Aman Lalani '25 finds his voice at UTSA through mentorship

May 12, 2025 – When Aman Lalani first arrived at UTSA, he wasn’t sure what to expect. As a first-generation college student without close friends on campus, he felt anxious and unsure of how he would succeed.  

“Most people I knew from high school went to different universities,” he said. “I didn’t have any friends here, I was afraid I wouldn’t find my community and I didn’t know how to get started.” 

Determined to create his own sense of community, Aman threw himself into on campus programs and organizations to build his student life. 

“I decided to join as many campus clubs and organizations as I could,” he said. “It was a way to push myself out of my comfort zone and make connections.” 

One of his most impactful early experiences was becoming a peer mentor through peer mentorship, the foundation of UTSA first-year experience program. In the program, incoming students are paired with trained upperclassmen mentors who provide personal guidance as they navigate both the academic and social challenges of transitioning to college life. Students also gain access to a specialized course with modules on goal setting, midterm preparation, test-taking strategies and self-reflection. 

As a peer mentor, Aman engaged with more than 550 students during their first year to increase student success, campus connection and career exploration. Later, he became a senior peer mentor and was able to further grow the program in an admirative role assisting with training and supporting peer mentors by leading team meetings and hosting program events.  

“I wanted to help others feel comfortable and supported,” he said. “That’s what I needed when I started, so I made sure to provide that for other students.” 

Through mentoring, Aman developed strong communication, public speaking and listening skills, abilities that became invaluable in his personal and professional roles. 

“When I arrived, I was looking for a place to belong,” he said. “Now, I’m leaving with purpose, experience and the confidence to make a difference.” 

Aman Lalani '25

With his experience with first-year students, his unique perspective made him invaluable when he joined the division of Academic Innovation. As a learning experience collaborator, he worked alongside faculty to improve teaching practices by conducting student engagement surveys and gathering classroom feedback. 

“My experience with academic innovation gave me the professional tools I needed to be an ideal candidate for companies in San Antonio and beyond,” he said. “It improved my teamwork, public speaking and professional communication skills.” 

Aman not only gained hands-on experience but also contributed to UTSA’s mission of embedding dynamic tools into curricula to prepare students for today’s workforce. Academic innovation actively partners with faculty to select and implement academic technologies that meet practical needs and learning objectives. Feedback from employers and students informs course design and tool selection, ensuring Roadrunners graduate ready to thrive in their careers. 

Aman became proficient in Microsoft Suite and Adobe Creative Suite, using those platforms to create professional materials and creative content as well as connect with others. 

“They helped me understand how to develop high-quality materials for academic and career opportunities,” he said. “It’s a skill that I’ll use wherever I go.” 

Aman pursued further professional development through UTSA’s Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement. There, he participated in workshops and hands-on learning opportunities designed to help students strengthen practical skills, build confidence, and prepare for future careers. 

He worked as a consultant and collaborated with multiple companies in San Antonio and conducted market research and data analysis to provide company leaders with data driven recommendations.  

“The Najim Center provided opportunities to sharpen my skills and showed me what’s possible,” Aman said. “It helped me grow both personally and professionally.” 

Even with these experiences, Aman’s path was not without challenges. Like many first-generation students, he battled imposter syndrome and uncertainty about his future. 

“I often questioned if I was in the right field or if I was doing enough,” he said. “But those doubts forced me to think differently and explore new options I hadn’t considered before.” 

Aman ultimately discovered a passion for blending public health and clinical practice. He now plans to pursue a physician assistant program, specializing in pediatric medicine.  

“COVID opened my eyes to how factors like race, gender and income can affect access to care,” he said. “I want to be part of the solution by combining public health knowledge with direct patient care.” 

UTSA’s Public Health degree program, which offers concentrations in health services and health promotion, helped prepare Aman for this path. He also looks forward to continuing his work in the San Antonio community, addressing preventable health gaps and improving care access. 

As UTSA and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio prepare to integrate this summer, Aman is optimistic about the future of his alma mater and community. 

“When I arrived, I was looking for a place to belong,” he said. “Now, I’m leaving with purpose, experience and the confidence to make a difference.”