If you had told me that packing socks and soap into Ziploc bags would change the way I see the world, I probably would have laughed. But sometimes the smallest actions teach the biggest lessons. In high school, I joined the National Honor Society and PALs (Peer Assistance and Leadership), two programs that gave me a real chance to serve my community. One of the most powerful experiences came through a service project with BUC Days in Corpus Christi. We were tasked with assembling hygiene kits for local homeless shelters. At first, it felt like busy work—collecting soap, toothpaste, and socks and packing them into bags. It seemed too small to matter. Then we delivered the kits. I handed a hygiene kit to a man who looked like life had worn him down. I smiled and said, “Hope this helps.” He grabbed my hand for a moment, looked me straight in the eye, and said, “You have no idea how much this means.” It hit me harder than I expected. That simple kit, a few dollars' worth of supplies, made him feel seen and valued. In that moment, I realized that true kindness does not need to be grand or flashy. Sometimes, kindness is about showing up, even when you are not sure it will be enough. That experience taught me the power of connection. Real community is built when people reach out, even in small ways, to remind others they are not alone. Since that day, I have tried to carry that lesson into everything I do. Through PALs, I mentored younger students, visiting elementary schools weekly. I worked one-on-one with kids who were struggling, whether it was with homework or just feeling like they fit in. Sometimes, just sitting with a student who felt invisible made all the difference. It was not about having the right words—it was about being there. Being part of a community gave me hope for the future because it showed me that resilience is contagious. When people feel supported, they can overcome more than they ever thought possible. I saw it in the students I mentored. I saw it in the smiles of people at the shelters. I saw it in myself. It also shaped my future goals. I will be attending Texas Tech University to study Animal Science and plan to become a veterinarian specializing in large animals. My goal is to work in rural areas where access to veterinary care is often limited. Just like those hygiene kits provided small but important support, I want to bring care, compassion, and respect to communities that are too often overlooked. Community service taught me that you do not have to solve every problem to make a difference. You just have to care enough to try. Connection, resilience, and kindness are not just ideals—they are actions. They are habits you build every day, and they ripple outward in ways you might never fully see. When I think about the future, I think about a world where small acts of kindness add up to big changes. Being part of my community made me believe that future is possible—and made me want to be part of building it.

More Than Medicine: The Vet I Want to Be When I was six years old, I told my mom I wanted to be an animal doctor. At the time, I thought that meant petting dogs all day and maybe having a monkey sidekick. I had no idea what conservation meant or how caring for animals could protect the environment. I just knew I loved animals. I watched Animal Planet, begged for zoo trips, and raised my cat, Kitty Purry, from a kitten. What started as curiosity turned into purpose. Now, I want to become a large-animal veterinarian not only to treat individual animals, but also to help entire ecosystems thrive through proper animal care and education. Animal care and conservation are connected. A sick or stressed animal does not suffer in isolation. It can spread disease, fail to reproduce, or disrupt the balance of its surroundings. Injured wildlife, abandoned pets, and livestock without proper treatment all contribute to larger problems. If we ignore individual animals, we risk losing species, habitat stability, and biodiversity. Healthy animals lead to healthy systems. That is why veterinarians matter in conservation. I want to work in rural areas where access to veterinary care is limited. These places are home to both farm animals and wildlife. When animals are not properly cared for, the damage does not stop at the fence line. My goal is to offer mobile veterinary services that provide treatment for both livestock and wildlife. Whether I am helping a family’s goat recover from illness or rescuing a bird of prey trapped in fencing, I want to be the one who shows up. Not just to fix the problem, but to restore some balance. Education matters just as much. People often harm animals out of confusion, not cruelty. I want to teach students and families how animal care affects everything from food safety to local wildlife. Whether it is explaining how deworming a dog can protect children or helping someone relocate a raccoon safely, small shifts in understanding can lead to big changes in behavior. I believe conservation begins with caring, and caring starts with knowing better. I first saw what real animal care meant when Kitty Purry got hurt. I gave her medicine, cleaned her wounds, and sat with her when she was too scared to move. It was not glamorous. It was slow, sometimes frustrating, and occasionally messy. But it made a difference. That is what I want to do for other animals. I want to be the steady person who shows up and helps, even when it is hard. Animal welfare is not a side project. It is the beginning of real conservation. You cannot protect what you do not value, and you cannot build a healthy world on suffering. I want to be a veterinarian who treats pain, teaches others, and helps communities grow stronger. I believe saving the world sometimes starts with saving one animal. I am ready to do my part.

More Than Medicine: The Vet I Want to Be When I was six years old, I told my mom I wanted to be an animal doctor. At the time, I thought that meant petting dogs all day and maybe having a monkey sidekick. I had no idea what conservation meant or how caring for animals could protect the environment. I just knew I loved animals. I watched Animal Planet, begged for zoo trips, and raised my cat, Kitty Purry, from a kitten. What started as curiosity turned into purpose. Now, I want to become a large-animal veterinarian not only to treat individual animals but also to help entire ecosystems thrive through proper animal care and education. Animal care and conservation are connected. A sick or stressed animal does not suffer in isolation. It can spread disease, fail to reproduce, or disrupt the balance of its surroundings. Injured wildlife, abandoned pets, and livestock without proper treatment all contribute to larger problems. If we ignore individual animals, we risk losing species, habitat stability, and biodiversity. Healthy animals lead to healthy systems. That is why veterinarians matter in conservation. I want to work in rural areas where access to veterinary care is limited. These places are home to both farm animals and wildlife. When animals are not properly cared for, the damage does not stop at the fence line. My goal is to offer mobile veterinary services that provide treatment for both livestock and wildlife. Whether I am helping a family’s goat recover from illness or rescuing a bird of prey trapped in fencing, I want to be the one who shows up. Not just to fix the problem, but to restore some balance. Education matters just as much. People often harm animals out of confusion, not cruelty. I want to teach students and families how animal care affects everything from food safety to local wildlife. Whether it is explaining how deworming a dog can protect children or helping someone relocate a raccoon safely, small shifts in understanding can lead to big changes in behavior. I believe conservation begins with caring, and caring starts with knowing better. I first saw what real animal care meant when Kitty Purry got hurt. I gave her medicine, cleaned her wounds, and sat with her when she was too scared to move. It was not glamorous. It was slow, sometimes frustrating, and occasionally messy. But it made a difference. That is what I want to do for other animals. I want to be the steady person who shows up and helps, even when it is hard. Animal welfare is not a side project. It is the beginning of real conservation. You cannot protect what you do not value, and you cannot build a healthy world on suffering. I want to be a veterinarian who treats pain, teaches others, and helps communities grow stronger. I believe saving the world sometimes starts with saving one animal. I am ready to do my part.

