LILY O. '17

Lily O. ’17 investigates criminal activity as an FBI special agent.

In all of her investigations – drugs, public corruption, bank fraud or violent crimes – money is always a driving factor. That’s why she chose to study accounting at UTEP.

“Accounting degrees are sought out by the FBI,” Lily said. “There’s finance anywhere you go. Having knowledge of how finances work has really helped a lot in my investigations.”

She learned about how money flows from professors like Hettie Houghton and David Folsom, who were passionate about sharing their expertise. In additional to being knowledgeable, she found her professors to be helpful and supportive.

Lily chose UTEP because El Paso is her home, and she knew the university had a good reputation and offered the degree she needed. Her end goal was always to work for the FBI and follow in her father’s footsteps. She saw no need to leave town for school because she could get an excellent education right here, and save a lot of money in the process.

“My goal is to protect the American people,” she said. “It’s one way to serve my country. If it wasn’t for UTEP, I wouldn’t have been able to fulfill my dreams because I wouldn’t have my degree from a great university.”