Try to live a life without ever meeting a stranger.

We all think strangers are much more different than us, but it’s the opposite. When we meet someone, we automatically put people in categories, good or bad, and we believe what we think of someone until they prove us wrong. People search for something they don’t like about a new person they meet because of the uncertainty in the word “stranger.” Working with people we don’t know or like can be difficult, but putting differences aside can turn an enemy into a best friend.

Communication is the cornerstone of building and maintaining relationships, allowing us to express our thoughts and emotions clearly. I find that communication is an essential part of people’s daily lives that everyone should focus on. Being able to communicate with individuals is needed in every aspect of the workforce, whether you’re a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or teacher. Talking and listening to people different from you is a valuable skill that can take you far.

Throughout my life, I have always loved meeting new people under any circumstance. I have learned excellent communication and leadership skills by developing close relationships with people I met in high school. Whether it was working with all four grades at my school to come up with ideas for the Governing Council or mentoring students from around Houston to run a team to raise money for blood cancer, I have learned a valuable lesson from both of these experiences: take the opportunity to engage with new people, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity of being a part of the Forty Acres Scholars Program by getting the chance to meet exceptional, different individuals.

Anyone can get caught up in the same social bubble, but taking the initiative to expand your community of new faces can be very impactful. That is why I have always made it a goal in my life never to meet a stranger.

Major:
Advertising 

Other Academic Interests:
Business, Sports, and Entrepreneurship

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
I recently heard an interesting quote, “A house is made of brick and mortar, but a home is made by the people who live there.” The Forty Acres Scholars have the strongest bond between themselves that I had never seen before. When I went to Finalist weekend, I saw people from all different grades interact with one another, laughing at their fun memories and inside jokes. I loved the relationships formed through this program, building a solid community from the Forty Acres Scholars Program. Having a sense of home with the program drew me in. 

What makes your scholar cohort unique?
My cohort is made up of some of the most accomplished people from their high schools, but you would never know it because of their sense of modesty. One of my cohort's scholars said he always tries to "focus on being interested and not interesting." Hearing that forced me to always be interested when talking to my cohort, and by being interested in the conversation, I learned fascinating facts about my peer scholars that I would have never known if I hadn't asked. Their humbleness is what makes them so unique.