Being the Kind of Person Who Shows Up To me, being a purposeful, responsible, and productive community member means more than just staying out of trouble or doing my homework. It means being someone others can count on. Someone who sees what needs to be done and does it, even when it is not convenient, easy, or fun. It is about showing up with intention, owning your actions, and putting in the work to make life better not just for yourself, but for everyone around you. That is the kind of person I try to be. And that is the kind of veterinarian I plan to become. Being purposeful means having a reason behind what I do. I am not chasing this career just because I love animals, although I do. I want to be a large-animal veterinarian because I believe it is one way I can serve rural communities like mine and have a positive impact on the environment. When an animal is sick or injured, it affects more than just that one life. It can hurt a family’s livelihood, disrupt an ecosystem, or spread disease. I want to show up with skills, compassion, and a plan. Whether it is helping a goat recover or working with wildlife during a natural disaster, I want to make a difference with purpose behind every choice I make. Responsibility is something I learned early. When my cat, Kitty Purry, got injured, I became her nurse. I gave medicine, cleaned wounds, and stayed with her when she was scared. I did not do it because someone made me. I did it because it was the right thing to do. That is what responsibility looks like. It is doing what needs to be done, even when no one is watching. In my future career, I will be responsible for the well-being of animals and the trust of the people who care about them. I will also be responsible for teaching others—especially young people—how their actions affect animal health and the community. Being productive does not mean being busy all the time. It means using your time and energy to actually get things done. Whether I am volunteering at a school event, helping build hygiene kits for those in need, or working with middle school students through Peer Assistance and Leadership, I try to give my full attention and effort. When I become a veterinarian, I plan to stay productive by not only treating animals, but also running a mobile clinic, organizing educational outreach, and mentoring students who want to enter the veterinary field. I want to create value, not just stay busy. I know I am still learning. I know I will make mistakes. But I also know that I care deeply about doing good in the world, and that starts with being a strong member of the community I live in. Whether I stay in South Texas or move somewhere new, I plan to keep showing up, staying grounded in my values, and finding ways to contribute. Being a purposeful, responsible, and productive person is not something you check off a list. It is something you live, day by day. I may not always get it right, but I promise I will keep trying. And I will keep showing up.

Sewing Seeds of Compassion: My Journey Toward Veterinary Medicine Growing up in South Texas, I saw how deeply animals are tied to the lives and livelihoods of rural families. I also saw how hard it can be for those same families to find veterinary care they can afford or access. That reality stayed with me. It shaped my goal to become a large animal veterinarian, not just to treat animals, but to support the people who rely on them. My love for animals started young. While other kids were watching cartoons, I was glued to Animal Planet. I learned about wildlife rescue, vet medicine, animal behavior, and survival. I would sit for hours just taking it all in. Even then, I knew I wanted to work with animals, not just because I liked them, but because I felt connected to them. That early curiosity grew into a purpose. My journey became personal with a kitten named Kitty Purry. I raised her from just a few weeks old. She followed me everywhere, waited for me after school, and somehow always knew when I needed comfort. When she was injured and needed surgery, I took full responsibility for her recovery. I cleaned her wound, gave her medication, and stayed by her side until she healed. That experience did more than confirm my interest in veterinary medicine. It showed me that real care takes time, trust, and consistency. I knew then that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. In high school, I stayed committed to helping others. Through the National Honor Society and PALs (Peer Assistance and Leadership), I mentored younger students, led projects, and gave back to the community. One of the most memorable projects I participated in was building hygiene kits for people experiencing homelessness during Buc Days in Corpus Christi. I still remember the faces of those who received them. Something that small made a difference. It reminded me that service is not about getting noticed. It is about showing up, listening, and doing what needs to be done. At the same time, I challenged myself in the classroom and beyond. I took AP and honors courses while competing in varsity football and powerlifting. I also performed in school theater, competed in speech and debate, and stayed involved in every corner of campus life I could. These experiences taught me how to manage time, lead by example, and keep going when things get tough. I plan to attend Texas Tech University to major in Animal Science. My long-term goal is to return to South Texas and work in a mixed-animal practice, possibly offering mobile services to reach more remote communities. I also want to mentor students like me who may not see themselves in careers like this because they have never seen anyone like them do it. The Sewing Seeds: Lena B. Davis Memorial Scholarship means more than financial support. It represents the values I try to live by every day: compassion, community, and quiet leadership. I believe that serving others is one of the most important things a person can do. If awarded this scholarship, I will carry its mission forward, not only in the classroom but in the barns, fields, and families I hope to serve.

