I was five when I got my first puzzle. Back then, I didn’t understand why my aunt gave me a box of painted, weirdly-cut cardboard pieces, but as I assembled them into the Statue of Liberty, I realized that I loved building things.

As I got older, I realized my knack for puzzles was part of a bigger interest in problem-solving. Sudoku, Shakespeare, and LEGO have always been fun pastimes, even though they all challenge me. I’ve realized that solutions are less important than the problem-solving process, and as a Forty Acres Scholar, I hope to bring my optimism for creative problem-solving to my cohort of 2029.

In school, my dedication to overcoming challenges expresses itself through Model UN. I get to work with dozens of politically informed and curious underclassmen whose only problem is their shyness—they feel too timid to voice their opinions. To encourage self-confidence, I implemented “Middle Ground” activities so that students could discuss controversial topics in a comfortable setting. I grouped underclassmen with others who shared their beliefs, setting them at ease before asking them to share their opinions. As a Forty Acres Scholar, I want to ensure my cohort-mates can be honest with each other about their personal beliefs. Model UN has shown me that a small, intimate community is much more fun when people can be candid with each other.

Outside of school, my problem-solving has consisted of building networks. In sophomore year, I helped a local nonprofit called Toys for Texans create an advisory board to guide its operations. Toys for Texans was struggling to find new donation partners, and by connecting it to nonprofit professionals, I created a network the organization can rely on even after I graduate. So far, Toys for Texans’ advisory board has resulted in $90,000 in additional item donations. As part of the Forty Acres, I hope to help my peers build their own Texas Exes alumni networks. With thousands of graduates for us to connect with, I’m excited to find mentors who can help my cohort-mates realize whatever vision for the future they have.

Sometimes, I start puzzles I can’t finish. Last year, my town suffered through a mass shooting at our outlet mall. To help students get over their trauma, I started a “Firearm Safety Committee” that gave 70 students a constructive outlet for their anger. We met every week, researching local gun policy and publishing policy briefs. We also planned meetings with state representatives and wrote sample legislation for them to file.

But I’ve realized that there is no “problem-solving” your way out of tragedy. Some challenges are too big for individual people, but as our Firearm Safety Committee taught me, that doesn’t mean I can’t try to succeed. As a Forty Acres Scholar, I hope to facilitate my cohort-mates’ success, whether by building their confidence, expanding their networks, or helping them tackle all of the diverse problems they’re itching to solve.

Major
Business Honors

Honors Program
CBHP

Extracurricular Activities
Founded Lightbulb Tutoring, a ed company focused on mentorship and empowering inner-city communities
Co-founded Toys for Texans, a DFW-based charity that has donated over $1 million in toys to low-income families

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
My cohort! Everyone that I met at our Scholarship Finalist Weekend was so kind and hardworking, and they all seemed incredibly willing to support incoming FASP freshmen. I love getting to be part of such a diverse group of students from all over the country.