At an early age, I was fascinated by science, always asking my parents the “what if” and “why” questions behind absolutely everything. The world around me brought so many unanswered questions, and I longed for answers. In particular, I would spend hours on end contemplating which came first: the tomato or the seed, and would even ask my elementary school teachers for their opinions. Six-year-old me dreamt of one day going to a science lab and asking these all-knowing idols of mine these random, yet still important, questions that surfaced in my mind.

Moreover, being the older sister to a brother with Microcephaly, my curiosity about the world’s complexities eventually coincided with questions surrounding why abnormalities in a person's brain chemistry have the ability to greatly impact their life. At such a young age, this forced me to understand why some individuals' brains are wired differently than the “normal.” As I got older, I attended many of his neurologist appointments where I continued asking questions. Doctors would further explain to me what it meant to have Microcephaly, and how they would work with him so that he could reach his fullest potential. I was able to watch my little brother hit milestones that we didn’t believe were possible after his diagnosis. This triumph created a newfound yearning to become a physician who changes the lives of their patients the same way my brother's neurologist changed his life.

To this day, my curiosity for just about everything has continued to grow and will be my fuel to take full advantage of all the unique possibilities offered by the Forty Acres Scholars Program. Furthering my journey in making an impact on others lives. The Forty Acres Scholars Program is a place for students with courage, determination, and a desire to build community. This tight-knit cohort is unlike any other, as we all push each other to achieve our common goal of taking ownership of our education and expanding our perspectives.

Through embodying the foundational values of this program, surrounded by inspiring scholars, I will be able to continue to ask the “what if” and “why” questions that encapsulate my mind every single day.

Major:
Biology

Other Academic Interests:
Nutrition

Extracurricular Activities:
Member of Alpha Epsilon Phi, Certified Nursing Aide, and Patient Care Technician

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
The Forty Acres Scholars Program is unlike any other collegiate program of its kind. It is not just a premier scholarship, rather it is a community filled with diverse voices where each individual motivates each other to reach their utmost potential. It is the bonds between each scholar that truly makes the program so unique.

When I attended the Forty Acres Finalist Weekend, the feeling of unity was tangible. I knew that this supportive environment was a place where I would not only thrive academically but also thrive socially. As a member of the program, I am ecstatic to build a collective voice alongside my fellow scholars and learn from each and everyone of them. Moreover, the connections and privilege that this scholarship provides is inconceivable, as it will place me a significant step further further on my journey to becoming a physician who is driven by endless curiosity and a desire to help others.

As a Freshman, I am eager to bond with the rest of the Forty Acres Scholars cohort, connect with the UT alumni network, be academically challenged, attend spirited football games, wear burnt orange, and most of all - be a student at the one and only University of Texas at Austin. I am immensely grateful to the Forty Acres Scholars program for investing in my future and allowing me to partake in experiences that will deeply enrich my life and academic career and receive an education that will allow me to pursue my dreams.