Miss TAMUK shares her career goals, plans for the semester
As Miss Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK) 2023 enters the doors of The South Texan her welcoming personality warms the entire office. Talia Hernandez had an extremely friendly and humble approach to our interview, as she went out of her way to ask every student worker what their major and career goals were; Hernandez also carried out genuine, personal conversations with each individual.
Hernandez participated in the Miss TAMUK Scholarship Pageant in 2019 and was the second? Later you say first runner-up.
“I was so nervous, but I ran because I wanted to work on myself professionallyas far as going through an interview process, speaking in front of people and wanted the opportunity to be more involved on campus,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez is a first-generation college graduate from Victoria, Texas, and has been involved in student organizations such as the Graduate Biology Student Association of TAMUK.
Hernandez is pursuing her second year of her master’s degree in biology after receiving her bachelor’s in animal science from TAMUK.
“I believe that sometimes our calling in life is often instilled in us as children,and I was fortunate enough to have that seed continue to grow. It started off as a love for animals, and as I got older, I grew a love for medicine, problem solving and helping people. As a veterinarian I would be able to help a client and their pet, which at the end of the day is super rewarding,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez’s degree is packed with many classes in the Biology Research Lab, which is where she met her close friend, Erial Hawkins. The two then went on to have a conversation that would impact both of their lives.
“I remember it like it was yesterday. Talia had asked if I knew who was running for the pageant because she was thinking about running and it was crazy. I was hesitant to ask her about her experience because I wanted to apply. We both made a pact that day that if I ran, she would as well,” Hawkins said.
After Hawkins and Hernandez applied, they grew very close and would occasionally miss rehearsals due to their night lab. They practiced their walks in the courtyard during breaks and guided each other through the process.
The Miss TAMUK Scholarship Pageant is known to be a competitive and long process.
“A lot of people are only aware of the night of the pageant and don’t know the amount of work it takes on and off the stage,” Senior Coordinator of Intercultural Engagement Gabrielle Vaughn said.
In April, Hernandez was announced as the first runner-up for “Miss TAMUK” and received the title as Miss Photogenic at the 2023 Miss TAMUK Scholarship Pageant. Little did she know she would have the opportunity to serve as Miss TAMUK for the academic year.
Carissa Palacios was originally crowned as Miss TAMUK 2023 but was accepted into Baylor University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
As the first runner- up, Hernandez was offered to accept the Miss TAMUK title when Palacios decided to transfer to Baylor University.
“I truly believe Talia Hernandez was meant to be Miss TAMUK. Miss TAMUK is someone who works hard, is determined, and wants to make a difference on this campus and Talia Hernandez exceeds all these expectations. I’m proud of Talia and I can’t wait for others to see the grant great or grand?things she is going to do at this university,” Hawkins said.