The saying, “Mi casa es su casa '' (“My home is your home”) is not only engraved on a sign above my front door but also on my soul. The phrase is an invitation extended with open arms, inviting guests to enter a space not as outsiders, but as cherished members of the household. Growing up 10 minutes from the border, this Mexican hospitality extended beyond the physical dwelling of one's home, it also encompassed the communities and relationships built to foster genuine connection. It is what served as a compass to guide my character and dreams.

No matter where I go, this compass has guided me to do every undertaking with the same open arms and mind, leading me to find my passion for business, accounting, and people.

As I volunteered to assist elderly, Spanish-speaking, and low-income individuals in preparing and filing their income tax returns, I realized that accounting was not just about crunching numbers; it was a dynamic process that held real significance in people's lives. Each person had unique financial situations, goals, and concerns. As I navigated through these conversations, I discovered that accounting was not only about spreadsheets but about understanding the nuances of people's lives. This experience revealed the practicality of accounting principles and the ways they could positively impact individuals and families.

As I begin my studies at UT Austin, I can't wait to continue exploring my passions and gaining new ones. I thank God for the immense blessing he has given me to be a part of the Forty Acres Scholars Program, a family and community filled with amazing people with a heart to make anyone feel at home.

Major:
Business

Other Academic Interests:
Spanish, Social Work

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
After I turned in my Forty Acres Scholarship Program application at 3 am the day it was due, I remember telling my dad that in the worst-case scenario, I had just stayed up to write another essay, and in the best-case scenario, I would get a full ride. I was wrong. FASP has been so much more than just a full-ride program, it has been a family and community filled with people who want the best for you. I still remember leaving a donor dinner at finalist weekend in tears after having touching conversations with alumni and finalists I had just met. During the long weeks that I waited for my decision, I felt that not being a part of FASP would be a loss, not only because I wouldn't get a full-ride, but especially because I would not have the connections, community, and discovery available only through that program. The second I received the email being notified that I was being offered a spot in the program, I accepted it almost immediately (after running to my UT alumni teachers and crying my eyes out of course). What I first thought was simply a full-ride program, turned out to be a community where everyone genuinely believes you can change the world. I still get messages from underclassmen at my high school, talking about how they now plan to apply to UT and FASP after seeing how UT and their alumni network genuinely believe in the next generation. It has truly been such a blessing to be granted the opportunity to be a part of FASP. The Forty Acres Scholars Program is truly the only of its kind and I cannot imagine myself at a better university!

Favorite FASP Memory:
It is definitely the last night of freshmen retreat when we were all gathered by the firepit and went in a circle saying compliments about a scholar we were assigned to get closer with. I love that each scholar took the time to get to know one another and speak so beautifully of their character. It was at that moment that I felt surrounded by a family, one composed of the most genuine people. I felt so blessed to know each and every person standing there, and even more fortunate that I got to spend the next 4 years growing alongside them! Whitney’s idea to play kudos was a perfect way to wrap up our freshman retreat, with all the scholars understanding that FASP really did provide that tenant of community.