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Texas Tech at Collin Student Earns Study Abroad Scholarship

By Jessica Thomas, Section Manager

With help from the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, TTU at Collin student Daniella Munoz was able to study in Spain during the summer session. Collectively, 15 Texas Tech Gilman scholars received nearly $50,000 to study around the world.

Daniella is a senior University Studies major with a 3.75 GPA, who was awarded this opportunity to study abroad at the TTU Center in Sevilla, Spain.

Established in 2001, the Gilman Program has worked to expand the U.S. student population studying abroad by providing scholarships to outstanding undergraduates who, due to financial constraints, might not otherwise participate.

"I found out about this opportunity to study abroad by one of my current professors, Martha Smithey," she said. "I was worried that this experience would slow down my graduation but thanks to my TTU at Collin advisor, Janet Veal, we were able to work it into my schedule."

Even though Daniella has been successful academically, she once had the same reservations most students do when considering transferring to a major university like Texas Tech.

"I was worried about how I was going to afford my education," she said. "Thankfully, my advisors helped me overcome my fears by showing me how many scholarship opportunities were available for transfer students."

Living in McKinney, Daniella not only chose TTU at Collin due to the location but also because they offered flexible schedules with a degree plan that was the best fit for her.

For others considering transferring to Texas Tech, Daniella has some advice.

"Consult the advisors during the application processes. They are so helpful and will walk you through all the steps," she said. "I love being a Red Raider because of the opportunities I get as well as the faculty members and teachers."

Upon graduation in December, Daniella aspires to work in the field of human resources.

Texas Tech has been recognized as a Gilman Top-Producing Institute for its success in increasing the number of students sent overseas in 2017-18.