Q&A: Angie Montelongo
Angie Montelongo, director of orientation and new student programs, is one of the women featured as part of The Signal’s special #HawkHerStory issue, celebrating Women’s History Month. This special edition focuses on the stories and perspectives of the various women within the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) community.
Read The Signal’s Q&A with Montelongo below and see the other Q&A’s conducted with students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni here.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, on both a personal and professional/educational level?
A: I was born in Brownsville, TX and my parents moved here when I was one year old so my dad could attend the University of Houston. He also thought his children would go to college in the Houston area but that ended up not being the case. I graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX where I found my way into Higher Education and Student Affairs. I worked on campus in Student Activities and as an RA in the residence halls plus I was involved in various student organizations.
I attended Texas A&M for my Master’s degree and have spent the last 23 years working in higher education. I’ve worked in Arizona, Indiana and Texas and primarily in Student Activities and Housing and now Orientation. My husband is a faculty member at Sam Houston State University and teaches in their higher education program so I’m surrounded by it no matter what. Outside of work, I enjoy watching TV/movies, reading, word searches and coloring. I love beagles and we recently said goodbye to our 16-year-old beagle (Frida) but Buble remains with us and has been a great comfort in this difficult time.
Q: Who are some women (real or fictional) you look up to most? Why?
Elizabeth Bennet because she is feisty, headstrong and in a world where she is expected to simply do what she is told, she does not settle for anything less than a true love match. Claire Fraser in the Outlander series – this is a woman who sacrifices so much for the people she loves and is not only beautiful but also daring and brave. At the same time, she is an equal partner to her Jamie Fraser – much unheard of in their original timeline. Lastly, I have a brilliant friend named Nanette Vega. She is an inspiration to me for many reasons – she lives her life to the fullest, she cares deeply for her friends and family, she has high expectations of her staff and the team around her but also supports them and pushes them to do their best which often means preparing them for their next role. She is exceptionally kind and thoughtful and we need more people like her in the world.
Q: What are some problems you anticipate/have encountered as a woman in your field?
A: When I was younger, I was often mistaken for a student as opposed to someone who could help solve a problem. Because I’m not a parent myself, that can sometimes negate my authority in some parents’ minds. I think that’s a unique problem to women – men who aren’t parents usually don’t get that attitude (as far as I know). I think there are things that remain unfair to women – we have to dress a certain way, hair and makeup need to be done in order to get taken seriously, pay equity, and being bossy is often mistaken for being aggressive.
Q: What are three things you can’t live without?
A: My books, diet coke and time with my friends and family.
Q: What advice would you give to other women and young girls?
A: This will sound cheesy and cliché but I would encourage them to follow their heart. Do what makes you happy. Do what makes you sparkle and shine. Try new things. Take the vacation. Eat the dessert. Keep a gratitude journal. Doodle. Keep playing no matter your age.
Q: Is there anything you would like our readers to know?
A: I have stayed in this field because I believe in students and I want to support their success. I learn from students all the time and all I want to do is help them achieve their goals. If I’m able to positively impact their experience at UHCL then I can be proud of the work I’ve done.