More Than Muscle: How a Nerdy Jock Found His Purpose Growing up in South Texas, people often expected me to fit a certain mold. I am six foot, a varsity football player, and a powerlifter. Most people see me and assume I am just a jock. But I proved I was more than that. I am also a nerd. I love theater, speech and debate, and I have always been the guy who could talk sports one minute and explain animal behaviors the next. I am proud of that mix. It is who I am. I was raised by three incredible educators—my mom, my GMa, and my GPa. My mom teaches in public schools, my GMa is an Associate Director at our regional education center, and my GPa was a teacher and assistant principal. He is the son of migrant workers who was once told by a counselor that college was not for someone like him. He ignored that advice, worked multiple jobs, and earned two master’s degrees. He spent over 35 years helping students believe they could do more than others expected. Watching him never give up taught me to do the same. From a young age, I was obsessed with animals. I watched Animal Planet like other kids watched cartoons. I would sit for hours learning about species, wild habitats, and veterinary rescue stories. My parents joked that I was born to work with animals. As I grew up, that passion never faded. I started reading about animal nutrition, large animal care, and rural veterinary needs. I knew my future would involve helping animals and the families who depend on them. In high school, I pushed myself beyond what people assumed I could do. I balanced AP and honors classes with sports, theater, speech and debate, and service through PALs (Peer Assistance and Leadership). PALs became a turning point for me. It gave me the chance to mentor younger students who felt invisible. Many were struggling socially, unsure how to connect with others. They were not bad kids. They just needed someone to see them. Each week, I showed up and listened. I realized that being a leader does not always mean being loud. Sometimes, it means being consistent, showing up, and making someone feel like they matter. It was not easy. Taking on many responsibilities came with pressure: financial, emotional, and physical. My family made sacrifices to support everything I wanted to do, from registration fees to travel costs. I knew every opportunity I had was the result of the hard work and sacrifice of those who supported me. That knowledge kept me going, even when I was tired or overwhelmed. It still does. Now, I am preparing to attend Texas Tech University to major in Animal Science, with plans to become a large animal veterinarian. I want to serve rural communities that do not have access to regular vet care. I also want to be the kind of mentor my GPa was, to show other students, especially those who are underestimated, that their future can look different. Leaving home will not be easy. Texas Tech is over eight hours away from my family. My mom, and grandparents have always been my foundation. Their support shaped everything I am becoming. Being far from them will be tough, but I know everything they poured into me is coming with me. Receiving the Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship would help me continue that journey. It would be one more step toward honoring my family and building a future rooted in service, leadership, and heart.

The Power of Showing Up My name is Adam Alvarez, and I am a senior at Tuloso-Midway High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. Throughout my high school years, I have been involved in various activities, but one of the most meaningful was my time in the Peer Assistance and Leadership (PALs) program. This experience gave me the opportunity to build relationships with students who needed someone in their corner. They were not disruptive or failing out of school. Most just struggled with social skills, had trouble setting boundaries, or were trying to figure out where they fit in. When I joined PALs, I was paired with a middle school student who had been referred by his counselor. He was quiet, kept to himself, and had very few friends. From our first meeting, I could tell he was not used to someone checking in on him. He barely made eye contact, gave short answers, and seemed unsure about why I even wanted to talk with him. But I showed up. Every week. I would sit with him, ask about his day, talk about school, or bring up things I knew he liked. At first, he barely responded. Over time, he started to talk a little more. One day, he told me he liked to draw but never showed anyone his work because he was afraid people would laugh at him. Another day, he admitted he did not think anyone noticed when he missed school. That hit me hard. I remembered feeling that way at times too. I never tried to fix everything for him. I just listened and stayed consistent. After a while, his teacher told me he was starting to talk more in class. He had even joined a club. It may have seemed small to someone else, but I knew how much that change meant. Just having someone to talk to had helped him start believing in himself. That experience showed me that helping someone in need is not always loud or dramatic. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is just be there. That is something I learned from my mother. She raised me by herself while working full-time as a teacher. My father worked in the oil field and was gone most of the time. My mom was the steady presence in my life. She never missed a football game, always helped me with schoolwork, and never let me give up on myself. I try to give that same energy to others. Through PALs, football, powerlifting, and even theater, I have learned that people grow when they know someone believes in them. That belief is something I carry into everything I do. I plan to attend Texas Tech University to study Animal Science and become a large animal veterinarian. I want to provide care in rural communities where animals are a way of life and access to help is often limited. I also want to mentor students who come from backgrounds like mine and show them that they can pursue science, college, and careers they might not have considered. The "I Matter" Scholarship represents something I believe with all my heart. Every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. That is why I showed up for my PALs student. That is why I will continue to show up for others, wherever life takes me.

What I Learned from the One Who Stayed My name is Adam Alvarez, and I am a senior at Tuloso-Midway High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. I am planning to attend Texas Tech University to major in Animal Science and become a large animal veterinarian. This career path is about more than just animals. It is about giving back to the kinds of communities that helped raise me, and about living the values I was taught in my own home. I come from a single-mother household. My father worked in the oil field and was gone a lot. He was in and out, and even when he was physically there, he was not always present. My mother, on the other hand, was always there. She worked full-time as an educator, managed the household, and still found time to show up for me in every way that mattered. She taught me what it means to be dependable, what real leadership looks like, and how to keep going even when things are tough. There were times we struggled, but I never felt like I lacked anything important. My mom made sure I had what I needed and pushed me to take every opportunity I could. She is the reason I got involved in PALs, a peer mentoring program where I worked with younger students. One student I mentored barely spoke to anyone at first. Week after week, I showed up. I asked questions. I listened. And slowly, he opened up. That experience showed me that just being there for someone consistently can change everything. That is what my mom did for me, and I try to model that in my own life. Growing up in South Texas, I saw how important animals are to families in rural areas. I also saw how hard it was for some of those families to get the help they needed when their animals were sick. That stuck with me. I want to serve those kinds of communities not just by treating animals, but by earning trust, being reliable, and showing up when others will not. I want to be the one who drives the extra mile to reach a ranch most people would pass up. My plan is to start a veterinary practice that includes mobile services so I can reach families in isolated areas. I also want to help younger students, especially those who come from households like mine, see that careers in science and medicine are possible for them. I believe that success means nothing if you do not reach back and help someone else rise too. Being raised by a single mother shaped who I am. It taught me to appreciate the people who stay. It taught me that real strength is quiet and consistent. It also gave me a sense of purpose. I want to take everything I have learned from my mom, from my community, and from my own experiences and use it to make life better for others.

Building a Future Through Service and Hard Work My name is Adam Alvarez, and I grew up in a small town in South Texas where hard work, family, and community are everything. Around here, you learn pretty fast that people notice how you show up, how you treat others, and how willing you are to lend a hand. That is the kind of person I try to be every day. I plan to major in Animal Science at Texas Tech University and then go to veterinary school. My goal is to specialize in large animal veterinary medicine and work in rural areas where good veterinarians are hard to find. Growing up, I saw how much families depend on their animals for their livelihoods. I want to be the guy people can count on when their cattle are sick or when a newborn colt needs help. The guy who shows up, boots muddy, tired but proud, ready to do whatever it takes. Going to college is my way of taking everything my family and community have given me and building something bigger with it. I want to bring back skills that help the next generation of small-town families stay strong. Good veterinary care should not depend on where you live or how much money you make. Every family deserves someone who treats their animals like they matter. Making a positive impact is not just about the work I will do. It is about the kind of person I will be while doing it. In high school, I mentored middle school students through Peer Assistance and Leadership, competed in Speech and Debate, and played varsity football. I learned that real leadership is not about being the loudest voice. It is about showing up early, staying late, and doing the things that need to get done even when nobody is watching. I also know my younger sister and my cousins are watching me. I want them to see that even if you come from a small town, you can dream big and work even bigger. I want them to know that you do not have to change who you are to succeed. You just have to believe in where you come from and be willing to put in the effort. At the end of the day, my goal is pretty simple. I want to be a good man, a good neighbor, and someone my community can be proud of. Going to college is the next step toward that. I am ready to get to work.

