As a junior majoring in Business Management, Enrique Silveira has found a second home at The University of Texas Permian Basin — one that embraces both his goals as a student-athlete and the culture that has shaped who he is today. 

Originally from Spain, Silveira proudly identifies as Hispanic, carrying with him a deep appreciation for the history and traditions that define his heritage. 

"This part of my identity is very important to me because of the history and cultural features that it carries. It shaped my personality and the way I see most things, culturally, and emotionally," he said. "It's a heritage that I carry with myself and that I feel proud of every single day. It continues to shape my character, to help me improve as a person, and set the right ideas and goals for my future." 

For Silveira, that heritage comes to life most vividly during Semana Santa, or Holy Week — one of Spain's most treasured celebrations. 

"There are some celebrations such as the "Semana Santa" that I have grown up enjoying every year since I can remember," he said. "It's one of the most celebrated weeks of the year in some Hispanic countries like Spain, where I'm from. The tradition that revolves around it is simply spectacular, starting on Palm Sunday, all the way to Easter Sunday, the tradition, the passion and the history that this week carries with itself is breathtaking, and I would strongly recommend anybody to personally see it at some point in their life." 

Since arriving at UTPB, Silveira has found the same sense of belonging and community that reminds him of home. 

"One of the things I like most about UTPB is how welcoming and nice everybody is," he said. "Professors, coaches, and other students want the best for you from minute one and treat you as part of the big family this university is. Being treated so well and kindly has quickly made me feel as a part of the family, and it is definitely one of the things a love the most about being here. It has made me feel at home since I got here the first day of class."