Meet Minator
Name: Minator Azemi
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Major: Political Communication & Government
Minor: Spanish
Expected graduation: May 2011
Something for Everyone
I have wanted to go to UT since the 7th grade. I loved the logo and the school colors. Throughout high school, I learned more about the university and realized it is truly the most remarkable university in the state of Texas. Plus, Austin is the most exciting city in the state. There is someone or something for everyone here.
“I love meeting people and just listening to what affects them and what people with proper authority can do to help.”
Yet to Regret
Coming into UT, I was undeclared in the College of Natural Sciences. I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon. Who was I kidding? I’m really good at science, but it didn’t interest me. I have always been interested in politics and government, but I never wanted to pursue a career in those fields. However, after being in Austin and seeing how politically active our capital is and working on a student government campaign, it made me realize that this was what I wanted to do once I graduate.
When I learned about the political communication major in the College of Communication, I transferred there as fast as I could. I love meeting people and just listening to what affects them and what people with proper authority can do to help. I am yet to regret my decision.
Minator’s tips
On studying
Don’t study in your dorm, especially if you’re really good friends with your roommate. You will NEVER get anything done. And make sure to do it at least once a day. It can pile up if you wait until the night before a test.
On making friends
Find something to get involved in. That is so crucial with a university this big. Find your niche and a close group of friends because if you don’t, it is easy to fall through the cracks.
On what to wear/not to wear
Don’t dress up nice for class unless you need to. You lived your life with dress codes and you will encounter them again when you graduate and start working. Take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere.
On parking/transportation around campus
Pay attention to parking signs! Parking and Transportation Services is really good about giving tickets, and you can easily rack up $1000 in fines in one year. I have friends that have done it!
On living on or off campus
Last year, I lived off campus at University Towers and I loved it. A lot of my friends lived there, so I never really thought about living on campus. The only bad part about it is having to pay for food on campus as opposed to using dine in dollars. When you have a break between classes and lunch time every day of the week, it starts to get really expensive. Also, there are no restricted visitor hours. My friends could stay as long as they wanted. Otherwise, I wouldn’t say it is too different from living on campus. I would honestly recommend both.
Opening My Eyes to a Great Place
Working on a student government campaign, I got to meet some of the most influential students from every corner of campus and got to listen to what UT students really want for our university. I didn’t get more than four hours of sleep on any given night for two weeks, but it was definitely worth it. I met some of my best friends doing it and it really opened my eyes to just how great this place really is.
Take It and Run with It
My favorite experience has been getting so involved with Student Government. It started off by simply helping out with the Empower campaign. I felt really passionate about their platform, and I wanted to help the candidates get elected. All I had to do was show interest and ask to help, and that got the ball rolling. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.
“My dream is for UT to some day become the best public school in the nation, and I will continue to work toward this goal until I leave the 40 Acres.”
After taking office, I was the only freshman appointed to the executive board. I knew it was a huge responsibility and a rather daunting task, but someone told me to “take it and run with it.” That is exactly what I have done. I am very passionate about helping students and Student Government has given me this opportunity. My dream is for UT to some day become the best public school in the nation, and I will continue to work toward this goal until I leave the 40 Acres.
We Are All Longhorns
Being on the Student Government executive board, I have had the opportunity to speak to administrators on behalf of students. Recently, I sat down with Susan Clagett, associate vice president for the Office of Relationship Management and University Events, to discuss Gone to Texas. Gone to Texas is the welcoming ceremony for students that takes place the night before classes start. I wanted to share different ideas for how to improve it. When I approached her about this, she put everything aside to give me her full attention.
She is a prime example of the administration at UT Austin. The administration realizes that they are ultimately here because of us. They are here to serve the needs of the students, and they make sure to stay connected with the student body. This experience opened my eyes to the community that our university establishes. We are all Longhorns, and we are all here to help each other, regardless of whether you are a student, a professor, or an administrator.
More about Minator…
Background
I was born in Connecticut but moved to Texas as soon as I could. My family is Albanian and I am a first-generation Albanian-American.
Scholarships
James A. Bush Scholarship
Organizations
Student Government (Administrative Director, Spring 2008 - Present)
Favorites
- Study locations on campus or off campus: stacks of the Life Science Library, Flawn Academic Center 3rd Floor, & Student Government office.
- Places to eat on or near campus: Slices & Ices, Torchy’s Tacos, Player’s, & Whole Foods
- Class: Life and Death Decisions (SOC 308) with Dr. Sheldon Ekland-Olson. This class opens your eyes to the different sides of many ethical questions. The best part is that Dr. Ekland-Olson presents such a serious topic in a relaxed and entertaining manner. Great professor, great topic. What more could you ask for?
- Books: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom & A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Although this is cliché, these books are true life changers. They teach you life lessons that are never forgotten.
- Movies: Forrest Gump, Dumb and Dumber, & Ocean’s Eleven
- Thing about Austin: The “outdoorsyness.” You never want to be indoors in Austin. The weather is generally great, and there are so many things to do outdoors.
- Pastime / recreational activities: Bike riding, debating, & watching movies
Biggest challenge
Refusing my mom’s offers to come home and get my laundry done, eat a home-cooked meal, and sleep as long as I want. Going home more than once or twice your first semester is a huge mistake. Sticking around campus as much as possible allows you to meet tons of people and experience things you wouldn’t normally get to do throughout the week. Plus, contrary to popular belief, you actually get less work done when you go home.
Send Minator an e-mail at minatorazemi@mail.utexas.edu