Student Stories - Finalists and Scholarship Recipients
Our scholarship recipients know well the value of supportive financial assistance to help fund academic careers. We are pleased to be able to share their biographies:
Oscar Banda 2016 - This senior at Reagan Magnet High School is passionate about becoming an Engineer. He was born on a ranch outside a small village in the state of San Luis Potosi in Mexico. His Father was a beneficiary of the Amnesty Program under the Reagan Administration in 1988, and soon after brought his family to the USA when Oscar was 10, and did not speak English. At that point in his life he was certain his life would consist of hard labor on the ranch, or perhaps slight betterment in the nearby village. Coming to the USA opened his horizons, and he dedicated himself to honoring every opportunity, and one day giving back to the USA in the form of service to the community and scholarships to others. Oscar has done his part in helping his family by working as a mechanic in the family’s auto shop and doing carpentry for pay. He has also helped himself by taking college credit courses at UHD, and HCC. He has also become AutoCAD Certified, and trained as an Engineering Intern at Genesys Works. His major accomplishment as a mere high school student is getting a paid Internship at the international company of Lyon DellBasell, working as a student engineer. This company has already offered him a position when he gets his degree. Oscar has still made time for community service. He has worked closely with his Church, serving meals during Thanksgiving and categorizing and distributing gifts for less fortunate families. He also cleans their kitchen and parking lots during holidays.
Yulissa Chavez 2016 - This senior from Galveston Ball High School has distinguished herself during her high school years with excelling in all AP courses, graduating in the top 10% of her class. She is the President of the Ball High School Student Body, and was President of her Junior Class, and Vice President of her Senior Class. She is on the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and President of the Student Council. She is Captain of the Speech/Debate Team, winning many awards in UIL competitions. Yulissa has completed the BESTT (Teacher Practicum) Program, serving as a Teacher’s Assistant in classroom settings. Yulissa has been the Executive Committee Ambassador for the Ball High School Career Pathways Communities, the Tourist Ambassador for the Hospitality Club, and is a member of Mu Alpha Theta. She also belongs to the Rotary Club, Friends of Rachel Club (anti-bullying), Environment Systems Club, LULAC, Criminal Justice Club, Leads Leadership Organization, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and City of Galveston’s Family, Children and Youth Board. She has received numerous awards as a member of these organizations. Yulissa has found time for community service activities such as organizing quarterly blood drives through UTMB, food drives through her church for four years, and helped organize a food pantry for students who are on free or reduced lunch to receive food on weekends. Yulissa aspires to become a great teacher and even work in the Deptartment of Education where she can make a difference on a larger scale.
Sophia Olivarez 2016 - This ambitious senior at HSPVA with a major in Vocal, but a voracious interest in Fashion has founded and is President of the Fashion Club at HSPVA and has started her own Internet shop (Romantx Clothing). The Club has been active in charity events with the homeless ladies supplying them with toiletries, blankets snacks, etc. Her wholesale Internet shop has shown growth in the few months of its existence, and Sophia intends to expand it as she will be releasing her Fall/Winter line soon. Sophia has been accepted to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, a 4-year institute in Los Angeles, CA. Sophia’s other activities include being a member of the Student Council, Business People of America, International Club, Bollywood Club, Imani Gospel Choir, PVA Takes Action, Outdoors Club, and Yearbook Sales Manager and Section Editor. Over the years, Sophia has also worked as a Starbucks Barista, Lifeguard, and Customer Associate at LA Modeling.
Alexis Garcia
Alexis Garcia 2015 - She is a freshman at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. She plans to pursue her teaching degree at Sam Houston State University. She has a passion for teaching especially in the field of special needs. Currently, she cares for an 11 year old boy with autism and is involved in various activities such as First Gen Organization at Blinn College.
