TAMIU Senior Travels to a National Park for Experiential Learning Opportunity
A Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Honors and Undergraduate Research Program (UHURP) student recently attended the 2026 Partners in the Parks at the Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah.
Triana Martínez, a senior Biology major, was recently invited to attend the National Collegiate Honors Council’s experiential learning program. The annual experience, historically held in national parks across the country, offers a unique opportunity for collegiate honors students to visit areas of the American landscape noted for their beauty, significance, and lasting value.
Martínez, who visited the Capitol Reef National Park, reflected on her experiences with enthusiasm.
“What I enjoyed most about my trip was getting out of my comfort zone and being in a place that was completely different from Laredo, Texas. In addition to the drastic change in scenery, we also had a limit on the technology we could use, so it was wonderful not to have the added stress of emails and messages while exploring the diverse cliffs and canyons of CRNP,” said Martínez.
Through this opportunity, Martínez believes she will become a better student, both academically and socially.
“Throughout the trip, my peers and I worked hands-on by writing in the landscapes we explored. Whether it was sightseeing, horseback riding, or hiking, I was able to learn and understand the historical context of the people who lived there before us. I had a wonderful time in a new environment with new people, and I enjoyed adapting to a more sustainable way of living.
Funded through UHURP, the unique experiential learning initiative was a valuable opportunity offered for the first time to a TAMIU student, affirmed Cihtlalli G. Pérez, QEP and UHURP director.
“This transformational experience engaged Triana’s critical-thinking, social, communication, and reflection skills as she learned about and explored the Capitol Reef National Park. Through outdoor exploration, critical readings, and service in the national park, this opportunity exemplifies the core of the Honors program,” said Pérez.
This year’s Partners in the Park was offered by Utah Valley University Associate Professor, Dr. Ashley N. Egan, along with special guests. The unique, place-based educational experience was nestled in the heart of Utah's red rock country and explored concepts of preservation, conservation, and wilderness through the lens of those who have left their mark on Capitol Reef National Park.
For more information on UHURP, contact Pérez via email at CihtlalliG.Perez@tamiu.edu or visit https://www.tamiu.edu/honors/.
Registration for Summer and Fall 2026 classes at TAMIU is underway online via Uconnect. To learn more about TAMIU’s Registration processes, visit the dedicated Registration Hub at https://go.tamiu.edu/registration.
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