First-Ever TAMIU Global Pathways Cohort of Parenting Students, Foster Scholars Gain Life-Changing Experience in Rome, Italy

Ten Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) students recently participated in the inaugural Global Pathways program where they traveled to Rome, Italy.

The international learning experience was made possible through the TAMIU Office of Student Affairs, and included participation from a diverse student population, including parenting students and students with lived experience in the foster care system. Through this opportunity, students were able to expand their global perspective, engage in cultural learning, and experience international travel in a meaningful and supportive environment. 

Students who traveled to Rome, included Victor Manuel Estrada, Guadalupe Garza, Alejandra Jacqueline Hernández, Ricardo Menchaca, Jimena Meza, Natalie Walle Reyes, Vanessa Cavazos Roberts, Estella Sanchez, Roxanne Elizabeth Torres and Miracle Zavala. 

Students selected for first-ever Global Pathways experience completed an application process and were awarded a scholarship to participate in the program. The scholarship helped make the international learning and service opportunity more accessible, allowing students to engage in a transformative experience abroad.

As part of the experience, students also participated in a volunteer service project with Retake Italy, a nonprofit, nonpartisan grassroots citizen movement dedicated to caring for common goods, promoting civic pride, and supporting urban regeneration throughout Italy. Retake Italy encourages residents and volunteers to take an active role in beautifying public spaces, strengthening communities, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of towns and cities.

While in Rome, students volunteered in several public areas, including the Piazza del Popolo, Largo Agnesi, and Colle Oppio. During the service project, students helped pick up trash and collected several bags of litter, contributing to Retake Italy’s mission of improving and beautifying urban surroundings through direct citizen action. 

During their time in Rome, students also explored historic landmarks, learned about Italian culture, and reflected on the importance of global citizenship, personal growth, and community connection.

For Vanessa Roberts, a parenting student and senior nursing student, the trip was a meaningful opportunity for personal growth and reflection.

“As a parenting student, this experience challenged me, opened my eyes, and gave me memories I’ll carry forever,” Roberts said. “I’ve caught the travel bug, and I can’t wait to make more memories exploring the world with my family.”

Global Pathways reflects the Office of Student Affairs' commitment to student success beyond the classroom by helping students build leadership, cultural awareness, independence, and a global perspective, said Melissa Olivarez, program specialist for the Office of Student Affairs.

“This trip was about more than travel. For many of our students, this was not only their first time traveling internationally, but also their first time on an airplane. Watching them step outside of their comfort zones, navigate a new country, and gain the confidence to embrace unfamiliar experiences was truly inspiring. Through service, cultural immersion, and historical exploration, they discovered that they are capable of far more than they imagined. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented TAMIU,” said Olivarez. 

Global Pathways continues to provide students with opportunities to learn through travel, reflection, and cultural engagement. The Rome experience reflects TAMIU’s continued commitment to student development, access, and experiential learning.

For more information about student engagement opportunities through the Office of Student Affairs, call 956.326.2265 or email studentaffairs@tamiu.edu.

Registration for the Fall 2026 semester at TAMIU is now underway. Visit our dedicated Registration Hub at https://go.tamiu.edu/registration to learn more and register.

The first day of classes for the Fall 2026 semester is Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.

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