Posted on May 5, 2026 by Klesse College Staff
Mariana, Marlist, and Randee
The Klesse College Summer Bridge Program is a 4-week program helping incoming engineering freshmen acclimate to college while preparing for their first year. As the first-ever cohort of Summer Bridge Program students prepares to graduate, we had the opportunity to hear from three students who participated in the program's inaugural year. Marlist Villegas Verschoyle, Randee Hernandez, and Mariana Lairos Munoz were in the inaugural cohort, and all are excited to share and reflect on how impactful this program was to them.
Read the full Q&A to learn more about their time in the program, and how that experience shaped their college journey.
How did you originally find out about the summer bridge program?
MVV: During my senior year of high school, I attended a UTSA day event where the Klesse Student Success Center was tabling. Carlos Velez and Jill Ford talked to me and my family about the pilot of the bridge program, and I applied as soon as I was accepted into UTSA.
RH: If I remember correctly, I first received an email about the program and was immediately interested, so I decided to apply. Shortly after, I traveled to San Antonio to attend UTSA Days. While my parents and I were walking around one of the buildings (which I now know as the BSE), we heard someone speaking about the program at one of the tables. My mom encouraged (forced) me to introduce myself to Carlos, who ran the program, and learn more about what the program has to offer.
What did you like most about the program?
MVV: I appreciated how familiar and comfortable the program made me feel with a lot of collegiate skills beyond the classroom. By the end of the summer, I was already familiar with navigating campus, talking to academic professionals, and knowing where to go for help. Living on campus during the program definitely was a bonus for making the transition to living on campus during the fall.
RH: Coming from a small town, I didn’t have much exposure to engineering. However, I always excelled in math and science and was encouraged by those around me to pursue an engineering path. When I applied to UTSA, I initially chose Chemical Engineering because it seemed the most interesting at the time. Once I started the bridge program, though, I was introduced to Biomedical Engineering, and I instantly knew that was exactly what I was looking for. That exposure alone was life-changing for me. I also really appreciated the academic preparation the program offered. The refreshers in math and chemistry helped build a strong foundation before starting college, and being introduced to ALEKS was especially helpful since I needed it for my chemistry courses at UTSA. Overall, the program exposed me to valuable academic tools, different engineering pathways, and experiences that truly shaped and guided me toward becoming a successful engineering student.
MLM: What I enjoyed most about the program was the friendships I built. I also really appreciated the opportunity to live on campus early and explore the environment before the full student body moved in—it made the transition into college much smoother and more comfortable.
Did anything in particular stick with you throughout your years?
MVV: Going into the program, I felt a lot of imposter syndrome, like I wasn’t ready to be an engineer like everyone else. But being with a small group of peers, and learning the ropes together, I realized that no one is expected to know everything right away, and that there’s strength in asking for help, be it from peers or professors.
RH: My friends, without a doubt. I met my two closest friends through the bridge program. I even roomed with one of them during my freshman year after getting to know her during the program (and confirming she wasn’t a serial killer), and she’s still my roommate and one of my best friends to this day. They’ve supported me through some of my toughest moments and celebrated my biggest milestones, like helping me plan my wedding! On a more serious note, the program taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of building a strong support system. Those lessons stayed with me throughout my entire college experience and played a huge role in my success.
MLM: The friendships I formed during the program have stayed with me throughout my college experience. They’ve been a strong support system and an important part of my journey.
What advice would you offer to students who are considering applying for the summer bridge program?
MVV: Continue to form connections with your peers! Study groups are a great way to hold yourself accountable while having a network to learn alongside. Setting regular meeting times is very helpful to ensure everyone is on the same page with the classwork and material.
RH: My advice is to do it and give it 110%. This program is an incredible opportunity to get a head start before your freshman year. It prepares you academically with refreshers while also helping you build the study habits/discipline needed for a challenging engineering curriculum. Beyond academics, it’s a chance to meet people who may become your lifelong friends and support system. I gained valuable skills to excel in engineering and built connections that made my transition into college so much smoother.
MLM: I would strongly encourage them to apply. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience that sets you up for success, both academically and socially. It truly had a positive and lasting impact on my college experience.
Is there anyone from the program that you would like to give a shout-out to?
MVV: The beating heart of this program is, without a doubt, Carlos. He has supported me not just as a freshman, but throughout my entire degree, all the while growing the summer bridge program into the form it is now.
RH: I owe a lot to Carlos for giving me the opportunity to be part of this program. Honestly, I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for him. Through this experience, I was exposed to different engineering disciplines and opportunities that I didn’t even know existed at the time. His support and belief in me truly made a lasting impact on my academic journey.
MLM: I’d like to give a special shout-out to Carlos Velez for being a great mentor and an important part of my experience in the program.
— Klesse College Staff
