“Mat Talk”: Cheerleading coined the term for a team’s enthusiastic expression of support for one another, intending to inspire the best from every individual before performance. I have perfected the art of mat talk over the last six years in my various roles as coach, athlete, and mentor for the special needs population. The ability to provide passionate feedback by highlighting the strengths in others, in an uplifting way, promotes unity and creates an emotional trust that lends itself well to the success of any team. With this mindset, I focus on my strengths while always looking for lessons to be learned in difficult moments.

Cheerleading has contributed to my character traits: dedication, commitment, creativity, remaining calm under pressure, and perseverance. Devoting up to twenty hours a week for ten months of the year to a two-minute routine that we compete less than ten times, I have learned to think on my feet and problem-solve instantly, allowing me to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth and improvement. The feeling of accomplishment after a good performance is more rewarding because of the shared experience with the thirty other athletes. We celebrate our wins as a group, and move forward with resiliency together after our losses. Cheerleading has reinforced the importance of uplifting the people around me in my day-to-day life. Everyone endures challenging moments, and looking to offer a compliment or a friendly reminder that “you’ve got this” is a habit that will add value to my UT scholar cohort. I have grown in my confidence to use my voice, whether it is on the mat, cheering on my teammates or in the real world, advocating for myself along with those in the special needs community.

I have had the privilege of applying my strength-based perspective to working with individuals with special needs during my time at Partners PE, PALS, and through numerous coaching and volunteer opportunities. Likewise, I am looking forward to joining the Best Buddies organization during my time at UT to continue to serve, educate, empower, advocate for, and deepen the one-to-one connections with those in the intellectually and developmentally disabled community while pursuing my degree in special education.

I am excited about the opportunity to be part of a team at UT alongside other bright, passionate, and curious individuals who can inspire excellence in me, and to whom I can lend my positivity and ideas. Moving to Austin, making new friends, and adjusting to the academic rigor of college will require the work ethic and commitment I’ve developed in cheerleading. As a scholar, I will uplift my community while looking for ways to improve myself using my problem-solving abilities and confidence to use my voice. I will have the strength to overcome potential challenges in this new chapter of my life, while also using persistence and teamwork to accomplish greatness. Just as I have succeeded in high-pressure situations on the competition floor, I am confident that I will do the same as a student, leader, and contributor to the Forty Acres Scholar Program.

Major
Special Education

Other Academic Interests
Public Policy

Extracurricular Activities 
Greek life, Best Buddies

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
I was drawn to the Forty Acres Scholars Program due to the well-rounded aspect that is exhibited. I had never heard about FASP until I got the email to apply, and it wasn't until finalist weekend that I truly saw how special the program is. FASP is not just a scholarship; it is so much more. I am lucky to be around the most driven, hard-working, and passionate people I have ever met. This program allows me to surround myself with greatness and truly excellent people through college. I am so excited to experience the friendships and community found in the program, just like I was able to observe while at finalist weekend. FASP is so unique, and I am so excited to be a part of it.