By Jose S. De Leon III

On Saturday, UTPA held a preview day event called “Fall in Love with UTPA” for prospective incoming freshman.

The event included door prizes, free food, information sessions, mock classroom presentations and scholarship giveaways.

This years theme was LEGO’s, which represent the building blocks that will be used to build up their educational future, according to Associate Director of Admissions and Student Services Mayra Martinez.

“The purpose of today is for students to see what UTPA has to offer academically, socially and professionally and then guide the students through the financial and admissions process,” said Director of Undergraduate Recruitment Aura Cazares.

“This might be our biggest preview day event yet,” said Cazares. “Last year, we had 800 students who showed up, this year we’re looking at 845.”

Jennifer Chapa, a counselor at Ben Bolt High School who accompanied her students to UTPA said she felt the event was a useful to the students.

“You never know how you’re going to react to a school until you step foot into it.” she said.

Some parents also attended the event with their children, like Glynda Rodriguez.

“We’re so proud of our daughter,” said Glynda Rodriguez. “”She’ll be the first in our family to go to college, so this is new to us. We’ve heard of other parents talk about their kids going to college, but now we get to experience it.”