Strength in Steady Hands I was raised in what most would call a two-parent household, but my mother has always been the head of our home. My father worked in the oil field, so he was gone for long stretches of time. Even when he was around, he was not always present in the ways that mattered. Last year, my mother made the decision to separate from him. Honestly, not much changed. She had already been the one holding everything together. My mother is an educator. That means she is used to juggling more than one thing at a time, staying calm under pressure, and giving her best even when she is tired. At home, she brought those same qualities to raising me. She handled the finances, showed up to every school event and football game, and kept our home running. She made sure I stayed focused on school and encouraged me to participate in sports and leadership programs. She believed in me when things were hard, and she never let me forget my potential. Watching her carry that kind of responsibility shaped my view of strength. I used to think strength was about size or being loud. But my mother showed me that strength is showing up even when you do not feel like it. Strength is doing the right thing every day without needing applause. It is holding people accountable with love and never giving up, even when no one is watching. That is the kind of strength I try to model in my own life. One of the experiences that helped me better understand myself and others was during my time as a PALs mentor. I worked with a younger student who reminded me of myself in some ways. He came from a home where support was not consistent, and he did not trust easily. Every week, I showed up. I asked how he was doing. I listened. Eventually, he opened up. I did not try to fix his problems. I just gave him what my mother always gave me: time, patience, and belief. That moment taught me that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for someone is to simply stay present. Being raised by a single, steady parent who is also an educator gave me a strong sense of responsibility and purpose. It taught me to respect hard work, value people who are dependable, and look for ways to give back. I carry those lessons into everything I do—on the field, in the classroom, and as I prepare for a future in veterinary medicine. I plan to serve others the way my mother has always served me, through action, commitment, and compassion.

I plan to study Animal Science at Texas Tech University with the goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian. This decision is more than just a career path for me. It is a calling rooted in where I come from, who I am, and who I want to be. Growing up in South Texas, I saw firsthand how much animals mean to rural communities. Livestock is not just livelihood. It is tradition, pride, and survival. I have watched families go without proper veterinary care, not because they do not care about their animals, but because there are not enough vets in their area. I want to be someone who changes that. I want to bring not only medical care, but also trust, consistency, and compassion to places that often get overlooked. Animal Science is the foundation I need to get there. Through this program, I will gain knowledge in biology, livestock management, nutrition, genetics, and disease prevention. But more than that, I will learn how to apply these skills in the field, in barns, pastures, and small clinics where real problems need real solutions. I want to specialize in large animal medicine because it serves the backbone of Texas. It supports the ranchers, farmers, and working families who keep our communities running. I want to be someone who drives down the dirt roads others avoid and shows up when it matters. What I learn in college will not stay in a classroom. I plan to bring that knowledge back home, where it is needed most. I see myself opening or joining a mixed-animal practice in a rural community, possibly even offering mobile veterinary services for hard-to-reach areas. I also want to mentor students like me. I want to reach the kids who are smart, hardworking, and full of potential, but may not see themselves in careers like veterinary medicine because they have never seen someone like them take that path. Service is not new to me. As a PALs mentor, I supported younger students navigating personal challenges. On the field, I cheered louder than anyone to lift my team when we were struggling. In the classroom, I stayed committed, earning Honor Roll and All-Academic recognition while managing football, powerlifting, theater, speech, and broadcasting. I learned that leadership is not about being in charge. It is about showing up, lifting others, and doing the work that no one sees. This next step in my education is not just for me. It is for every teacher, coach, teammate, and neighbor who believed in me when I was still figuring out who I wanted to be. It is for the animals I will treat and the families I will serve. What I learn at Texas Tech will not stay in the classroom. It will be used in barns, pastures, and truck beds across rural Texas. I am not chasing a title. I am building a purpose. And I plan to show up every single day for the people who need it most.

My name is Adam Alvarez, and I am a senior at Tuloso-Midway High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. I will attend Texas Tech University in the fall to major in Animal Science. My goal is to become a large animal veterinarian and serve rural communities where consistent veterinary care is often limited. I want to be the person families can rely on when their animals need help—someone who shows up, listens, and works hard to make a difference. Throughout high school, I have stayed focused on both academic success and personal growth. I have maintained a 3.9 GPA while taking AP and Honors courses. I have played varsity football, where I served as a right guard on offense and a nose guard on defense. I earned All-Academic Honorable Mention and varsity letters in football and powerlifting. In powerlifting, I qualified for regionals during my senior year, lifting over 600 pounds in competition and learning what it truly means to stay disciplined. Outside of sports, I made it a priority to be involved in other meaningful ways. I participated in theater productions and speech and debate, building confidence and communication skills that I know will help me as a future veterinarian. I also served as a PALs mentor, providing peer support to younger students who needed someone to talk to or look up to. In addition, I completed a broadcasting internship at school, helping with daily announcements and video production. I learned how to be creative, adapt quickly, and collaborate with others to reach a common goal. All of these experiences have shaped my leadership style. I believe in showing up consistently, working hard even when no one is watching, and treating everyone with respect. Whether I am helping a teammate push through a difficult workout or encouraging a nervous student before a performance, I try to be the person others can count on. I believe leadership is not about attention; it is about action. Receiving the Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship would ease the financial burden of college, but it would also mean something more. It would remind me that qualities like kindness, ambition, and character are valued and worth protecting. I would be honored to carry Kalia’s legacy forward by continuing to lead with heart, lift others up, and never take opportunities for granted. Thank you for considering my application. I am committed to making the most of this next chapter, both in school and in service to others.

