Abilene Christian University
English on the Pre-Law track/double-minor in Spanish & Government
Advice to Underclassmen
Get out of your shell! I wasted the first two years of high school burdened by insecurities and fear of what others would think. Who cares? Dance around, laugh at your teacher’s jokes even if no one else does, sign up for school trips. Participate in things that are FUN and that will allow you to express yourself in ways you don’t normally. I have made some of my best memories–and best friends–by allowing myself to step out of my comfort zone.
School Activity, Class, or Teacher Impact
Definitely my language classes–Mrs. Gilreath, Mrs. Kirby, Mrs. Taylor, and Mr. Crumbliss all helped me realize my love of language learning and the ways in which language could be used to express ideas boldly and craft compelling arguments; I was nothing short of thrilled when I found out that English, the subject for which I found within myself so much passion, could be studied with a pre-law focus! These teachers always went above and beyond, structuring their lesson plans and coming up with creative activities in a way that made me (seriously) look forward to their classes each and every day!
Most Cherished Memory
The weekend of this year’s Academic UIL Regional competition is one I will always remember fondly. Our team (Spelling & Vocabulary, consisting of myself, Justice McGuiness, Tehzeeb Grewal, and Tessa Jones) was motivated; we had been studying our hardest for weeks and constantly building each other up with words of encouragement. The night before the competition, we met downstairs at the hotel for one last study session. We did have about an hour and a half of productive studying, but the rest of the time was spent with us all either in fits of giggles or listening to our wonderful coach, Mrs. Kirby, speak uplifting words and join us in our contemplation of life’s mysteries (haha). It was the most fun I’d ever had on any school trip. I was determined to advance to the state competition, (truly) not because I wanted a medal, scholarships, or any kind of glory, but because I did not want these moments with the team I loved so dearly to end. The next day, following three hours in a testing room that could be described as comical at best, a trip to the Texas Tech Honors College Starbucks, and intense prayer, our team took first place, and we were granted that coveted ticket to State. I have never been more thrilled to find out that my next few weeks would consist of intense studying and test preparation; I was entirely grateful that my time on the UIL Academics team was not yet coming to an end.
Overcoming Challenge & Lesson Learned
One of my greatest challenges came with my enrollment in AP Physics. I already knew the sciences were neither my favorite nor my strong suit, but I went ahead and chose to take the class simply because it was another AP. The first few weeks were BRUTAL. I was so confused, and several of the assignments had me in tears. I was just about to drop the class, but Mr. Cumby encouraged me not to. His words of encouragement and reassurance helped me realize that the thing causing me the greatest anxiety was not the subject of physics itself, but rather the fact that I was, for once, totally lost in a subject. That might sound silly, but before AP Physics, I had seriously never been forced to come to terms with the fact that I would not always be able to figure things out on my own. It threw me for a loop, but realizing this ultimately led me to tackle the challenging classwork to the best of my ability and with minimal stress. Though this class was easily the most challenging I have taken to date, it certainly led me to some much-needed self-reflection and growth as both a student and person.
Your Inspiration
I strive to let my faith guide every aspect of my life. I am certain that I would not be in this position–and would have accomplished nothing at all–without the strength and love of the Lord. Additionally, I am able to find the most wonderful support system in my close friends and family members. My parents, my grandparents, and my sister consistently offer me the support and encouragement I need, and I could not be more grateful for them. My best friend, Tehzeeb Grewal, is a total academic machine but also the kindest and most humble person I know; she too inspires me to be the best (and most loving) version of myself!
A Proud Moment
I am extremely proud to have partnered with Mrs. Taylor to found Culture Club and to have served as its president. Culture Club is an extracurricular activity unlike any other I have been involved in. We invite students to educate others on their unique cultures through presentations, crafts, and games. My fellow officers, Vice President Lorly Sardual and Activities Coordinator Adah Haro, have made running each of our meetings a breeze and a blast, and all of the club’s members are the brightest, most fun people to be around! I feel that this club has helped to unify students in addition to educating them on important aspects of the world around them. I am so thankful to have had a hand in creating such a wonderful community within our school.
Who Knew?
I love poetry. I actually have a collection of poems I’ve worked on over the last two years. I hope to finish it and have a book made and published before I graduate college!
Gratitude Check
I would like to thank ALL of my teachers, past and present, as well as each one of my friends and family members. Specifically, I would like to thank my mother for listening to me prattle on about my teenage life’s affairs every evening and offering such steadfast love and support, and I would like to thank my father for being the greatest leader, coach, and teacher I have ever known. Most of all, I’d like to thank my God, who has made a way for me in every season of my life.