Abilene Christian University
Government/Pre-law
Most Impactful Activity, Class or Teacher
Speech and Debate was easily the most impactful activity I participated in during high school. Because of Speech and Debate, I am who I am today. It gave me newfound confidence, the ability to critically analyze the issues facing our world today, and the skills to communicate with others effectively to meaningfully advocate for change.
Most Cherished High School Memory
I do not know if I can narrow it down to one specific year, but my favorite school memories have all come from one of the four UIL Academic Region Contests I have attended. Every year in April, this contest rolls around, and it truly is special because, across One-Act Play and Speech competitions, we stay in Lubbock for 3-4 days straight. Not only is this effectively a second spring break because we miss nearly the whole week, but I also get to spend it all with some of my closest friends throughout the years. I will never forget our late nights in the Embassy Suites where we swam, played games, and talked all while competing for the chance to go to UIL State.
Overcoming Challenge & The Lessons Learned
There were many challenges I had to overcome in high school, many of which were related to Speech and Debate and One-Act Play. If I had to pick one, I would pick my sophomore year Speech and Debate season. I had a tragic combination of sophomore slump and high expectations that was something I had to work through. During my freshman year, I was the only freshman who medaled at UIL Speech State as a freshman, so my expectations going into sophomore year were pretty high and the pressure to perform from my peers was even higher. However, during my sophomore year, I consistently did worse than I had wished, as I did not even medal at state my sophomore year. The pressure, the expectations, the “slump” was hard to work through then, but it left me with a new work ethic, pride in my performance no matter the result, and understanding that it is impossible to please everyone. Furthermore, it definitely left me more humble.
Making the Most of High School
Don’t blink or you will miss it. For real though, be present and take risks, we all let our fears, doubts, and social anxiety get in the way of things sometimes. While I know this is definitely cliche, I always say cliches became cliche for a reason.
My Inspiration
I ultimately draw inspiration from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Through him I was made, in him I live, and without him I would be nothing. Aiding others, conforming to his will, spreading his love, and serving his Church is ultimately what I strive to do. It is written in 1 John 2:17: “Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.”
Proudest Accomplishment
I think the accomplishment I was most proud of was medaling at state my freshman year because I had no expectations. Going into the competition, I was fairly sure I was going to drop prelims. However, I worked my butt off for a chance, and my work paid off. This accomplishment was particularly sweet because of the shock and joy I felt when I learned I had advanced. Plus, being in state finals with a bunch of upperclassmen was a crazy (and humbling) experience.
Who Knew?
I love to fly on airplanes.
Thank You So Much
I would like to thank my mother. Being a single mother could not have been easy, and her love and dedication to me has been remarkable and steadfast. She truly has been a rock, and I am grateful to her for her support and faithfulness.