Major: Spanish honors and linguistics, with a minor in Portuguese
Student organizations and University programs: Undergraduate Linguistic Society, First-Gen Longhorns, Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, McNair Scholars Program
This proud member of the 2020 UT for Me cohort discusses what brought him from Waco, Texas, to the Forty Acres and what memories he’ll be holding onto after graduation.
What made you decide to come to The University of Texas at Austin?
My family members have been lifelong Texas Longhorns fans and, as a first-generation college student, I wanted them to see me graduate from a school they have always cheered for. Plus, the world-class academics didn’t hurt.
How did UT for Me shape your college experience?
I knew I would never have to worry about the financials of getting required textbooks. It was a blessing and took a lot of stress off me knowing I had textbook credits every semester.
What surprised you the most about your experience with UT for Me?
UT for Me has been a great support program that helped me navigate the University. It gave me unique opportunities that complemented other University resources.
What accomplishment from your time at UT are you most proud of?
I am proud of the research I have completed while at UT. I was able to support Heritage Spanish students and understand their experiences as they navigated a new space where their bilingualism and biculturalism were celebrated. This research led to conference presentations at Howard, Harvard and Duke, as well as a research article in the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Research Journal published by Harvard University Press.
What is your favorite memory on campus?
This may sound out of the ordinary, but working the front desk in the Student Services Building 3.200. My coworkers and staff in the office are one of my biggest support systems on campus, and I know for a fact that my time on the Forty Acres would have been miserable had it not been for them. I love them so much.
What are you going to miss the most about UT?
I will miss the student section at UT football games! Standing next to the band and cheering along with my friends are moments I’ll never forget. Texas football was honestly my version of self-care when the fall semesters got hard. I could always look forward to Saturdays at DKR.
What are your plans after you graduate?
As of writing this, I have been accepted to three master’s programs and one Ph.D. program in Hispanic Linguistics. I plan to continue conducting research, teaching and, one day, I hope to be a tenured faculty member at a research university supporting students and promoting multilingualism.
What are you looking forward to most after you graduate?
It has always been my dream to be an educator. I can’t believe that in just a few months, I will have the opportunity to teach students while in my graduate program.
UT for Me – Powered by Dell Scholars ensures all Longhorns have access to the tools and resources needed for a successful college career. UT for Me provides Pell-eligible Longhorns personalized, multi-faceted support throughout their time at The University of Texas at Austin, helping them stay on track toward their degrees and graduate ready to change the world.