Elias Gomez
Elias Gomez 2015 - "I was born and raised in Houston. After graduating from The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in May 2015, I plan to attend the University of Saint Thomas and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After becoming a nurse, I hope to serve in military and civilian capacities as a first responder in emergency medicine. I look forward to this next chapter of my life."
Tania Gonzalez
Tania Gonzalez 2015 - Tania Gonzalez was born in Galveston, TX in 1997. She graduated from Ball High School in June 2015 and attends the University of Texas in Austin, TX. Tania plans on majoring in Nursing and Biology and is fluent in Spanish. Tania is passionate about the health and care of patients with limited resources and wishes to be a first-generation college student.
Tania Gonzalez 2016 - Tania is attending Galveston College, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and is on the President’s List. Tania has applied to UTMB School of Nursing and her goal is still to become a Physician’s Assistant. In addition to excelling at Galveston College, Tania found time to volunteer at UTMB’S Medical Research Projects Unit, in the UTMB Pediatric ICU, and at St. Vincent’s Student Clinic for the indigent. She has also been studying for the Pharm Tech State Exam.
Tania Gonzalez 2016 - Tania is attending Galveston College, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and is on the President’s List. Tania has applied to UTMB School of Nursing and her goal is still to become a Physician’s Assistant. In addition to excelling at Galveston College, Tania found time to volunteer at UTMB’S Medical Research Projects Unit, in the UTMB Pediatric ICU, and at St. Vincent’s Student Clinic for the indigent. She has also been studying for the Pharm Tech State Exam.
Daniela A. Gutiérrez Cicala 2015 - "My commitment to social justice and the belief that health is a fundamental human right is inspired by my father, who for many years worked as a public health official in Latin America. Growing up in six different countries in the region, I became increasingly aware of inequality and health disparities across and within countries from an early age. Whereas I was fortunate to grow up in safe neighborhoods with access to healthcare and adequate nutrition, many children in Latin America do not receive the proper nutrients for their physical and cognitive development. Too often, infants die of easily preventable and treatable diseases like diarrhea, and many adolescents are unable to reach their full potential due to violence or early/unintended pregnancy. I chose to dedicate my life to global health after witnessing these social injustices.
Pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health is my next step to attain these goals. My MPH will have a concentration in Child and Adolescent Health and it will provide me with the additional analytical skills and tools necessary to design effective child health programs and apply rigorous evaluation methodologies. I am really looking forward to starting graduate school this Summer 2015 and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of advancing my career in global health in order to positively impact the lives of children around the world."
Pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health is my next step to attain these goals. My MPH will have a concentration in Child and Adolescent Health and it will provide me with the additional analytical skills and tools necessary to design effective child health programs and apply rigorous evaluation methodologies. I am really looking forward to starting graduate school this Summer 2015 and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of advancing my career in global health in order to positively impact the lives of children around the world."
Lucinda Ipiña
Lucinda Ipiña 2015 - "While I have never gone hungry or been without a roof over my head, I have had to overcome several financial barriers to fund my education. I am the oldest out six children, and my parents migrated from San Luis Potosi, Mexico to the United States before I was born. Being the oldest I was not sure if after high school I would go to college. Both of my parents did not graduate from high school and never pushed higher education. However, I do not blame them they came from a small ranch named La Aduana, located in the municipality of Montezuma. This ranch lacked resources in all aspects from education to food and jobs. My priority at the time was to just graduate from high school and work. Through my colleagues and friends I learned the next best step was to go to college. However, by the time I realized it all scholarships and school applications were closed. As a result, I enrolled in classes at Mountain View College (MVC), and I have never looked back.
I will attain a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience during the time I will take the GRE and apply to several PA programs. After graduation I hope to be accepted to The University of Texas Southwestern Physician Assistant Program. I will become a Physician assistant (PA) and I look forward to work in a psychiatry department. This will give me the opportunity to work with people who suffer from schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. My goal is to understand and help others understand how to cope and live with mental illnesses. I would like to introduce mental education to empower minority communities who possibly do not have the knowledge or access to education. I chose neuroscience as my major because it is the foundation that will help me understand one of the most complex organs in the human body, the brain. I would like to thank The Azíos Hispanic Scholarship Committee for reviewing my application."
