Rosa Saldaña selected as summer banner bearer for August 2025
What is your major?
- Human Sciences with concentrations in Addictive Disorders and Recovery Studies, Nutrition, and Psychology.
What is your hometown?
- Lubbock, TX
Why did you choose your major?
- In many ways, I feel like my major chose me. I have always been curious about what drives human behavior and how people heal emotionally, physically, and psychologically. I knew I wanted to go into a field that focused on understanding people and helping them make real, lasting changes in their lives. As I began my coursework, everything clicked. I saw how interconnected these fields are when it comes to healing, health, and well-being. What started as an interest quickly grew into a passion, and this path felt incredibly natural to me.
What does it feel like to be selected as the Banner Bearer for the College of Health & Human Sciences?
- Being selected as the Banner Bearer for the College of Health & Human Sciences is an incredible honor, especially as a non-traditional student. It feels deeply meaningful to represent not only this institution, but also Texas Tech University. Being chosen for this role shows me that hard work and determination truly do pay off. I am proud to be here today, and even prouder to carry the symbol of academic achievement forward - representing not just myself, but all those who have taken non-traditional paths to success.
What do you enjoy most or appreciate about the College of Health & Human Sciences?
- What I most appreciate about the College of Health & Human Sciences is the sense of belonging. From the very beginning, I felt the college was committed to not just my academic success, but also my overall well-being. The genuine support from both faculty and peers, along with their incredible knowledge and accessibility, has been invaluable. It is an environment where you are encouraged to pursue your passions while also being pushed to grow and make an impact. Being here has given me the confidence to move forward in my career.
What are your career plans/next steps?
- After graduation, my immediate goal is to gain experience in the field through research assistant positions or internships, ideally focusing on areas like addiction recovery, mental health counseling, or family therapy. I then plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or Health Psychology. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the field through both clinical work and research that deepens our understanding of treatment and improves patient outcomes in real-world settings.