Daniela Martinez Salazar 
I am one of those people who believe we walk with a purpose, not by coincidence. As we step into a new semester, I can’t help but think back on everything that has led me to where I am today.
Fall 2025 is my last semester at UTRGV, and I am incredibly grateful for every learning experience I’ve received at this institution. As a believer, I’ve seen how each year of my life and education has equipped me with the resources, knowledge and faith to face challenges and remain rooted in Him.
Staying anchored in God has taught me to trust Him in every step of the process. I see life as a constant journey in which God shapes character, strength and faith and, at the end of the day, even when we don’t understand, He has a purpose for every season.
Recently, I came across Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT): “Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.”
This verse reminds me that life itself is a process and reassures me that everything is made beautiful at its time. I’ve faced difficult situations that affected my everyday life but, when I fixed my eyes on Him, it became clear His love and open arms were always there, holding me and guiding me. And though at the time I didn’t know why, I now understand He was shaping me into who I am today, and that He will continue to do so.
My time at UTRGV has been incredible. Over these four years, I’ve met people who have been crucial in my life, people who encouraged me to grow, reminded me to keep my eyes on God and taught me to trust His timing.
When I was a freshman, I never imagined working as a photographer at a newspaper. Three years later, in His time, He opened the door. Today, I serve as Editor-in-Chief of The Rider Newspaper. I know His grace will continue to guide me and my team as we cover stories that impact our university and uphold our slogan, “The Student Voice of UTRGV.”
Looking back, I can say Daniela from freshman year never imagined how her senior year would look, but He did.
As I walk into my last semester, I will keep this verse close to my heart. I might not know what the future holds after graduation, but I do know that these final months at UTRGV. He will continue to shape, root me and guide me to walk with faith and purpose in every season He takes me.
About The Author