I will attain a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience during the time I will take the GRE and apply to several PA programs. After graduation I hope to be accepted to The University of Texas Southwestern Physician Assistant Program. I will become a Physician assistant (PA) and I look forward to work in a psychiatry department. This will give me the opportunity to work with people who suffer from schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. My goal is to understand and help others understand how to cope and live with mental illnesses. I would like to introduce mental education to empower minority communities who possibly do not have the knowledge or access to education. I chose neuroscience as my major because it is the foundation that will help me understand one of the most complex organs in the human body, the brain. I would like to thank The Azíos Hispanic Scholarship Committee for reviewing my application."
Priscilla Ipiña
Priscilla Ipiña 2015 - "My goal is to become a mechanical engineer, by pursuing this career my opportunities are endless due to how versatile engineering is. My heritage has motivated me to continue my education as well as encouraged me to pursue a degree in something that I'm passionate about and isn't very common among the Hispanic community especially within Hispanic women. When I tell someone I'm pursing a degree in Mechanical Engineering I get a negative comment or look as if I'm not allowed to study a field dominated by men. This has pushed me to prove others wrong, that I too can graduate with a degree in this field.
The future is always on my mind and the thought of being one of the engineers that come up with ways for cars to be more eco-friendly and efficient gives me that much more drive to continue my education in this field. I want to make a difference in the world and becoming an engineer will allow me to do so by being able to innovate today's systems for a better tomorrow. I am also wanting to obtain a minor in general business so that I can start my own engineering firm that will focus on innovating automobiles and other technology to improve the environment and lives of others.
I want to give back to the community by establishing an institution where underprivileged and minority students can attend to learn more about STEM careers, especially girls since they aren't usually seen in these fields. I want to erase the association that these girls may have that they can only be nurses, teachers, and any other female dominated profession. By having the knowledge of an engineer I’ll be able to conduct lessons and interactive projects to show students firsthand what engineers do. I want to be looked up to and be proof that anyone is capable of pursing their dreams if hard work is put in. I want to inspire and empower minorities everywhere to do what they love."
The future is always on my mind and the thought of being one of the engineers that come up with ways for cars to be more eco-friendly and efficient gives me that much more drive to continue my education in this field. I want to make a difference in the world and becoming an engineer will allow me to do so by being able to innovate today's systems for a better tomorrow. I am also wanting to obtain a minor in general business so that I can start my own engineering firm that will focus on innovating automobiles and other technology to improve the environment and lives of others.
I want to give back to the community by establishing an institution where underprivileged and minority students can attend to learn more about STEM careers, especially girls since they aren't usually seen in these fields. I want to erase the association that these girls may have that they can only be nurses, teachers, and any other female dominated profession. By having the knowledge of an engineer I’ll be able to conduct lessons and interactive projects to show students firsthand what engineers do. I want to be looked up to and be proof that anyone is capable of pursing their dreams if hard work is put in. I want to inspire and empower minorities everywhere to do what they love."
Andrew Mastin
Drew Mastin 2015 - "My name is Drew Mastin and I hope to attend Baylor University next year. Throughout my life, giving back has been a main goal of mine. I think that being a coach is a great way to positively impact the community I am a part of. Coaches are very influential to the players that they coach. I plan on impacting the lives of countless kids as a coach. A coach spends hours upon hours with his players nearly every day and is someone that they look up to. I plan on investing heavily in the lives of those that I coach and I feel like I will be well prepared to do my best."
