Live and Learn

Hometown: Monterrey, Mexico
MPA tracks: Financial Reporting/Assurance and Managerial
Class status: MPA (traditional approach)
Estimated graduation date (both UT and ITESM): Fall 2010

Why did you choose the MPA Program?
Being a part of the program became my goal since I found out about it (in my last year of high school). My college (Tecnológico de Monterrey, ITESM) has a double degree program with UT Austin; in which I will be able to earn my master’s degree from UT Austin and my bachelor’s degree from ITESM at the same time (kind of an integrated approach). I knew that this program was the best for accountants and wanted to have all the opportunities that the program offers after graduation.

What do you want to do when you graduate from the MPA program?
As part of the program with Tecnológico de Monterrey, I have to go back to Mexico to finish another semester and graduate on December 2010. However, I plan to come back and (hopefully) start working in audit for one of the Big 4 or another firm.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
The MPA Lounge: it is a great place to go between classes. Over there you can finish some assignments, do group projects, talk with other MPAs, and even take a little nap.

Where are your favorite places to go in Austin? What are your favorite things to do in Austin?
I would strongly recommend the Hula Hut, a restaurant that serves a mix of Mexican and Polynesian food.  Besides, it is located on Lake Austin so it has a great view. Right by the side of Lake Austin is also Mozart’s, a great coffee house with live music and a beautiful view as well.

Other interesting facts about you:
I tend to be organized (I love making to-do lists and planning things in advance), so it should be interesting to see how this helps during my MPA experience (if it really helps or if I end up not being as organized).

I like making new friends and especially knowing other cultures (I speak English, but also a little Italian and German).

I like to play tennis, although I am not good at it. I also enjoy horseback riding, but there’s been a while since I did it last.

I love to cook and also bake cakes and brownies. When it is a friend’s birthday, I rather make a cake than just purchase a gift (I think it is better to give something that I actually took time to make).