My mom’s radio was constantly tuned to the NPR radio station. As a child, I heard stories ranging from the post 9/11 school election of a hijabi teen to the saga of three men, a wax Burt Reynolds, and a cross-country delivery– all pouring from the car speakers. Once I found Moth Radio Hour and Snap Judgement on Apple podcasts, it was on. While making my morning iced chai latte, I listened to stories. While driving to tennis practice, I listened to stories. While designing my youth group’s t-shirts, I still listened to stories. I craved these stories. I couldn’t get enough.

This desperate longing for stories followed me into my work on the Geneva Quarterly, my school magazine. After realizing there are so many untold stories in my own community, I implemented a consecutive story segment modeled on these podcasts where I asked teachers for stories from their youth. By examining the facts I learned about each teacher and asking the right questions, I’d strike storytelling gold. Through this process, I discovered a passion for advocacy. Journalism taught me the importance of telling people’s stories, but the power of the pen isn’t enough. Instead, I want to utilize the power of the scales. There are so many people whose voices aren’t heard, but my experience telling the stories of my community inspires me to continue providing a platform for them to express their perspectives.

I saw this bridge between stories and law in the work of Christian author and lawyer, Bob Goff. His book, Everybody Always, recounts his experience of facing a Ugandan witch doctor and choosing love over fear by advocating for a kidnapped little boy. I heard this story as a middle schooler, but even now, it has stuck with me. After discovering that a law degree could use stories for change, I knew it was a path I had to pursue.

What excites me about studying Civics and eventually Law at the University of Texas at Austin is the chance to learn how to ask the right questions so I can reveal untold stories and advocate for others. Traveling with my dad for his Air Force reserve work as a Judge Advocate General in Germany and Italy sparked my interest in discovering new cultures. Between my passion for advocacy and travel, my goal is to practice some type of international law, focusing on exposing injustices done to people without a voice.

The University of Texas at Austin is a place where I can have discussions with people of all viewpoints. It’s a place where I can ask questions and tell others’ stories. But most importantly, it’s a place filled with people who want to challenge me and push me forward as we change the world together.

Major
Civics Honors and Plan II Honors

Honors Program
Civics Honors and Plan II Honors

Other Academic Interests
Law and Graphic Design

Extracurricular Activities 
Ignite and Young Life

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
At first, I thought the Forty Acres Program was merely a scholarship and a way to pay for college. However, Finalist Weekend completely changed that perception. Going into the weekend, I expected things to be highly competitive and cutthroat, but the people there were some of the kindest and most well-rounded people I have ever met. Interacting with the older scholars and seeing how much they supported us throughout the weekend is what made me realize how much I wanted to be a Forty Acres Scholar. These were the kind of people that I wanted to live life with. Leaving that weekend, I knew that being a part of the Forty Acres Scholarship community was far more valuable than any scholarship.