I am a performer through and through. Picture me, a six-year-old boy, sitting in a red velvet seat in Midland, Texas. My mom had dragged me out to see a local production of Mary Poppins; I didn’t think I would enjoy it. Little did I know, that experience would be the start of a lifelong passion.

Now, at eighteen years old, I have been in over 25 theatrical productions and 22 concerts. My experience with the fine arts taught me more than just how to tap dance or fall off a stage—it instilled in me soft skills like memorization, public speaking, logic, reading comprehension, and improvisation. It gave me a clear understanding of how my prosody—the pattern of stress and intonation in speech—and kinesics, or body movement, affect professional communication. These skills carried into every area of my life, shaping me into a scholar, leader, and servant.

I am at the Forty Acres because of the blend of arts, academics, and leadership that shaped me. The fine arts have given me so much, which is why I plan on attending law school after completion of my degree. Few effective advocates exist for performers and the fine arts, and I intend to be their voice inside the courtroom. Surrounded by fellow inspired and driven scholars, I know the Forty Acres Scholar Community will help me grow into the advocate I aim to become.

Major
Music Performance

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
What drew me to the Forty Acres Scholars Program was the opportunity to find a true sense of community. I was genuinely worried about finding my people in college. The people I could trust, grow with, and rely on. Now, as a member of the program, I’ve found more than just community; I’ve found a family.