling software that makes people’s lives easier. My future excites me, and I look forward to my future endeavors post-graduation!

I am immensely grateful for UNLV, the Hixson-Lied Success Scholars program, and for all the wonderful people I have had the pleasure of meeting through my journey thus far. I believe that my experiences and the people I have met have helped shape who I am and who I will become! Thank you!
MEET OUR DONORS
Ms. Christina M. Hixson
Ms. Christina M. Hixson graduated from high school in Clarinda, Iowa and moved to Omaha, Nebraska to attend business school. She later went to work for Mr. Ernst F. Lied , a car dealership owner in Omaha and in 1960 she joined Mr. Lied in Las Vegas, Nevada as his assistant. After Mr. Lied’s death in 1980, Ms. Hixson became the sole trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust and turned the Lied Foundation Trust into one of the largest foundations in the state of Nevada at that time. Ms. Hixson has a special understanding of young people who, like her, came from a challenging family background and are willing to work hard. 
Mr. Ernst F. Lied
Mr. Ernst F. Lied was born in Columbus, Ohio and attended the University of Kansas for two years, where he played on the golf team. He ultimately graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1927. Mr. Lied became a Buick dealer in Omaha, Nebraska and later his dealership was ranked third in the country for the number of cars sold. Mr. Lied established his charitable foundation in 1972, and upon his death in 1980 at age 74 nearly his entire estate funded the Lied Foundation Trust. Lied Foundation Trust has enhanced the capabilities of many schools and enriched the quality of many lives!
 *All photos used are original, can be found on unlv.edu, UNLV social media or have references indicated
UNLV | Academic Success Center | (702) 895-3177 | asc@unlv.edu | www.unlv.edu/asc