Outstanding Islander Graduate Alyssa Hinojosa ’22 Earns Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Creating accessibility to quality health care isn’t just a dream for Alyssa Hinojosa ’22, it’s her passion.
On Dec. 10, Hinojosa will cross the stage and earn a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She was selected as the TAMU-CC College of Nursing and Health Sciences Fall 2022 Outstanding Islander Graduate.
“To represent my college in this way is humbling because there are so many who supported me and brought me to this moment,” Hinojosa said. “Being selected as the Outstanding Islander Graduate for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences is such a big honor for me – I cried when I got the email.”
A Skidmore native and first-generation college student, Hinojosa says she fell in love with the Island University after her first tour of campus – not just with its beauty, but also the supportive atmosphere.
“This community has always felt like home to me, so it was a no-brainer that TAMU-CC was the right choice,” Hinojosa said. “The faculty and staff in my college have always been there for me, not only academically, but emotionally as well. They’ve invested in me as a student and as a professional.”
Initially beginning her college career as a pre-nursing student, Hinojosa was inspired to switch her major after attending a lecture about data analytics in healthcare given by Dr. Miguel Perez ’98, TAMU-CC Assistant Professor.
“Dr. Perez opened my eyes to a whole side of healthcare that I was not aware of,” Hinojosa said. “The health care industry is rapidly increasing in the technological aspect. I want to bring ideas and work on projects that enable healthcare applications to be integrated in order to deliver high-quality care to all individuals.”
During her time as a student, Hinojosa not only attended class full time, but also worked 30 hours a week at Walmart to help with additional expenses. She also held the positions of president, vice president, and treasurer of the TAMU-CC Health Science Association and was the success network facilitator for the National Society of Leadership and Success. Hinojosa has been a recipient of the TAMU-CC Achieve Scholarship since 2019 and earned a spot on the Dean’s List in 2021. Most recently, she was inducted into the Upsilon Phi Delta Honor Society and was the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award for fall 2022. She also worked in the TAMU-CC Student Activities office and volunteered at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
Hinojosa says no matter the challenge she faced or how busy she has been, she always strived to do her best, and was inspired to keep her mother’s memory alive.
“When I was 10 years old, I lost my mother to breast cancer, and at the time I didn’t really know what that meant for me, or how it would affect me growing me up,” Hinojosa. “I’ve been lucky enough to have a wonderful father always supporting me and reminding me just how hard my mom fought. Thinking of her, I’m reminded to never give up – her battle was driven by her love for her children. Mine is driven to make her and my family proud.”
Hinojosa also found support in many of her faculty, including Dr. Sherdeana Owens, who recently retired from TAMU-CC as an Assistant Professor and Health Science Program Coordinator.
“In terms of academic ability, time management, maturity, and attention to detail, I rank Alyssa in the top 5% of the graduating class,” Owens said. “I am extremely impressed by her insight, innovative ideas, and proactive leadership style.”
Hinojosa is currently completing a practicum as a data intern at the South Coastal Area Health Education Center, where she coordinates outreach efforts for health care programs, including one called “Salud en Mis Manos,” which educates Latina women about breast/cervical cancer, HPV vaccinations, and the importance of screenings.
Reflecting on the past with hopes for the future, Hinojosa says her Islander Impact can be summed up in one word – growth.
“I’m not the same small-town girl I was when I started my first semester here,” Hinojosa said. “When I look back, I have no regrets. I have met so many people of various backgrounds and cultures and have gained beautiful friendships that have helped me get to where I am. I’d do it all again to put me where I am today, ready to take on tomorrow.”
