Posted on May 7, 2025 by Klesse College Staff
Gladvin George
MAY 7, 2025
Gladvin George, BS Electrical Engineering
Spring 2025 Graduate
Gladvin was a beneficiary of a Margie and Bill Klesse College scholarship established from the generous endowment gift from the Klesse’s naming the college in 2020.
What made you decide to attend UTSA?
There was not a big, defining reason I chose UTSA. I heard that they had a solid Electrical Engineering program and considered it one of my main options. It definitely helped that a friend of mine was already attending, and I’d also heard that the community was welcoming and fun – which turned out to be true. It might sound like a boring answer, but honestly, that’s how it happened.
When did you figure out what you wanted to study in college?
Growing up, I was always fascinated by technology and loved tinkering with things. I became the go-to person in my family whenever anything tech-related came up. After doing some research, Electrical Engineering seemed like the closest fit to that interest of tech and working on cool ideas. It wasn’t until my second year of college that I realized the field was much deeper than just tinkering. The more projects I worked on, and the more I learned, the more I enjoyed the path I was on as an electrical engineer and realize that this was what I wanted to do.
What did you enjoy most about your experience at UTSA?
The day I discovered the UTSA Makerspace was a turning point for me. I was immediately drawn to the hands-on skills being taught there. I started as a volunteer and eventually became a staff member, which led to a lot of great experiences over the next three years. I met so many amazing people and really enjoyed helping bring their projects to life. That role also connected me with the college more directly and gave me opportunities to keep learning. Helping others with their projects or guiding them as they considered their futures was genuinely fulfilling. Of course, winning a competition or two didn’t hurt either. That sense of working hard and seeing it payoff is a feeling I’ll always appreciate.
What have you learned, in your time at UTSA, that surprised you the most?
What really surprised me was how much fear, especially fear of failure, holds people back, including myself. But failure teaches you more than success ever could. It sucks in the moment, but if you learn from it and keep pushing forward, it makes you stronger. You start to see failure not as a setback, but as part of the process.
Do you have any goals or plans after graduation?
The goal is pretty straightforward: get a stable job and make enough money so I don’t have to stress about the future. Once I’m financially stable, I want to work on side projects like 3D printing and designing some cool stuff. A master’s degree is definitely on the table if the opportunity comes up, but for now, I’m focused on getting grounded.
What advice do you have for people considering the programs at UTSA?
Take full advantage of what the colleges are giving you. Each department has different benefits that may slip behind your radar, and it is something I regret coming in. I didn’t know there were engineering summer camps or organizations when I came in. This sums up to my ignorance that there were opportunities that could have made me a significantly better engineer. All of this could have been found if one just asks or pays even slightly more attention. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or explore what’s out there. Those resources are there to help you – take full advantage of it.
What is your life motto/ slogan?
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of Power, Love, and Self-discipline”. - 2 Timothy 1:7
This has been my motto for many years and my family and friends have heard it or seen it in some form. As a Christian, this is something I hold dear to my heart. Fear and timidity often come when experiencing new things, especially that of college, and there are a lot of things to fear and be anxious about. However, those feelings are nothing compared to the growth we can experience and that we are ultimately humans that get stronger from the pain and struggle.
And here’s something more like advice than a motto:
“Learn what’s dangerous and become the most dangerous. Then that power becomes your responsibility.”
The more you know, the more impact you can have – and the more responsibility you carry with that knowledge.
— Klesse College Staff
