It's definitely stressful to be the first member of my family to attend college. My mother and my two sisters make up the little household from which I come. I've always been so overwhelmed by the thought of college ever since I learned what it was. My mother always wanted to give us everything, but she couldn't afford our college expenses. I began working at the age of 15 because I knew I wanted to continue after high school. I intended to save money until I had enough. I learned about the Forty Acres Scholars Program in the middle of my senior year and decided to apply. I never really thought, though, that I would be awarded a merit-based scholarship. Not until I received an email saying, "You have been selected for a semi-finalist." Since that day, I was so optimistic that I was going to become a Scholar. I was quite proud of myself for being the first person to enroll in college, move away from home, and receive a full scholarship. Growing up in a Honduran family where everyone gets up every day and works to support our home makes me feel incredibly proud. However, I want to be the one to break that history and start devoting our time to a profession we will like. I want my nieces and nephews to follow me into a successful future by believing and working hard. For me, receiving this scholarship is still quite surreal. I will forever be grateful.

Major
Business

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
The many opportunities that the Forty Acres Scholars Program offer makes it hard to resist. I remember reading about it and I knew this is the kind of scholarship I wanted. I applied to so many scholarships and got denied. However, I never lost hope for this one. I am so excited to find out the amazing things that this scholarship is going to bring for me.

What makes your scholar cohort unique?
Everyone in my cohort is so welcoming and kind. I am to lucky and thankful to be a part of such a lovely group of people.

What do you want prospective students to know about The University of Texas?
This university is a diverse environment that welcomes everyone from all over the world, so don't be afraid of being isolated.