Luckily, my mom went back to college to earn her nursing degree when I was five years old. I say luckily for two reasons- one being that I was an extremely injury-prone kid, and the other being that it started my obsession with walking on a similar career path as my mom. As I stood in front of my mom and her college classmates as a real-life human anatomy chart, they would point at me and recite different medical terms and phrases. This hands-on engagement allowed me to gain basic medical knowledge and sparked my interest in the medical field at a young age. I found myself infatuated with the idea of being able to help others the same way medical professionals, including my mom, have helped my family and me throughout the years. I love that the general profession is always needed and is also constantly changing, growing, and learning. Although I am very fond of and eager to learn more about other professions in the medical field, specifically physical therapy, I have another well-known obsession.

The University of Texas at Austin has been my only choice, ever. I went so far as to even submit my UT-specific application essay to… well another well-known college in Texas that I do not dare say. I love the diversity, the tradition, the endless opportunities, and everything else UT has to offer. I believe this is what makes UT so unique compared to other universities throughout Texas, the country, and even throughout the world. I am a firm believer of and can attest to the school’s signature motto - what starts here does change the world indeed. Besides my love for the medical field and The University of Texas, I have found myself being drawn to helping others. In high school, I was a student athletic trainer for the football team, volunteered in the Houston Medical Center at MD Anderson, served my hometown as Miss Shiner, and helped in more local events. At a young age, most kids start playing sports, learning how to play different instruments, or just finding different things that they are skilled at. Well, volunteering was my skill. I enjoy talking, which I am positive everyone will discover for themselves sooner rather than later, and I love meeting new people. Volunteering was my way to meet new people while still allowing me to help them and truly make a difference in their lives.

I am excited to experience everything UT and Austin have to offer. I am a coffee enthusiast, bookworm, vinyl collector, music junkie, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings lover, and an expert thrift shopper. Austin is the perfect place to explore my hobbies and find new ones to enjoy throughout my next four years here. This four year journey towards the next chapter of my life is sure to be one of my best experiences!

Major
Exercise Science

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
While speaking with Dr. Jones, a distinguished Texas Ex, he mentioned something that stuck with me. He explained to my cohort that this scholarship program is more than just a check and I would have to agree completely. This program offers so much more than I could have ever imagined when I applied. Speaking to what Dr. Jones said, this definitely is an amazing full-ride scholarship, but also a program that offers much, much more than just money. This program has allowed me to be around 16 of the most brilliant, well-rounded, and diverse students on campus. After spending nearly a week with my cohort, I could not envision a better group of people to surround myself with. We often talk about how receiving a full-ride scholarship is incredible, but the connections and networking that come long with it are unbelievable.