How I Plan to Make a Positive Impact One of the first lessons I ever learned was that you show up for people who need you. When I was younger, my grandfather would take me along to help elderly neighbors mow their lawns. It was hot, sweaty work, but he never made a big deal about it. He just said, “This is what you do when you are part of a community.” At the time, I thought we were just cutting grass. Now I understand we were doing a lot more than that. Growing up in South Texas, I saw every day what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. People around here take care of each other, even when it is not easy or convenient. That is the kind of person I want to be. That is the kind of positive impact I want to make. My plan is to major in Animal Science at Texas Tech University and then go on to veterinary school. I want to specialize in large animal veterinary medicine and work in rural communities like the one I grew up in. In small towns, a good veterinarian is more than just a doctor. They are someone families rely on to keep their animals healthy and their way of life steady. One sick cow or one injured horse can make a huge difference to a family’s income. I want to be the person who shows up, no matter the time or the weather, to make sure families and their animals have the care they need. But my impact will not stop at veterinary work. I believe making a real difference means being part of the community outside of the job title. I plan to volunteer at local events, mentor young people who are interested in agriculture or science, and be the kind of neighbor who helps without being asked. In high school, I learned a lot about leadership by mentoring middle school students through Peer Assistance and Leadership, competing in Speech and Debate, and playing varsity football. Real leadership is about showing up consistently, doing the hard things, and treating everyone with respect. I also know my younger sister and cousins are watching what I do. I want them to see that you do not have to leave your values behind to chase big dreams. You can stay true to who you are, work hard, and still achieve something that makes a difference. If my journey shows them that, then I will have made an impact even before I treat my first animal. At the end of the day, I want my life to be about service. Whether it is helping a calf stand on shaky legs, offering a word of encouragement to a struggling student, or lending a hand when a neighbor needs it, I want my work and my actions to leave things better than I found them. Making a positive impact is not about changing the whole world at once. It is about making a difference right where you are, one small moment at a time. That is the future I am working toward, and I am ready to get started.

What Going to College Means to Me Growing up, college was always part of the plan. Not because anyone handed me a checklist, but because I understood early on that education opens doors. Around here, you work hard, you stay true to your word, and you aim higher than what you see right in front of you. College is how I plan to do that. It is my way of taking everything my family taught me about work, responsibility, and heart, and turning it into something bigger. For me, going to college is about becoming the person I am meant to be. I plan to major in Animal Science at Texas Tech University and then go to veterinary school. My goal is to specialize in large animal veterinary medicine and work in small towns like the one I grew up in. Around here, vets are more than just doctors for cows and horses. They are the people you call when something goes wrong at two in the morning, when a calf is struggling, or when your prize goat eats something it should not. I want to be that guy, boots muddy, tired but proud, helping people when they need it most. College is not just about textbooks and exams, though I know there will be plenty of that. It is about learning how to solve problems, how to think for yourself, and how to work with others. In high school, I learned a lot about leadership by mentoring younger students, playing football, and competing in Speech and Debate. Sometimes leadership meant making a big speech, but a lot of times it just meant showing up when it mattered. I figure college will be the same way. You do the work. You help others. You keep your head on straight even when things get hard. Another reason college matters to me is because of my family. I have a younger sister and younger cousins who are watching what I do, and honestly, I want to give them something good to brag about. I want them to see that you can chase big dreams even if you come from a small town where everybody knows what you had for breakfast. I want them to know that hard work, kindness, and a little bit of stubbornness can take you pretty far. College also means proving to myself that I can do this. It is easy to dream about the future when you are sitting in a classroom, but I know college will be a test of how much I really want it. I am ready for that challenge. I am ready to work, to learn, and to come back stronger, even if it means a few all-nighters fueled by bad coffee and determination. At the end of the day, going to college is about believing that the future is worth fighting for. It is about taking the hopes of my family, my community, and my younger self and turning them into something real. I am ready to get started.

Building Stronger Communities, One Step at a Time I come from a family where hard work, education, and service are not just ideas—they are a way of life. My grandfather, who grew up as the son of migrant workers, was told that college was not for kids like him. Instead of accepting that, he worked harder. He earned two Master’s degrees and spent 35 years in education, helping students like himself find a path forward. My mother is a public school teacher, and my grandmother worked her way from teacher to Superintendent. Watching them taught me that education is powerful and that it is meant to be shared, not kept for yourself. That lesson shaped who I am. In high school, I stayed active in academics, varsity football, powerlifting, theater, Speech and Debate, and leadership programs like PALs. I earned awards in Prose Interpretation, Poetry Interpretation, and Dramatic Interpretation through Speech and Debate. I also earned a 4A Division I All-Academic Honorable Mention in football and was proud to be a member of the National Honor Society. Through all of those experiences, I learned that being successful is about more than what you achieve. It is about what you give back along the way. I plan to attend Texas Tech University and major in Animal Science, with the goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian. Growing up in South Texas, I saw how important livestock are to rural families and communities. When animals thrive, families thrive. Many rural areas do not have easy access to veterinary care, and I want to be part of changing that. My goal is not just to treat animals but to support the people who depend on them for their livelihoods. I also want to be a role model and mentor for younger students, especially Hispanic students who might not always see someone who looks like them in science careers. My grandfather’s story showed me that the first step toward changing your future is believing you belong in places you have never been before. I want to help other students believe that too. Through my studies at Texas Tech and my future work as a veterinarian, I plan to build stronger, healthier communities. I believe that small actions add up over time. Whether it is caring for an animal that supports a family business, encouraging a young student to keep going, or helping a community stay strong through hard times, every action matters. I am excited to keep learning, growing, and finding new ways to give back. I am proud of where I come from, and I am ready to build a future that reflects the lessons my family taught me—work hard, help others, and never stop believing in what you can do.

