Hi! My name is Lisa Silvestre. I am a first-generation student at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a major in Psychology and a minor in Mexican American Studies. I hope to someday have my own non-profit mental health clinic and be able to help low-income families get the mental health help they need.
I was born and raised here in Amarillo, TX, so I have been lucky enough to get firsthand experience on all the changes our city has gone through over the years; since this community and I have practically grown up together and all my friends and family live here, this may always feel like home base for me.
I am currently a Research Assistant for PROJECT SEED, a longitudinal research program at the University of Texas at Austin as a Spanish RA. In this research project, we study the social, emotional, educational, and health outcomes of Mexican/Mexican American children who translate for their parents who do not speak English. In simpler words, we study how the stressors of translating affect a Mexican American child’s development.
I am also the Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Institute of Organizational Excellence at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work, in this job I had to work with individuals all around the state of Texas. I learned how to use Survey Tracker to administer and update information on surveys for DFPS, TDCJ, TEA, etc., and was the technical editor for Professional Development: The International Journal of Continuing Social Work Education.
I am a part of Home to Texas, a summer internship program that encourages UT undergraduates to work in their hometowns by providing well-paid internships and experiences designed to help them understand the underlying values of their home communities which increases the chance they will consider returning after graduation. This program is the reason I have this internship and I am so thankful for this opportunity.
I am looking forward to my time at the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation because I will be able to learn more about the economics of my hometown, to contribute to the booming changes to our community, and venture into the details of business administration. I am grateful for all the AEDC staff for making this a welcoming environment and making me feel right at home.