Valedictorian, Tessa Jones – Texas Tech University/Biochemistry
Future Snapshot
I am attending Texas Tech University to major in biochemistry with a minor in Spanish to prepare for medical school.
Goals: Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Yes, being at the top of my class was always a goal of mine. I first set this goal in fifth grade after receiving the highest GPA award. From that point on, I stayed motivated to maintain that standard, consistently working hard throughout middle and high school to reach valedictorian.
My Time at Wylie
Abilene Philharmonic Belles, barista at Statesman Coffee Company, UIL Spelling, UIL Headline Writing, church youth choir, Youth Pastor Search Committee, Club and JV Soccer, National Honors Society, HOSA, MEDLIFE, 60-hours shadowing in neurosurgery and interventional radiology.
Most Impactful Activity, Class, or Teacher
The teacher who most impacted me was Mrs. Kirby because she consistently encouraged me and pushed me to do my best. Having known her all four years of high school, she truly understood my goals and what motivated me, especially my aspiration to become valedictorian. She continually challenged me to strive for excellence while also offering support and understanding. Her positive influence not only strengthened my confidence but also helped shape my determination and work ethic.
Most Cherished High School Memory
My most cherished high school memory was attending the UIL State competition my junior year and being part of the state championship spelling team. It was an incredible experience to travel to Austin and compete on the UT campus while growing closer to my teammates. Beyond the competition itself, getting to explore the city and even try virtual reality made the trip even more memorable. That experience is something I will always look back on with pride.
Overcoming Challenge & The Lessons Learned
My biggest challenge throughout high school has been listening to the right voices. It is important to seek out the people that care enough to get to know you and understand the reasons behind your goals, and love you enough to help in their achievement as opposed to listening
to those that do not know you and becoming distracted by their noise. Find the people that offer genuine support and do not get pulled into outside opinions, quick judgments, and advice that is not rooted in real understanding of who you are and what you are trying to achieve. Value the voices that are aligned with growth instead of the ones that are unsupportive and just fill the space.
My Inspiration
I have always been inspired by curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. I have a strong desire to understand the world around me, and that curiosity drives me to keep learning, explore new ideas, and challenge myself academically. It has been a constant source of motivation, pushing me to seek out opportunities and grow both inside and outside the classroom.