Inspired to Speak Up and Keep Going Growing up, I was surrounded by people who showed me what hard work, education, and perseverance really look like. If I had to pick one person who made the biggest impact on why I push myself today, it would be my grandfather. My grandfather grew up as the son of migrant workers. A school counselor told him that college was not for kids like him and that he should go into a trade. Instead of accepting that, he worked harder. He earned two Master’s degrees and spent 35 years working in education, helping students who were often told the same thing he was. He showed me that education is not just about personal success. It is about breaking barriers for the next generation and lifting others up. Watching my grandfather’s journey made me realize that college was not just an option for me. It was an expectation. I want to follow in his footsteps, not by becoming a teacher, but by being a leader and someone who shows others that anything is possible, no matter where you start. In high school, I worked hard both in and out of the classroom. I earned a 4A Division I All-Academic Honorable Mention in football, competed at the regional level in powerlifting, and was a proud member of the National Honor Society. I was also active in Speech and Debate, earning awards in Prose Interpretation, Poetry Interpretation, and Dramatic Interpretation. On top of that, I participated in PALs, where I mentored younger students and helped lead service projects. Balancing academics, athletics, leadership, and community service taught me how to manage my time and stay focused on my goals. When I first joined Speech and Debate through theater, I thought it would just be something fun. I liked acting and performing. The more time I spent in Speech and Debate, the more I realized how important it is to be able to use your voice. Whether it was performing a dramatic interpretation or delivering a persuasive speech, I learned that words have power. Words can challenge ideas, change minds, and inspire action. Speech and Debate taught me how to think critically, prepare arguments, and stay calm even when I was nervous or questioned. It showed me how to listen just as much as I speak, and how to respect different points of view while standing strong for what I believe in. Those skills will stay with me for the rest of my life, no matter where my career takes me. I plan to attend Texas Tech University and major in Animal Science, with the goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian in rural communities. Even though I will not be debating in front of crowds every day, the skills I built in Speech and Debate will help me communicate clearly with farmers, families, and students I hope to mentor. Being able to listen, think, and explain complicated information in simple terms will be a huge part of the work I want to do. My grandfather’s determination showed me that education opens doors you do not even see yet. Speech and Debate showed me that speaking up, even when you are scared, can change everything. Both lessons have shaped who I am and where I am going. I plan to carry them with me as I take the next step toward college and beyond.

Making a Difference, One Step at a Time I come from a family where working hard and giving back is not optional; it is just what you do. My grandfather grew up as the son of migrant workers and was told by a school counselor that college was not for him. He did not listen. He earned two Master’s degrees and spent 35 years in education, helping students who were often overlooked. My mother is a public school teacher, and my grandmother worked her way from teacher to Superintendent. They all taught me that education is not just about personal success; it is about opening doors for others too. That is the example I try to follow every day. In high school, I stayed busy with academics, varsity football, powerlifting, theater, speech and debate, and leadership programs like PALs (Peer Assistance and Leadership). But it was not about just filling up my schedule. It was about learning how to lead, how to help others, and how to stay grounded even when things got tough. Being part of PALs showed me that sometimes just being there for someone, whether by listening, encouraging them, or showing up consistently, can make a bigger difference than any award or title. I am planning to attend Texas Tech University and major in Animal Science. After that, my goal is to become a large animal veterinarian, especially for rural communities where getting proper care for livestock can be hard. I grew up in South Texas, and I have seen how important animals are to families, to their businesses, and to the way of life out here. By helping take care of animals, I will be helping take care of the people who depend on them. I also want to mentor younger students along the way, especially Hispanic students who might not always see someone who looks like them in science careers. I am not going into veterinary medicine just because I love animals (although I do). I am doing it because I believe healthy animals mean stronger communities. And I believe that every career, no matter what it is, should be about more than just a paycheck. It should be about making life better for other people. Receiving the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship would help me keep chasing that goal without putting so much financial strain on my family. It would allow me to focus fully on my studies and my future impact instead of worrying about how to afford every next step. At the end of the day, I do not think making a difference has to mean changing the whole world overnight. I think it is about showing up, doing the work, helping one person or one family at a time, and trusting that over time those small actions will add up to something bigger. That is the life I want to build, and that is the impact I plan to leave behind.

Creating Safer Schools Through Awareness and Action School should be a place where students feel safe to learn, explore, and dream about their futures. But for a lot of us today, it feels more like we are preparing for something bad to happen. Lockdown drills, security cameras, and reminders about danger are part of everyday school life now. You are always thinking, “What if today is the day?” and that’s not how school is supposed to feel. Gun violence in schools is the social issue I care most about. I have sat through enough lockdowns and drills to know how it changes people. You get used to hearing alarms and hiding under desks, but deep down, everyone is still scared. Some students get anxious. Some act like they do not care. But it affects all of us. It makes you wonder if it is safer to stay quiet instead of standing out. It makes you question whether the next loud bang is just a dropped textbook or something worse. I am not a politician, but I believe change starts with students too. At my school, I speak up whenever I get the chance, whether it’s in PALs, leadership classes, or just talking to friends. I push for more mental health support, better school connections, and safer environments, not just more cameras and drills. Students need places where they can talk openly about stress, depression, and fear without feeling judged. If you ignore the fear, it just grows. Outside of school, I have used community service, scholarship essays, and conversations to push for safer schools. I believe in the Second Amendment, but I also believe kids should come home alive. We need background checks, safe storage laws, and red flag laws. None of that takes away rights: it protects lives. Other countries have figured this out, and so can we. In the future, I want to keep fighting for safer communities. I plan to major in Animal Science at Texas Tech University and become a veterinarian. In small towns, vets are trusted community leaders, and I want to use that trust to help build stronger, safer neighborhoods. Even if I am not working in schools every day, I can still advocate for kids to grow up without fear. Working to address gun violence has taught me one big thing: You do not have to be a politician or a celebrity to make a difference. You just have to care enough to start where you are. I plan to keep speaking up, helping others, and pushing for safer schools for as long as it takes.

Mooned and Mortified Growing up, I assumed my cat, Kitty Purry, was shy. She ruled my room like a tiny, furry queen, rarely showing herself to outsiders. One weekend, three of my friends came over for a sleepover. After two straight days of gaming, one of them finally asked, “Dude, why do you have a litter box in your closet?” I casually said, “Oh, it’s for my cat.” Cue confused silence. “You have a CAT? Where?” I pointed to the corner where Kitty Purry had been silently judging us the entire time. Right then, she stood up, stretched dramatically, and walked directly into the middle of the room. She turned her back to my friends, stuck her butt straight in their faces, and held the pose like she was saluting the room. No fear. No shame. Maximum disrespect. My friends screamed. One scrambled onto the bed. Another grabbed a blanket like it was a shield. I just stood there, completely mortified, while my cat proudly waved her tail like a victory flag. Kitty Purry didn’t run away. She stayed right there, plopped down in the middle of the floor, and stared at everyone like we were the ones who didn’t belong. Moral of the story: Never assume a cat has manners—and never assume your friends will ever let you live down the moment your pet moons them on purpose.

