Tiffany Chan was selected to the Forty Acres Scholars Program during its second year, as part of the 2015 cohort. While on campus, she served as editor-in-chief of Spark Magazine, co-founder of Chi Kappa Phi Service Society, and as a member of the Friars Society. She studied abroad for a year at Queen Mary University of London before graduating in May 2017 with a BS in textiles and apparel and a BA in Plan II Honors. Recently, Tiffany became the first scholar alum to join the Forty Acres Society as a way to give back to the program.

What have you been up to since graduating?

After spending my fifth year abroad in London, I returned home to Texas and started as a Business Analyst for McKinsey & Company in the Dallas office. I have been fortunate to have developed a wonderful family of friends in Dallas—through work and through networks such like the Texas Exes. I have also started to practice yoga regularly and am dabbling in writing poetry as I continue to explore and see as much of this world as I can.

What makes the Forty Acres Scholars Program special?

The Forty Acres Scholars Program is especially meaningful to me because of the friendships the program brought into my life. My experience at UT would not have been the same without these folks who have become lifelong friends with whom I have traveled to all corners of the world with and continue to navigate the highs and lows of life. This program and these friends have given me the courage to dream bigger and live fuller.

What advice would you give to current Forty Acres Scholars?

Take the risks. Do something for the first time. It’s not about being fearless—it’s about not letting fear hold you back. Follow your heart when you have the opportunities because while it may seem random and haphazard and disjointed in the moment, something ties all your experiences and pursuits together, and that something is you. Embrace and tell your story.

You are the first scholar alum to join the Forty Acres Society! Why did you join?

A large part of what makes this scholarship program particularly powerful is the breadth and depth of the experiences a scholar is able to have. The Forty Acres Society does just that—contributions directly support the enrichment activities spanning professional development, leadership training, and global experiences. I know what a difference this support has made during my time as a scholar and what an impact those experiences have had on my future trajectory. I hope to enable a current scholar in a similar way.

How do you envision scholar alumni staying involved in the program?

I would encourage alumni to stay connected with each other and to the program and know that involvement looks different for everyone – showing up and investing time is as valuable as monetary support. One of the strengths of this program is its community.

Tiffany was the recipient of the Stamps Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Marilyn Marshall White.