I grew up in South Texas in a region by the Mexican-American border that we proudly call the “Rio Grande Valley,” where I was raised around Hispanic culture and grounded by Texan values. The value that I see the most is intertwined with both cultures: Freedom. While the dry Texas soil holds the blood of men who fought and died for freedom, the fresh waters of the Rio Grande carry the sweat and tears of immigrants who come in search of freedom from violence and poverty. Growing up around a constant pursuit of freedom-- to create, build, discover, and innovate, pushed me toward the health sciences.

Fueled by a passion for animals and helping those with cognitive disabilities, I founded Pause for Pets, which uses pet therapy to benefit youth with autism in my local community. I used my voice for the speechless. I bridged divides.

I kept using my voice; I presented diabetes research in Washington, D.C, debated Hispanic issues throughout Texas, and handled the closing arguments for my school’s mock trial team. I grew confidence. I stopped saying “I might” and started saying “I will.” I will help change the world, and I will start at UT.

Major
Public Health

Honors Program
Health Science Scholars Honors Program

Other Academic Interests
Business

Extracurricular Activities
Pause for Pets; National Hispanic Institute; Caminos Al Futuro research symposium; Mock Trial; Interned for a health science startup

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
Diversity. As each public health crisis is put to rest, a new one arises. To tackle this, one must gain multiple perspectives from diverse talent. The Forty Acres Scholars Program is the only program where I can ask a journalist from Moody College of Communication how to raise disease awareness and ask a biologist from the College of Natural Sciences about vaccine treatments. I know that it’s impossible to approach healthcare with a single perspective; having an extremely talented and diverse set of peers to help you along the way drew me to the program.