I was born in New York City to French-American parents; I moved to London at age two; and I spent my elementary school years in Paris. Adapting to find my place in every new setting, I learned to be resilient and adventurous. When I moved to Texas at age 12, I initially had trouble fitting in. I resolved this by delving into activities in my community and was surprised at how welcoming my new peers were. I was even able to nurture my French-American roots by serving as President of the French Club at my high school and as an intern at the French-American Chamber of Commerce of Houston, where I helped organize the signature Beaujolais Nouveau fundraiser (without drinking the wine!). I continue this at UT through the PALS program and the other communities with which I engage.

Remembering the challenges I initially faced with English when I moved to America in the sixth grade, I vowed to do my part to bridge the growing literacy disparities in underserved areas of Houston. Through Book Buddies, an elementary school student tutoring group, I helped guide my young scholar buddies through the world of reading to see firsthand the positive effects it could have on their lives. As an elected co-president senior year, I pioneered and participated in virtual story times for first through fifth graders during the pandemic. I also helped finalize virtual one-on-one math and reading tutoring options during this past summer and for the next school year. I continue this in college with Reading Aces, a literacy educational nonprofit, revitalizing the program as president post-COVID and expanding operations into Houston.

My fascination for how things work—from the human body to machines—drives my interest in biochemistry, fitness, sports science, and kinesiology, and I enjoy sharing this with others. I started an evidence-based fitness blog and co-founded a fitness and wellness club at my school to help others in attaining their goals in health and wellness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I secured professional counselors from the Institute for Spirituality and Health. Through this continuing collaboration, my peers, our school staff, and I have been able to benefit from hour-long weekly meditation and journaling sessions. At UT, I have explored this interest through my senior thesis, powerlifting, and classes.

Since moving to Texas, I have felt supported in all of my endeavors. I have been fortunate to delve deeper into my interests at UT, surrounded by the best and brightest people I know: my FASP family.

Majors
Biochemistry Honors; Plan II Honors

Honors Programs
Polymathic Scholars Honors Program; Plan II Honors Program

Other Academic Interests
Pre-health Professions Certificate (Pre-med); Nutrition; Kinesiology and Sports Science

Extracurricular Activities
Reading Aces - Site Coordinator; Former President (2 years)
Longhorn Powerlifting - National/International-Level Athlete and Record Holder; Selections Committee; Former Recruitment Chair
Texas Silver Spurs - Member
Tejas Club - Member; Former Texas Independence Day Co-Chair, Philanthropy Co-Chair, Centennial Celebration Committee Member
Friar Society - Member; Selections Committee
UT Emergency Contraception for Every Campus - Researcher; Officer
Burgermaster Lab - Research Assistant (Honors Thesis)
PurePediatrics - Medical Assistant
The Unfinished Mind Podcast - Former Manager, Lead Scriptwriter
UT Partnerships to Advance Language Study - French Circle Co-Leader
Polymathic Scholars Honors Program Leadership Panel - Alumni Directory Coordinator; Former Special Programs Committee Member
Triple Helix Journal - Editor; Writer
Phi Beta Kappa

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
I was drawn to the Forty Acres Scholars Program for the outstanding leadership, academic, and global opportunities the program offers, coupled with a generous scholarship at a world-class university and an incredibly supportive alumni network. The diverse Scholar community is a real draw for me. I know firsthand how well different perspectives and experiences can enhance a community and encourage each person to reach his or her potential. When I left my monocultural French school in Paris, I felt like I had never fit the mold of a Parisian student, and I was worried that I would not feel accepted as a French-American in Texas. My Houston high school was actually refreshingly diverse, and I have found that Texans are really welcoming. For me, the Forty Acres Finalist Weekend sealed the deal: the resilience and ingenuity the program showed by hosting a fully virtual weekend made me feel connected to my peers and to my new home. Since then, I have embarked in a once-in-a-lifetime college experience for which I am incredibly grateful.

Favorite FASP Memory
Visiting Costa Rica with my senior cohort in an all-expenses-paid trip was an incredible experience. We ziplined the rainforest, water rafted, toured the rainforest by boat, learned to salsa, swam in the hot springs, saw wildlife, experienced the local culture and performances, and ate many delicious home-cooked meals. It was a beautiful experience made even better by the bonds I strengthened with my cohort.