Michael Smith
Michael Smith
AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship
Forty Acres Scholars Class of 2022
Hometown
Spring, TX
High School
Klein Oak High School

Growing up in a family that depends completely on a small business, I have earned a great appreciation for the work my father does as a sole proprietor of a restaurant. Even more so, as a family we have been through successes and struggles. One growing experience we have gone through is restoring our restaurant after being flooded in Hurricane Harvey. Seeing my family's endurance and faith in such a trying time and realizing so many blessings in my life, it's hard to not feel drawn to give back. I see myself best fit to do so through the field of business, where I may be so fortunate to one day assist others in their professional and personal lives. Being on the Forty Acres in the McCombs School of Business, I strive to make the most of every opportunity as a scholar. A great experience I was able to have was in the summer of 2019 Business Honors Study Abroad Program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Taking honors courses while in another culture where I could immerse myself and exercise my second language was truly rewarding. This is just one example of the many opportunities that the Forty Acres Scholars Program makes possible for students like me. It has further given me a community of friends, roommates, mentors, and supporters from its make up of scholars, staff, alumni, and donors. I would have had the same college experience, or even at all on the Forty Acres, if it were not for this scholarship program.

Majors
Business Honors; Finance

Honors Program
Canfield Business Honors

Other Academic Interests
Management, Religious Studies

Extracurricular Activities
Ignite Texas; Honors Business Association; Student Consulting Initiative; Dell Technologies

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
I was specifically drawn to the Forty Acres Scholars Program because of the opportunity it brings students. Without the clear fact that it will greatly release worries about expenses related to my education, I now have access to connections such as career networking, thorough enrichment by internships, study opportunities abroad, and many other personable experiences within the bonds formed through my cohort otherwise not possible. Specifically speaking about the program post-Finalist Weekend, I came to see the family likeness embodied by every scholar and staff member affiliated with the program. Traits like these are ones that make the Forty Acres Scholars Program something hard not to love.

What makes your scholar cohort unique?
Off the bat it seemed that everyone in my cohort became friends so quickly. Through ah scholar orientation and other FASP events, we all clicked so easy it felt as if most of us had known each other for a long while. We have continued to bond with each other within and without programmed activities.

What do you want prospective students to know about The University of Texas?
If there's one thing I could tell students who are thinking about becoming a Longhorn it's to know that whoever you are or what ever you want to do, you will find your place. College is the place to get out of your shell and make some awesome memories, and UT is the perfect place for that!