Education has always been a major part of my family’s story. My mother, a public-school teacher, and my grandmother, a lifelong educator, raised me to understand that hard work, service, and education are the keys to building a meaningful life. My grandfather, who is Hispanic, grew up as the son of migrant workers and was once told by a white school counselor that college was not for him. Instead of accepting that limited vision, he earned two Master’s degrees and built a career in education. For 35 years, he worked in public education, dedicating his life to supporting students who, like him, had been overlooked or underestimated. His story taught me that education is not just a personal achievement; it is a way to break barriers, create opportunities, and give back to the next generation. Growing up, I was encouraged to aim high and to never settle. Education was never seen as optional; it was the foundation for everything. Even with strong family support, financial challenges were always present. My family made sacrifices so I could have every opportunity to succeed. Their belief in me motivated me to push myself academically while staying involved in leadership, service, and athletics. I am now preparing to attend Texas Tech University to major in Animal Science, with plans to pursue veterinary school afterward. My goal is to become a large animal veterinarian, serving rural communities where access to veterinary care is limited. Beyond that, I hope to mentor students from similar backgrounds, showing them that education can open doors they never thought possible. I want to honor my family’s legacy by using my education to serve others and build stronger communities.

My name is Adam Alvarez, and I come from a family where education is not just valued; it is expected. My mother, a public school teacher, and my grandmother, an Associate Director with over 35 years in education, raised me to understand that hard work, service, and resilience are the keys to success. Their belief in me and in the power of education shaped my path and inspired my dreams. Growing up, I was the kid who only watched Animal Planet while others were glued to cartoons. My love for animals started early and grew stronger as I raised a bottle-fed kitten named Kitty Purry after her mother was killed. Taking care of her through an injury and recovery taught me responsibility, patience, and compassion; lessons that confirmed I wanted to become a veterinarian. Throughout high school, I pushed myself academically while staying deeply involved in activities like varsity football, powerlifting, theater, speech and debate, and PALs (Peer Assistance and Leadership). Balancing academics, athletics, leadership, and service helped me grow as a person. It taught me time management, perseverance, and how to stay focused on my goals even when life got busy or difficult. One of my strengths is that I am determined to finish what I start. A weakness I continue to work on is asking for help when I need it. I have learned that strength does not mean doing everything alone; it means building a team and leaning on others when necessary. Financial sacrifices were always part of the background of my success. My mother worked hard to ensure that I could participate in every opportunity I earned, whether it was a competition, leadership event, or school program. Sometimes that meant careful budgeting and giving up extras so that I could keep growing. Knowing that pushes me even harder to succeed, because I am not just chasing my dreams; I am honoring the sacrifices made by those who believe in me. My dream is to become a large animal veterinarian serving rural communities where access to veterinary care is limited. I want to help families who depend on their animals for their livelihoods, while also mentoring young students from similar backgrounds and showing them that higher education is within their reach. I want to be a veterinarian who makes a difference, not just in animal health, but in building up stronger, more connected communities. Receiving the Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship would directly support my journey by helping to ease the financial pressure of college and allowing me to focus fully on my studies and service opportunities. Coming from a hardworking family where financial sacrifices have made my path possible, I understand how much even one scholarship can change a future. I see myself building a career that combines science, service, and mentorship. I want to be someone who not only cares for animals but also lifts up the next generation of students who dream of doing more. Receiving this scholarship would not just help me achieve my goals; it would help me continue a family legacy of education, service, and making a difference in the world, one life at a time.

One of the most meaningful community events I participated in was organized through Buc Days, a major celebration in Corpus Christi, Texas. While most people think of Buc Days for its parades, carnival, and rodeo, I experienced a different side of it; the side focused on giving back. Through a service project tied to Buc Days, I helped create and distribute hygiene kits for people in need. Before assembling the kits, we visited local homeless shelters and food pantries to better understand the challenges facing the less fortunate in our community. Meeting people face-to-face changed the way I thought about homelessness. It was no longer something distant or abstract. I saw families, veterans, and individuals who had simply fallen on hard times. They were real people who needed support, not judgment. After those visits, we got to work. We packed hygiene kits with essentials like soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and socks. Simple items most of us use without thinking became powerful tools of dignity and hope. Even though it felt like a small action, I realized how important these small things could be to someone living without a stable home. What made this event meaningful to me was realizing how a big celebration like Buc Days could be used to lift others up. It showed me that service and celebration can go hand-in-hand. By taking just a few hours out of the festivities to focus on others, we strengthened our community in a lasting way. Participating in this service project shaped my goals for the future. I plan to major in Animal Science and become a large animal veterinarian, serving rural and underserved communities. My career path is about more than animal care; it is about serving the families who depend on their animals. Just like the Buc Days project reminded me that small acts of kindness can make a big difference, I want my veterinary career to include community service as a permanent part of my work. In the future, I would love to see the Buc Days service projects grow even bigger. More student involvement, more hygiene kits, and even new outreach events like free clinics or educational workshops could create even stronger bonds within our community. I believe that the spirit of giving back should be a natural part of every celebration, reminding people that real joy comes from lifting others up. The Buc Days service project showed me that helping others does not have to be complicated. It starts with simple actions: showing up, caring, and giving what you can. That day packing hygiene kits might seem small to some, but to me, it was a reminder that kindness is powerful and that even one person can make a difference. The lesson I learned through Buc Days will stay with me as I move into the next chapter of my life. Whether through veterinary work, mentoring students, or continuing community service, I am committed to building a future based on compassion, service, and connection. Events like Buc Days showed me how strong a community can be when celebration and service walk side by side—and that is exactly the kind of world I want to help create.

