“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

That’s what Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote in "Anne of Green Gables", and that’s what my mother wrote in it too. In my copy, at least- the one she gifted me on October 27, 2015… my tenth birthday.

“I love you, my girl. I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

My mom raised me with stories. While I was in elementary school, we would end each day snuggled up in our green recliner chair- mugs of vanilla tea at our sides, Chet Baker warbling through our speaker in the other room, and a good book rested between us. Together, we danced ballet with Hilary and Rachel of "Dancing Shoes", put on childhood plays with the March sisters of "Little Women", and navigated Regency society with Elizabeth Bennet of "Pride and Prejudice" (find yourself a Mr. Darcy, Mom would tell me). Those nights we spent reading together- just the two of us- ingrained in me a deep love of storytelling.

Stories have this unique capacity to generate empathy; to immerse someone in a new outlook, a new identity, a new belief; to show someone what it means to live and breathe on the other side of the world. This is why I am a storyteller. Through my work, I encourage a more understanding, open-minded, and unified society.

In high school, I dedicated myself to storytelling. Whether it was through publishing my essays in literary magazines, writing screenplays, or animating stop motion films, I explored wide-ranging mediums through which to share my perspective. As an intern at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, I organized and facilitated public programming like visual art exhibitions, film festivals, and open mics that amplified the voices of young artists in my city. And, as the founder and leader of my school’s Women’s Empowerment Club, I fostered an inclusive, uplifting environment in which girls felt comfortable sharing their stories with each other.

As I write this bio amidst the chaos of unpacked boxes and halfway-built Ikea furniture in my new dorm, my copy of "Anne of Green Gables" sits on a shelf. And I open it, and I see my mother’s handwriting, and suddenly I’m ten again, sitting on that green recliner chair, my eyes heavy with sleep as Mom reads to me. As a Forty Acres Scholar, I am eager to share this piece of who I am- my love of stories- with UT Austin, contributing to a sense of belonging and community on its campus.

Major:
Plan II Honors and English

Honors Program:
Plan II Honors

Other Academic Interests:
Art History and Business

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
At my finalist weekend, I found that the Forty Acres Scholars Program is so, so much more than a full-ride scholarship. At its core, it’s a community one can call home.

FASP is filled with some of the most genuine, hardworking, and interesting individuals whom I feel blessed to call my friends. Even spending just a few minutes with them will inspire you to be the best version of yourself you can be. From bonding retreats to weekly freshmen dinners, the Forty Acres Scholars Program emphasizes community, offering a built-in family. This, I truly believe, is an experience no other university will offer you.

I was also drawn to the administration of FASP itself. With programming like semesterly coffee chats and one-on-one conversations with the coordinators, those who run the Forty Acres Scholars Program work tirelessly to ensure that you, as a scholar, feel supported. The administration will also connect you with alumni and friends of the program who will give you every tool you need to succeed.

And so, yes- the financial freedom that came with FASP was undeniably a factor in my decision to enroll. However, it is the people here that make this program what it is. When choosing a university, this is what stood out to me most.