Domonic Mirelez, a first-generation college student from Crane, Texas, will graduate this week from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the Jerry S. Rawls College of Business. Mirelez’s journey to graduation has been marked by personal challenges and new opportunities that have shaped his experience at the university.
After considering several schools, Mirelez chose Texas Tech for its balance of affordability and proximity to family. “I was thinking about a number of schools, but I wanted to be far enough away where I could be on my own, but I also wanted to be close enough that if I needed to rely on my family for something, I could,” he said.
Mirelez faced significant adversity early in his college career when his father passed away just two weeks into his first semester. Reflecting on this period, he said, “It was kind of tough. I had to do a furlough from school. I went to the dean and explained what I needed because I had to be there with my family.” Despite considering not returning, Mirelez recalled advice from his father: “He always had so much faith in me. So, I chose to stay with college and survived.”
As he adjusted to life at Texas Tech—a major change from his small hometown—Mirelez found support through campus resources and new friendships. He quickly became known for his outgoing nature and willingness to connect with others. His roommate noted this quality: “‘Dude, you just go talk to random people.’ And I am thinking, like, ‘This is fantastic. It’s what I have always wanted, meeting someone new every day.’”
To support himself financially and gain work experience, Mirelez took a job as a content creator with Hospitality Services at Texas Tech after initially doubting his qualifications for the role. He credits upperclassmen for helping him learn the ropes and expand his campus community.
Evan J. Wilson, unit manager with Hospitality Services, praised Mirelez’s approach: “Domonic is curious, and that’s something you can’t really teach,” Wilson said. “He’s always ready to jump in wherever he’s needed and brings genuine energy to everything he does. He’s the kind of person who makes the people around him better.” Wilson added: “From the first conversation, it was clear he had the right mix of drive and creativity… He’s reliable, thoughtful and professional, but he also brings this creative spark that keeps our work fresh.”
Seeking further involvement on campus beyond work responsibilities led Mirelez to join the ultimate frisbee club through University Recreation—a move that gave him another sense of belonging at Texas Tech. As vice president of the club team competing against other universities in Texas such as Baylor University and UT-Austin, Mirelez found community among fellow students: “It gave me a sense of community… There are communities out there for everyone, and I think students should try to find one.”
Looking back on his academic path—which included taking dual-credit courses in high school—Mirelez acknowledges uncertainty about choosing marketing as a major but ultimately feels confident in his decision: “I am very proud of the major I chose. I’m glad I took the shot and it turned out to be right one.”
After graduation this week during fall commencement ceremonies at Texas Tech University—a milestone that holds special meaning given memories of his late father—Mirelez will move to Austin in January for a sales position with a freight brokerage firm.
Reflecting on lessons learned throughout college—and advice for others facing transitions—he said: “Don’t be scared to jump because you are going have do it multiple times in your life.” Regarding attending Texas Tech specifically: “If I hadn’t come to Texas Tech where I’ve had a chance do lot cool stuff…Texas Tech is place where you can basically bust down doors find out what’s possible for you.”
