At 8 years old, Hellen Awino moved from Kenya to the U.S. Her parents made the choice in hopes of giving their daughter more opportunities. When it came time for Awino to attend college, her decision came down to UT or A&M.

It wasn’t until the Texas Exes Scholar interview process that she decided to become a part of the Forty Acres. During the weekend of scholarship interviews, Awino felt nervous and doubtful. But despite her skepticism, she enjoyed the trip and loved exploring UT. After experiencing a great support system from the Texas Exes, Awino made her decision.

“Without this organization, without the committee members, and without the scholarship that I was awarded,” Awino says, “I am certain I would have only set foot on The University of Texas to see what my life could have been like.”

As the recipient of the Ellen Dorsey Texas Exes Scholarship, Awino knew she had to work hard and uphold expectations set forth by her peers and the Texas Exes.

In the past three years, Awino has helped bring the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students to the University, and has been a part of Global Architecture Brigades—an organization that has competed in two design competitions.

This year alone, Awino has traveled to three continents, 12 countries, and more than 20 cities. She has experience in management, having worked as an art assistant at the Blanton Museum, and has taken more than 60 trips to the top of the UT Tower as a tour guide.

But none of this would have been possible without the Texas Exes committee, alumni, and donors, says Awino, who has one year left in the five-year bachelor of architecture program.