Rachel Wood
Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship
Forty Acres Scholars Class of 2022
Hometown
Austin, TX
High School
Hyde Park High School

A big part of my story began eight years ago in a small community in Abaco, Bahamas. After traveling to this destination with my family for many years, we were introduced to a community in need on the island. Seeing an opportunity for educational reform in the local school, we started a non-profit offering a sponsorship program focused on educational empowerment and faith-based mentorship. Starting Austin Serving Abaco has shown me the power of education and capability of students, introducing me to my dream job- teaching! I hope to continue changing lives through serving and education. At UT, I continue to meet peers that inspire me and challenge me to learn and grow, and hope to share my passions to create service opportunities for the different communities I’m involved in at Texas. I am currently the co-captain of the Co-ed Cheerleading Squad at Texas. I am also involved in Reformed University Fellowship, am a member of Chi Omega sorority, and enjoy traveling, surfing, running, and spending time with family and friends.

Major
Education

Honors Program
Literacy Cohort

Other Academic Interests
Spanish minor

Extracurricular Activities
Texas Cheer Co-ed Squad; Chi Omega Sorority

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program? 
The Forty Acres Scholars Program is the only scholarship I applied for that offered community, mentorship, leadership, and enrichment opportunities.  There is an incredible community within the cohort of scholars who are passionate, driven, and involved.  The access to successful alumni who are eager to mentor is an invaluable resource, and opportunities for leadership are built into the program.  The encouragement and support to go abroad will allow me to develop my passion for Spanish and immersion in different cultures.  The doors this program will open for me personally are unrivaled by any other group or scholarship on campus.  I am so thankful to have been chosen to be a part of such a prestigious group.  Without question, it was the Forty Acres Scholars Program that made my choice to stay in Texas an easy one.