Erik Arias has always wanted to help people. And when he graduates this December with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a concentration in pre-physical therapy, he will be well on his way to achieving this goal.
Arias is part of a graduating class that will bring Texas A&M-San Antonio’s total number of graduates to 20,000-plus to date since the campus opened in 2009.
A Harlingen, Texas, native, Arias said that when he first started searching for colleges, A&M-San Antonio reached out and he immediately felt a connection with the campus.
“I felt like I wouldn’t just be another student,” Arias recalled. “That I’d be able to really enjoy college life. A&M-San Antonio was a great way to set my foundation and build connections with people who were studying the same thing I was.”
Arias said the University’s small class sizes and personal attention from instructors were also beneficial to his academic career. Drs. John Smith and Brock Symons, both professors in the Department of Counseling, Health and Kinesiology, were especially helpful and influential, he said.
“They’re genuinely interested in your academic success,” he said. "I built a lot of rapport with them. If I told them I was struggling with a class, they’d always be completely understanding and help me find my way.”
Such collaborative relationships helped Arias land on the President’s List and Dean’s List. During his time at the University, he was a member of the Omega Delta Phi fraternity, serving as the prospective member educator. He played a key role in organizing fraternity-led service projects, where his leadership and ability to mobilize others directly benefited both the campus and the wider community.
In addition, Arias was a member of the University’s Kinesiology Club and earned certifications as a clinical medical assistant and in basic life support. Finally, he served as a student-worker in the Office of the Registrar.
“What sets Erik apart is his ability to lead by example,” said Assistant Registrar Roy Huron. “He is dependable, approachable, and always willing to go beyond what is asked of him to ensure that students, faculty, and staff are supported. He has also consistently demonstrated academic excellence, exceptional leadership, and an unwavering commitment to service.”
With a stellar academic record and determination to achieve at the highest level, Arias has his sights set on becoming a pediatric physical therapist. After graduation, he plans to intern at various physical therapy clinics before applying to physical therapy schools next fall. With his future already underway, Arias is poised to turn his passion for helping people into a lifelong career that will have a meaningful impact on children and families across Texas.
“A&M–San Antonio helped me discover the confidence and direction I needed,” he said. “Now I’m ready to take everything I’ve learned and use it to make a difference.”