It all started with a scroll on Pinterest. While blindly scrolling one day as a way to escape from homework, I came across a quote. A quote that reminded me of the very person I AM and everything that I stood for and strived to be in life. The quote spelled out: “Inspired by the fear of being average”. The simple yet powerful quote was instantly pinned into one of my boards. It put into words what motivated me to be me and what scared me into being who I am.

One night, I made the courageous decision to place the quote onto a tote bag. The next day, an onlooker, which I remember vividly, stopped and looked at my bag with a smile on her face as if she was seeing the truth. She said, “Jasmine. I love this bag. It’s you. It represents you perfectly. You always do more than what you are asked of and continue to surprise me in everything that you do”.

Since I’ve been exposed to the University of Texas and its motto, "What starts here changes the world” my own personal motto has become intertwined with that of UT. My life mantra has now become “Inspired by the fear of not making a change in the world.

Majoring in Finance at UT will help me to “Change the World”. Finances have been an important topic for my family. When I was younger, my mom taught me financial literacy and how to manage money responsibly. While learning about the value of money and how to manage it, I felt a sense of accomplishment and fell in love with finance. As I advance in my career, it is my goal to instill financial literacy by creating workshops that teach underprivileged youth the value of saving and investing money.

I believe that the University of Texas will aid in preparing me professionally and further my morals of serving the community. I know that my UT family will give back to me by supporting my future endeavors and rooting me on. And I will remember my UT family that I have created and give back to the institution.

Even at this young age, I know that I can never be average. I will continue to live by my motivation while not only “Changing the World”, but Hooking Em’ in the process!

Major:
Business

Honors Program:
Canfield Business Honors

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
The community and family fostered by the Forty Acres Scholars Program and the vast network drew me to the program. The program has allowed me to meet driven individuals like myself. It has also provided a strong support system backed by my peers, the programming staff, and the alumni network.

The opportunities and invitations afforded to me as a Forty Acres Scholar would provide me with a great start to creating my own network of professionals, Texas Exes, and fellow Longhorns that will help foster and guide my professional development.