ON THE COVER: Mariela Zavala – Packing on the spunk

cover pic1-3-21-13

By RAY QUIROGA
South Padre Parade
rayq@portisabelsouthpadre.com

cover pic2-3-21-13Anyone who’s ever doubted that big things come in small packages probably never met Mariela Zavala.

This bright Port Isabel native and Port Isabel High graduate is currently attending the University of Texas – Brownsville where she aspires towards a degree in Environmental Science. So don’t be surprised if one day this spunky 21-year-old finds herself working at the area’s coastal studies labs or as a marine life researcher.

“I want to be a marine biologist; I don’t know where, but it’s going to be somewhere near a beach. I love the water,” she explained, adding that she should be ready to apply for internships in about two more years. “I was pursuing a degree in business, but I just love nature. I love animals. I’m a hippie at heart, and I had to tell myself, ‘No, I don’t think I really want to pursue business,’” Mariela explained.

cover pic3-3-21-13An “A-B” honor roll student in high school, Mariela knows the meaning of hard work and discipline, especially in her line of study. Adding to an already arduous course load, Mariela also bartends and waitresses in the Brownsville area to assist her financially as she makes her way towards earning her degree.

Mariela resides with her mother and she is the “baby” of the family. She has two siblings, an older brother and sister, both of which have moved on to start their own families.

But Zavala is not all about the books and studying. Being young and single also means having fun and Mariela knows how to do that too. Her best Spring Break memory of 2013 was most definitely the UME concert which was held at Schlitterbaugn Waterpark last week, she said, because it offered her yet another opportunity to be with her friends, many of which have relocated to pursue their academic and professional endeavors.

In fact, these past few weeks, rarely do you see Mariela without her best bud, Bianca Alvarado, another area native who recently relocated to San Antonio.

cover pic-3-21-13When asked to mention something that people may not know about her, Mariela, with a laugh, said: “Everyone thinks I’m totally innocent, but I’m not.” Her friend Bianca agreed. “You’re first impression is that she’s very innocent, quiet and sweet, but once you get to know her, it’s like, ‘uh huh.’”

cover pic4-3-21-13

 

cover pic5-3-21-13

 

cover pic6-3-21-13

 

cover pic7-3-21-13

Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2013/03/21/on-the-cover-mariela-zavala-packing-on-the-spunk/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.