Student-Workers, Tornado, Student-Stories
Finding Community and Balance at Concordia Texas: Liliana Cardenas’ First-Year Experience
March 23, 2026
Building a Sense of Belonging at Concordia Texas
For Liliana Cardenas, Concordia University Texas is starting to feel like home. At first, college might have felt new and overwhelming, but getting involved on campus has helped her feel more comfortable and connected.
Being part of the Trailblazers Program, working with the marketing department, and joining the flag football team have helped Liliana meet people and build friendships. These experiences have made campus feel more like her place.
Getting Involved Through the Trailblazers Program
What Is the Tornado Trailblazers Program?
The Tornado Trailblazers Program at Concordia University Texas is a one-year experience designed to help new students build community and succeed in college. Students in the program meet regularly with staff and peers to set academic and personal goals, learn practical life skills, and support one another throughout their first year. The program focuses on connection, encouragement, and helping students confidently navigate their transition to college.
Trailblazers helped Liliana meet new people and feel involved right away. It made it easier for her to connect with others and feel like part of the Concordia community. Being active on campus has made her college experience more fun and meaningful.
Balancing Academics and Campus Life
A big goal for Liliana this semester is to stay focused on her academics while still getting involved on campus. She wants to grow both personally and professionally. Staying focused and using her time wisely is very important to her.
One of the biggest lessons Liliana has learned is how important it is to manage her time and stay organized. Balancing classes, work, and activities isn’t always easy. She has found that planning ahead and staying consistent makes a big difference in how well she handles everything.
Staying Motivated During Challenging Moments
When school starts to feel overwhelming, Liliana reminds herself of her goals and why she chose to be at Concordia. Taking small breaks and keeping a positive mindset helps her reset and stay motivated.
Advice for First-Semester Students
For first-semester students, Liliana’s advice is simple: get involved and put yourself out there. Joining programs, teams, or clubs helps you meet people and makes college more enjoyable.
Looking Ahead at Concordia Texas
Looking ahead, Liliana is excited to keep growing, meet new people, and take advantage of new opportunities. Since last semester, she has become more focused on her goals and making the most of her time at Concordia University Texas.
About the Author
Darone Leakes is a kinesiology major and student-athlete at Concordia University Texas. As an Athletics Digital Content Creator with the Ultraviolet Student Agency, he captures the energy and faith-driven spirit of Concordia Texas athletics. Darone continues to grow as a leader both on and off the court while pursuing his goal of becoming a physical therapist.
