Posted on May 13, 2025 by Christopher Reichert
From coding robots to a career in tech, Mercedes Alejandro’s journey at UTSA is one of passion and resilience.
For Mercedes Alejandro, the journey to earning a computer science degree at UTSA was anything but straightforward, yet it seemed almost inevitable. From a young age, Alejandro was drawn to technology.
“I got hooked on coding when I was ten,” said the 23-year-old, “when my older sister took me to her workplace, and we programmed a Lego robot to navigate around an obstacle course.”
Growing up in rural Sabinal, Texas, Alejandro says opportunities to learn coding were scarce. When the first-generation college student began attending UTSA, she initially chose psychology. After graduating with her BA in psychology in 2022, she realized it wasn’t the right path.
“Psychology didn’t ignite my soul,” she said. “My true passion has always been technology— its endless evolution, the thrill of constant learning, and its power to reshape lives. That childhood spark, combined with my drive to build a better future for my son, fuels my pursuit of computer science.”
Determined to follow her passion, the young mother returned to UTSA and is now graduating with a BS in
computer science. Alejandro plans to use her degree to bring resilience, adaptability, and determination to the tech world.
While completing her degree, Alejandro found an opportunity to apply these qualities during an internship with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). She contributed to prioritizing future roadway improvements, focusing on safety and efficiency. As an intern, Alejandro analyzed data and collaborated with her team to make the system effective and user-friendly.
“Being part of a project that directly improves public safety is motivating, and I’ve loved learning from a supportive team while applying my tech skills in a real-world setting,” she said. “It’s exciting to see how technology can make such a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
After graduation, Alejandro will begin a digital technology internship with H-E-B, followed by a full-time position as a software engineer. Her goal is to develop technologies that empower nontraditional tech enthusiasts like herself.
“I aim to develop inclusive, innovative tools that empower underserved communities and make technology accessible,” she said. “By embracing tech’s evolution, and continuously learning, I hope to build solutions that bridge gaps, promote equity, and leave a legacy for future generations.”
Alejandro credits UTSA’s experiential learning opportunities with solidifying her vision. As a participant in the School of Data Science Community Innovation Scholars program, she gained insight into how data science drives change within the nonprofit sector. The experience gave her the confidence and connections to pursue her goals.
“This was a transformative experience that profoundly shaped my career goals and prepared me for my current path,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful for how this program reinforced my commitment to using technology to empower others and inspire those with similar journeys.”
In addition to internships, Alejandro found mentorship through student organizations like the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) at UTSA. These groups helped her build technical and professional skills and shaped her post-graduation path.
“These resources and UTSA’s supportive community built up my confidence to pursue an impactful career in technology as a young mom from a nontraditional background,” she said.
Alejandro says UTSA’s welcoming community allowed her to thrive. Faculty and fellow students contributed to her sense of belonging, particularly Reza Aghayan, her Calculus I professor in the Department of Mathematics.
“He’d conclude difficult lessons with his signature phrase, ‘Life is beautiful,’” she said. “At the time, I didn’t fully grasp its meaning but now see it as a reminder to find joy and purpose in challenges.”
Alejandro also fondly recalls connecting with classmates, including a moment when a classmate recognized her from her gaming livestreams.
“That warm, serendipitous encounter made me feel seen and welcomed, and that unexpected moment sparked a connection,” she recalls. “Those classmates became my closest friends throughout college.”
As she prepares for the next chapter, Alejandro reflects on the twists and turns that have led her to the UTSA Commencement stage for a second time.
“My journey, sparked by building a Lego robot at age ten and shaped by my resilience, drives me to inspire other young moms and nontraditional tech enthusiasts to chase their dreams.”
Launching in Fall 2025, the UTSA College of AI, Cyber and Computing will integrate disciplines in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing, and data science across four specialized departments, fostering collaboration and innovation. With an anticipated enrollment of over 5,000 students, the college will offer cutting-edge academic programs designed to meet workforce demands, strengthening UTSA’s leadership in emerging technologies. Located in downtown San Antonio, the college is positioned as a cornerstone of regional economic growth and technological advancement.
— Christopher Reichert