Virginia Mejia
Virginia Mejia 2015 - "As a child my parents created a young independent girl who was curious and flattered about the world. I was faced through many challenges from being bullied because of my heritage to my father suffering a heart attack. Now as a young independent woman I've learned that life throws you obstacles and overcoming them will be worth it in the future. This upcoming school year I will be attending Texas A&M University of college station pursuing to be a bio-medical engineer. Thanks to my parents wise wisdom and support I have and will accomplish anything I set my mind to. Everyone has potential but only few are able to utilize it."
Eric Quiroz
Eric Quiroz 2015 - "I was born and raised in Houston, Texas and raised by a mother who has taught me that with a great education and determination any dream is possible. After graduating from Lamar High School at the end of May 2015, I will attend the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia in the fall. While attending the university I plan on majoring in marketing in the college of business. Once I have graduated from the University of Georgia I plan on attending a prestigious law school in hopes of becoming an influential corporate attorney in the state of Texas. Extremely passionate about helping others, once an attorney I would like to give back to the community by offering free legal aid to those who are financially unable to seek valuable legal advice."
Brianna Rivera
Brianna Rivera 2015 - "I am currently on the pre-law track and will be double-majoring in Political Science and Latin American Studies to best serve the Latino community that has given me so much strength and pride to be a Mexican-American woman living in the United States. After the completion of my undergraduate career, I will continue to Law School and will continue the pursuit of my education until I pass the BAR Exam and can practice law. As a lawyer, I aspire to not represent the top 1%, but to be an advocate for the lowest 30%. I wish to represent the people who so often are not able to afford quality legal representation and become victims of our judicial system. I wish to work in immigration law and to help Latin American immigrants gain residency who wish to gain education and help our country grow in diversity and human capital."
Adam Aldrete
Adam Aldrete 2014 - Born and raised in San Antonio by a loving family, I am a 10th generation Texan. After attending the University of Texas at Austin (B.J., B.A. '10), I spent a year as an Americorps volunteer with City Year San Antonio. In the Spring of 2014, I completed my studies at South Texas College of Law as a member of STCL's 90th graduating class. I look forward to beginning a career as an attorney in Texas after the bar exam.
Amy Mata 2014 - "My intended majors at the University of Houston this coming fall are French and Italian, with a minor in international business. The purpose of continuing and perfecting my foreign language education from high school into university is for me to in turn bridge a gap between countries. Knowing a second, third, and even a fourth language only accelerates one’s ability to work with others, with entire populations in fact. With the proper training, conducting business between these countries and America will enrich their respective economies and also enrich the culture of anyone involved. Besides the world of business, my knowledge of foreign languages will help me to pursue a career in global politics. More specifically, a position in a United Nations conference. Whether as a translator, interpreter, or representative, I promise myself I will strive to achieve this goal one day. Following my graduation from University of Houston, I hope to complete my master’s education in a field that may put me in such a political position, such as economics or world affairs. Along the way, I hope to inspire the people around me to learn a world language, because breaking down the language barrier opens up extraordinary opportunities for one to meet people and understand different points of view; more opportunities to bring populations of the world closer together."
Rose Molina
Rose Molina, Finalist 2014 - "I am a third year law student at South Texas College of Law in downtown Houston. I was born in Houston and then moved around Texas, finally graduating high school in Edinburg, Texas. I am the proud mother of my loving 7-year-old son, Nathan. Without him I would not be where I am today."
Brianna Rivera
Brianna Rivera 2014 - Brianna Rivera was born in Houston in 1996. She will graduate from Chinquapin Preparatory School on May 2014 and will attend Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Brianna plans on majoring in Political Science and International Relations and is fluent in Spanish and proficient in Portuguese. Brianna is passionate about education reform and wishes to improve the current system.
Ivan Saenz 2014 - Born and raised in Brownsville, TX, Ivan spent his childhood translating for his parents who had immigrated to the United States shortly before his birth. Ivan was the first in his family to leave for college, and attended the University of Texas at Austin. Currently, Ivan is a third year law student at South Texas College of Law. Ivan plans to be a defense attorney, and hopes to give back to his parents, as well as the Hispanic community as a whole.
