Drake? Skip…
Bad Bunny? Skip…
Kamasi Washington? Skip...
Led Zeppelin? Skip…
George Strait? Skip… 
Luis Miguel? Play.

By January 20th, 2024, I had listened to over 250 different artists since New Year’s Day, thanks to my 2,000-song playlist. Listen and enjoy as I hit shuffle.

“No Se Va” by Grupo Frontera - I may relate to Grupo Frontera’s hit after a romantic interest didn’t work out, but this music hits home in another way: we’re native Texans with strong ties across the Mexican border. My grandmother immigrated from Mexico to Del Rio, Texas, met my Popo, and had my father in the border city. I heard Grupo while working in the 105-degree heat in my abuelo's backyard, trimming trees. I’ll happily spend all day in their yard after hearing Popo’s childhood stories about sleeping outside after shearing sheep. This sweet sound reminds me of summer days spent with him. Now I’ve added Peso Pluma and Natanael Cano.

“California Love” by Tupac Shakur - Being a goliath in net (I’m 5 '8) had its challenges, mainly because I took up only 4.4% of the goal’s area. Before a soccer game, I listened to something to get my blood pumping. Leaning on my brother for experience, William put me on 90’s Hip-Hop, and the fast-paced beats always make me focus. Surprisingly, I blast rap in my headphones most often while studying for long hours in the silent library or hammering away at whatever entrepreneurial venture I’m working on. Now I’ve added Nas and Biggie.

“There Will Be a Day” by Jeremy Camp - I’ve met plenty of amazing people while serving at The Church Under the Bridge, but one stands out. Mr. P was a successful businessman with a nice house, a loving family, and strong faith. He unfortunately lost everything due to an addiction and strayed far from God. I’ll never forget the lessons he’s taught me about coming back to God, and Mr. P shared this song about persevering in the hope of God’s promises. Now I’ve added Chris Tomlin & Cory Ashbury.

“The Girl from Ipanema” by Stan Getz & João Gilberto - At a summer business program, I asked my friend Felipe what music he’s into. He downplayed the question and said he listened to some stuff from back home. After I showed him my playlist, he opened up and invited me to listen to Brazilian Bossa Nova. Felipe didn’t realize he gave me a month-long obsession with listening to the depths of Bossa Nova until I felt like an expert. I’m always in the mood for some Bossa Nova when I remember grinding for the case competition we did against each other. Now I’ve added Os Cariocas & Antônio Carlos Jobim.

As you can see from this (tiny) sample, my playlist is built by those around me. I love working with others and connecting over some new sound. I can’t wait to be a part of a team that pushes me to get outside of my comfort zone to become someone who can truly change the world. I don’t know what exactly my future at UT holds, but I know this. I’m going to keep broadening my perspective, developing unexpected friendships, and challenging my intellectual curiosity. I’m going to keep adding to my playlist, and I can’t wait to see what my Forty Acres Community puts me on.

Major:
Canfield Business Honors

Honors Program:
Canfield Business Honors, Jefferson Scholars Program

Other Academic Interests:
Finance

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
In all honesty, I didn’t think I was coming to UT – I had my heart set on another school – but decided to give the Forty Acres Scholarship Program my best effort during finalist weekend. I am forever grateful that God used my parents to push me to do so. From the second I met an older scholar at finalist weekend, to the most recent phone call I had with one of my cohort members (about 12 minutes ago), I am in awe of the quality of each and every kid in the program. Every student isn’t just a rockstar on their resume, they’re also genuine, kind, and most importantly, interesting. As I quickly learned in short interactions while at finalist weekend, I could sit and talk with everyone around the program for not hours, but days. I felt like I fit with those around me in FASP, which is awesome to say when going into a school with over 50,000 new classmates. After finalist weekend, I couldn't picture myself anywhere else. Finally, the opportunities for enrichment, alumni connection, and support are unmatched by other programs across the country.