Student Success - Adriana Tristan

My name is Adriana Tristan and I am an alumnus from Texas Tech University. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management and a Minor in Dance. During my undergraduate career I was involved with the College of Human Science Recruiters, Lauro Cavazos & Ophelia Powell-Malone Mentoring Program (Mentor Tech), and Phi Upsilon Omicron. I was not only an active member in these organizations, but I also served on the executive board with College of Human Science Recruiters and served on the Protégé Advisory Committee with Mentor Tech.

My story might sound like a normal college student being involved at a university, however, normal is not what my life has been. Since I was three years I was diagnosed with speech therapy disorder, in the third grade with Dyslexia, and it does not end there. At 14 years old I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called Lupus. I always knew I was going to struggle with my education but never thought of quitting my college career because of that.

When it was time for me to choose a college, I knew that there was no other university I would have chosen than Texas Tech. Since my freshman year I was part of Student Disability Services and Technique Center. Student Disability Services office helped me get the appropriate accommodations in all classes so I would not struggle in them. The Technique Center office helped me by advising me in my classes each semester. Also, the center matched a tutor with my disabilities and classes and he/she helped me understand the material that I was given in class. With the help of both of these offices I was able to make the President's List, the Dean's List, a member of the honor societies with the university and my college, and be a 2011 Who's Who of American College and Universities.

Due to the support and help I have received from both of these offices I have decided to continue my education and get my masters. I choose to return to Texas Tech because I do not think there is another university out there that can offer me the support and help I have received from Student Disability Services and the Technique Center. In January 2012 I will be once again a Red Raider and could not be happier as I "Strive for Honor."