Teamwork has been almost a thematic word in my life. I was with my high school soccer team, in fact, on December 8, 2021, when another team suddenly became the most important one in my life: the EMTs in my community of Southlake, Texas. I had suffered a near fatal brain aneurysm during practice, and thanks to the teamwork of those medical professionals, my life was saved. For the next several months, other teams were equally vital: teams of nurses, doctors, and physical therapists—and that most important team of all, my family.

There seemed little hope that I would ever rejoin my teammates, but as captain of the team that was vitally important to me. Dr. Welch, the doctor who performed my life-saving surgery, gave me one last directive before signing my release from UT Southwestern Medical Center: “Go live your life, Olivia,” he said, “You are better now than you were before December 8th.”

By springtime, after months of grueling physical therapy, I was cleared by my neurologist to do workouts with the soccer team again. I attended scrimmages, meetings, and waited to take the field in competition once more. Still captain, I tried to be a leader for and even an inspiration to my teammates, who were so loving to me. The main way I led was by just showing up.

That spring I finally got to take the field and play in the playoffs—and even the Texas State Championship game. The night we returned home as state champs, I was the last to get off the bus.

“Come here,” our school resource officer told me. “I have some people who want to see you.”

There, standing in a line waiting to hug me were the EMTs who had first responded on December 8th to save my life.

At the end of the year, I was honored to receive the Ben Hogan Perseverance Award, given annually to four student-athletes high school and college combined in Texas.

Today, I am still following my doctor’s advice. I am living my life, as Dr. Welch said—but only because no one ever gave up on me: not the teams of paramedics who rushed to the field that day; not the teams of healthcare professionals who helped me in the hospital; not my parents, family members, teachers, and friends, who never stopped praying; and not my coaches and teammates on the soccer team—they never took me out of the starting lineup.

Here at the University of Texas at Austin, I am privileged to be a part of a new team, the Forty Acres Scholars. Leaving my family and my high school friends and teammates to come to Austin, I was anticipating a feeling of emptiness, but the minute I met my new classmates in the Forty Acres Scholars Program, the most incredibly kind, sincere, and intelligent individuals one could ever meet, my soul was content—and I knew my future was even brighter.

How will I live my life? I am majoring in Communication and Leadership, in the Moody Honors Program, as well as pursuing a business minor and plan to one day transform lives in a way that honors the grace that was given to me. I definitely plan to employ my servant-leader’s heart in a larger sphere and also support first responders, the great unsung heroes of our communities. I know my fellow students at FASP will push me to be my absolute best servant self. They just may prove to be the most important new team of my life.

Majors:
Communication and Leadership

Honors Program:
Moody Honors

Other Academic Interests:
Pursuing a business minor

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
My desire to become a Forty Acres Scholar evolved to a mission I had to accomplish after a conversation I had with a higher education admissions professional who was incredibly intelligent and dynamic. She was insightful about the educational, leadership, professional and cultural opportunities in addition to the incredible alumni network, and resources available to the students at The University of Texas at Austin. FASP creates life changing opportunities that will set you apart during collegiate years and as you embark in your profession to change the world.

The Forty Acres Scholars Program is not just a “premier full-ride merit-based scholarship”, it is a family, it is inspiring future leaders, it is authentic connection and genuine relationships. It is bleeding burnt orange!!

In high school, I was accustomed to assuming many leadership roles (in sports, in academics, and in community service) and collaborating with talented classmates and teammates, but now I look forward to taking it to the next level. I look forward to honing my leadership skills inspired by my experiences, peers, professors and alumni at The University of Texas at Austin. I’m so thankful to the Texas Exes for making this opportunity possible through their vision, trust, encouragement, and generosity. I can confidently say that I have found my forever family within FASP, and I feel incredibly blessed to call UT Austin my home for the next four years—and to be a Longhorn for life.

What makes your scholar cohort unique?
At the FASP Freshman retreat we presented a poster sharing our interests, hobbies, what we were involved with in high school, and what we want to be involved with in college. As I listened and learned while each scholar shared their story it became incredibly reassuring that I had something in common or similar interests with every single individual in my cohort. Although we makeup a diverse group of individuals, I came into my freshman year of college with joy and contentment that I have 19 hardworking, genuine, accomplished, intelligent individuals that will do nothing but bring out the absolute best in me, and I plan to do the same in return. The FASP class of 2027 is special and destined to positively change the world and make their fellow Longhorns proud.