University of Texas, Austin
Law
A Proud Moment
The accomplishment I am most proud of is consistently moving up in rank each time it was evaluated. This reflects not just a single moment of success, but ongoing dedication, hard work, and personal growth. Each step toward this achievement has required me to push my limits, stay focused on school, and learn how to manage my time effectively to succeed. It serves as a reminder that hard work and perseverance truly pay off and continues to motivate me to give my best in everything I do.
Overcoming Challenge & Lesson Learned
One challenge that I have overcome during my high school experience is that my mom lives out of state. This forced me to choose between visiting her or staying in school to avoid accumulating absences. Through this, I’ve learned that physical presence isn’t the only way to show love—what truly matters is the effort someone puts in to stay connected, even from a distance. It has also taught me to appreciate every moment and every small gesture.
My Inspiration
My older sister is a source of inspiration for me. I’ve looked up to her my entire life, and she continues to impress me with her drive and determination. She recently graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, all while working two jobs. I strive to show the same level of commitment and resilience when I’m in college.
Who Knew?
One thing most people don’t know about me is that hiking is one of my favorite hobbies. I’ve visited most of the National Parks in the U.S. and even a few out of the country. I’ve also gone on several month-long road trips focused entirely on hiking, and I’ve loved every single one.
School activity, Class or Teacher Impact
Every teacher I’ve had in high school has made an impact on me in some way, but the ones who really stood out were the ones who taught me more than just what was on the syllabus. Dr. Hood, my honors chemistry teacher, did just that. While her class pushed me to think critically, it was her kindness outside of class that really made a difference. I’ll never forget when she brought my family iced tea when we were stuck on the side of the road. It was such a simple thing, but it taught me that the most important lessons often come from how you treat people, not just what you teach. That’s something I’ll always carry with me.
Most Cherished High School Moment
Many students, when presented with this question, would mention something big or notable. And while I do love those big memories, I hope that when I look back on my time in high school, I remember the little things. I cherish the small moments—playing games in class with my friends, going on class trips, and participating in silly competitions. It’s those countless little memories that mean the most to me.
Advice for Underclassmen
My biggest piece of advice for any underclassmen trying to make the most out of their high school experience is to make sure you take time for yourself! High school can be stressful and a lot of work, but make sure you take time to “stop and smell the roses,” hang out with your friends, go to all the school dances, etc. It’s cliche but it really is over before you know it.
Gratitude Check
I would like to thank my mom and dad for always supporting me and pushing me to do the best I can, and then to do even better than that. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without them.