​Among life’s many blessings, the ability to communicate thoughts and ideas with other people has always intrigued me. Every level of communication fascinates me, from personal discussions to public relations. I marvel at the potential of a simple discourse, whether with my peers at the lunch table or in a classroom, to enhance my own values and perspectives. I find myself enthralled and inspired when listening to or reading the wise words of our world’s greatest orators and writers. And I have never felt more engaged in a challenge than I did when I served as a camp counselor, working to overcome the communication barriers that existed between my nonverbal camper and myself. I believe that honest, straightforward communicators can bring people together and lead them forward towards collective progress. ​

My passion for communication was ingrained and solidified throughout my experiences in high school. As a four-year class officer and the student body president of my school’s student government, I had the opportunity to address the entire school community on a number of occasions, and I learned how to dissipate information to large groups of people – detailing planned action items to the student body or the administration. Through this mode of leadership, I came to understand the value that concise, comprehensive communication has when one is called upon to serve and direct on the behalf of others; this is where my passion was established. As a longtime storyteller with a multitude of creative writing, directing, and acting endeavors under my belt, I have tasted the joy that comes from captivating a live audience with your words, sometimes moving them to tears and other times infusing them with laughter. If communication has been my study of choice, then the creative stage has often been my laboratory; this is where my passion was cultivated.

​And now as I continue my studies at UT Austin in the Moody College Honors Program as a communication & leadership and Plan II Honors double major, I am confident that I have found a home where my passion can grow without restraint and will be used to serve the UT and greater Austin community through student leadership organizations and philanthropies. Additionally, I am truly honored to be a part of the Forty Acres Scholars Program, a tremendously dynamic group that thrives on the exchange of ideas between scholars. Quite simply, I eagerly await the multitude of opportunities to communicate and converse with hundreds of new peers, friends, teachers, administrators, and more. Hook’em!

Majors
Communications and Leadership; Plan II Honors

Honors Programs
Moody College Honors Program; Plan II Honors

Other Academic Interests
Business of Healthcare

Extracurricular Activities
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
There are many gifts and benefits that come with being a part of the Forty Acres Scholars Program: the generosity of the donors that make this program possible, the network of support offered by the Texas Exes staff and alumni, and the enrichment opportunities designed to empower and propel the scholars toward success, all make for a one-of-a kind college experience. And while I’m willing to admit that each of these elements initially drew me to the program, it’s the strong and supportive community that I first encountered during Finalist Weekend that ultimately convinced me how special the Forty Acres Scholars Program really is. Over the course of four years, the scholars learn and grow with each other, building relationships along the way that will last a lifetime. Every member of my cohort inspires me with their vast set of skills and talents, and I can’t wait to undergo this journey with them. I believe that the emphasis on community truly sets this program apart from any other undergraduate experience, and I feel extremely blessed to be joining a group that is both capable and excited to change the world.