Admission Counselor Profile
Karla Bownds
karla.bownds@utdallas.edu
713-338-9921 (Cell Phone)
972-883-2270 (Welcome Center)
About
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Alma Mater: The University of Texas at Dallas
College Major: Psychology
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Glorias, where I can get pupusas, not close to the home cooking from El Salvador, but right up there. I also discovered What the Pho in Plano, just a little north of the UTD campus– a must-try. I have also enjoyed India Chaat Café throughout my college years, just a 10min drive on Frankford Rd. Overall, try new foods; you never know what you like until you try it!
How did your college experience help shape who you are?
Back when I started UTD, the housing situation was completely different. I was paired with graduate students, which allowed me to experience home-cooked meals from China and India. I enjoyed my time with them sharing their culture, staying up late, sometimes watching Bollywood movies, or going to restaurants that my roomies would recommend. I encourage you to step out of your norm and embrace a different culture, and you’ll find more in common than you think. UTD helped me find my inner strength and courage to be different as a first-generation student, which can be overwhelming. The lasting friendships and memories created at UTD are what I cherish.
What advice do you have for students beginning their college search?
Start looking at colleges your junior year, know where you stand in high school, and have fun attending all the college fairs. Try to visit as many open houses as possible, but take voice notes on the pros and cons of each university/college you visit. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to create a resume!