The Next Step: Regina Lumbrera

Twenty years after Regina Lumbrera graduated from Santa Rosa High School, she walked across the stage to receive her bachelor of arts in sociology at The University of Texas at Brownsville.
Lumbrera was part of the university’s largest graduating class ever, with 1,422 students receiving diplomas Dec. 17.
“It was a thrilling moment,” Lumbrera said. “Both of my parents were beaming. They are educators, and they always stressed the benefits of education in our home. Although it took me longer than most students, I finally received my diploma, and I am proud of the work I did to earn it.”
Lumbrera transferred to UTB in 2006, but reaching her degree was stretched out due to working and taking just one class at a time. With the arrival of twin boys 14 months ago, she realized it was time to carry a heavier course load and finish up as soon as possible.
“Going to college and taking care of little ones isn’t an easy task,” she said. “But my family has been so supportive and they are the greatest blessing to all of us.”
Lumbrera’s family moved back to their home town of Santa Rosa after living in North Texas for a number of years. Born in Sherman and growing up in Plano, Lumbrera said she was definitely in the minority.
“When we moved back to Santa Rosa, I was in third grade and didn’t even know Spanish,” she said. “But being a kid, I didn’t have any problem picking it up.”
Although she received her degree in sociology, Lumbrera’s previous work experience had been in business. During one period of her life, she said she lived out of a suitcase when she was a troubleshooter for a finance company.
“I love math, and I wanted to become an accountant, and that’s what I was focusing on at UTPA, where I started,” she said.
However, Lumbrera felt she wanted to help people on a more personal level. So, when she transferred to UTB, she had a heart-to-heart talk with her academic advisor about other career options.
“I’m a social butterfly, so it seemed more logical for me to pursue a career path that would involve personal interaction,” she said. “I selected sociology because I feel it will prepare me to go in several directions.”
One of those is possibly following in her parent’s footsteps in education. Lumbrera received some experience working with special education students when she was the computer lab manager for Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District.
“I helped out with the students; I enjoyed it and it was so rewarding,” she said. “The area that interests me is speech pathology.”
Lumbrera said her time at UTB is filled with pleasant memories of the beautiful campus, the welcoming atmosphere, but what stands out the most are her professors.
“Especially Drs. Reid, McCullough and Horowitz,” she said. “They challenged me and I learned so much from them, and they were always available for their students.”

Cheryl Taylor is an informational writer at The University of Texas at Brownsville. For more information, log on to utb.edu.