My Academic Journey by Luizinho

My Academic Journey by Luizinho - November 2024 Scholarship Essay

I grew up in a single-parent household with my mom and three younger sisters. We moved from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to El Paso, Texas. We faced many challenges because of our low-income status and the language barrier. Despite the statistical odds against us, my mother's tenacity, support, and dedication played an important role in shaping our futures. She provided us with delicious meals after work and instilled values of hard work, determination, and resilience. Her strong belief in god enables her to live in peace and be a pillar for the surrounding people. This support system was fundamental in my academic journey, where I graduated in the top 1% of my high school class, ranking 3rd out of 300 students.

These achievements are not just numbers, as they represent years of hard work, late-night study sessions, and the determination to defy expectations. I played football and soccer in high school while also working. My path led me to UT Austin, where I pursued a degree in economics. The journey wasn't without its challenges. I challenged myself with the most rigorous courses available, including differential equations, econometrics, macroeconomic theory, and probability. I could have chosen the easier route and stopped at Calculus 2. I am satisfied with my academic performance because of the intense competition and academic rigor. I tested my knowledge with the top 6% all over Texas.
My experiences at UT Austin have shaped not only my academic abilities but also my personal growth. These variables have challenged my patience and belief in myself. Balancing the importance of learning the skill to seize opportunities. As I prepare to transfer to San Marcos to complete my degree, I am excited about the prospect of taking topic courses that align closely with my interests in economics. Looking into the future, I aspire to graduate in May 2025 and pursue a career as an analyst.
I believe I am that story, and I am committed to being a role model for my siblings and peers. Just as my mother's resilience and support guided me, I hope to inspire others to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams relentlessly. In closing, I am confident in setting ambitious goals and my capability of working diligently to achieve them. My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, and I believe that Texas State University is the place to be. And the University will gain an exceptional candidate who will contribute positively to the institution and emerge as a notable alumni in the future.