Service has been a constant thread throughout my high school experience, shaping who I am and who I hope to become. One of the most meaningful ways I have served my community was through a project organized by Buc Days in Corpus Christi, Texas. Our goal was to assemble hygiene kits for the homeless, and through that simple act, I gained a deeper understanding of compassion, leadership, and the lasting power of service. Before we packed the kits, we visited homeless shelters and food pantries to meet some of the people we would be helping. Seeing the faces behind the statistics changed everything. These were not strangers—they were parents, veterans, and children. Meeting them made me realize that service is not just about giving things; it is about recognizing the dignity of every person. Assembling the kits—filled with basic items like soap, toothpaste, and socks—might have seemed like a small effort. But I learned that even small actions can make a big difference when done with care and respect. It also taught me that leadership is not about grand gestures. It is about showing up, putting in the effort, and making sure no one feels invisible. One of the challenges we faced was realizing how great the need was compared to the resources we had. It was humbling and, honestly, overwhelming at first. But that challenge reinforced a lesson I have carried into everything I do: just because you cannot fix everything does not mean you should not try to fix something. Leadership is about persistence, compassion, and doing the best you can with what you have. Service became a natural part of my life after that. Through PALs (Peer Assistance and Leadership), I mentored younger students, helped organize school and community events, and learned that real service often happens in the quiet, consistent moments—not just the big ones. Serving others taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of being someone others can count on. My commitment to service has also shaped my future goals. I plan to major in Animal Science and become a large animal veterinarian, focusing on serving rural and underserved communities. In many of these areas, access to affordable veterinary care is limited, and families depend on their livestock for their livelihoods. I want to make a positive impact by providing not just care for animals, but support and education for the people who rely on them. Beyond my career, I plan to stay involved in community service, volunteering at local shelters, participating in rural outreach programs, and mentoring students who might not otherwise see a path forward. Service is not something you do once; it is a mindset. It is about seeing the needs around you and choosing to step in, even when it would be easier to step back. Service has taught me that leadership is not about being the loudest or the strongest; it is about being present, being consistent, and being willing to act when others need help. It has taught me that true impact often comes from the smallest acts of kindness. And most importantly, it has taught me that when you serve others, you not only change their lives—you change your own.

The teacher who deeply influenced me and changed the way I approach my life is Mrs. Linda Esquivel, my theater arts and speech and debate coach at Tuloso-Midway High School. I first met Mrs. Esquivel when I was in junior high, and she immediately pulled me into the world of theater and competitive speaking—a world I never knew I needed. I have always been talkative, outgoing, and maybe even a little bit of a class clown. I loved making people laugh and being the center of attention whenever I could. What I lacked, though, was focus. Before I met Mrs. Esquivel, I had plenty of energy but not always a clear idea of how to use it in a way that mattered. Mrs. Esquivel changed that. She saw that my love of talking and performing was not just noise; it was potential. She taught me how to take all that energy, focus it, and turn it into something powerful and meaningful. What I admire most about Mrs. Esquivel is her ability to motivate people to be the best version of themselves. She has a way of pushing you just far enough out of your comfort zone without letting you fall. Her belief in our potential was contagious. Even when we doubted ourselves, she made sure we understood we were capable of more than we thought. Mrs. Esquivel’s classroom quickly became a second home. She treated us like family, holding us to high standards while always making sure we knew she believed in us. She taught me that excellence is not about being naturally talented or naturally confident; it is about preparation, heart, and persistence. Through countless rehearsals, early morning speech practices, and last-minute changes before competitions, she showed me that success comes from showing up consistently and giving your best, even when it is uncomfortable. One of the biggest lessons Mrs. Esquivel taught me was how to fail gracefully and keep going. Theater and speech taught me that sometimes, despite your best efforts, things do not go the way you planned. Maybe a line gets forgotten or a judge scores you lower than expected. Mrs. Esquivel showed me that every performance, win or lose, was a chance to get better, not a reason to quit. That mindset changed how I approached every challenge in my life—not just in theater, but in football, powerlifting, academics, and now as I prepare for my future career as a veterinarian. Thanks to Mrs. Esquivel’s influence, I had the confidence to take risks I never would have considered before. I learned to juggle academics, athletics, theater, and speech, earning leadership roles, qualifying for State competitions, and mentoring middle school students through speech and debate. I discovered that it is possible to be an athlete and an academic, a performer and a competitor, all at once. Beyond all the medals and accolades, Mrs. Esquivel taught me how to carry myself—with respect, discipline, humility, and heart. Her belief in me made me believe in myself. Because of her, I approach every new challenge knowing that preparation and passion will take me farther than talent alone ever could. Mrs. Esquivel did more than teach theater and speech. She focused me. She changed my life by helping me channel my energy into something bigger than myself. Without her encouragement, I do not know if I would have ever stepped onto a stage, stood in front of a judge, or even dreamed as big as I do now. She made me realize that who you are is enough—you just have to find the right stage to prove it.

The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is "The Waterboy." Technically, it came out before I was even born (I was born in 2006), but good movies—and good lessons—never get old. It has been one of my favorites for as long as I can remember. In fact, my mom and I still quote lines from it all the time. Sure, it is hilarious, but underneath the comedy is a story about perseverance, believing in yourself, and proving that where you start does not determine where you can go. Plus, who does not want to imagine tackling life’s problems the way Bobby Boucher tackled quarterbacks? As a high school football player and powerlifter, I immediately connected with Bobby’s story, even if I was probably bigger than Bobby ever dreamed of being. At 6'1" and 300 pounds, no one ever underestimated me because of my size. But people still sometimes underestimated me in other ways, assuming that because I played football and lifted weights, I could not also succeed in theater, speech, or leadership roles. Watching Bobby deal with being laughed at and doubted reminded me that sometimes people only see one part of you, and it is up to you to show them the rest. One of my favorite scenes is when Bobby finally realizes that he is not limited by what other people think. He uses his so-called “weaknesses” to become one of the best players on the field—not by changing who he is, but by leaning into it. That message has stuck with me. Whether I was learning to lift more weight in powerlifting or learning Russian for a play (yes, Russian, because why not add a foreign language to senior year chaos?), I learned to use challenges to my advantage, not let them stop me. "The Waterboy" also taught me that passion and heart matter more than talent. Bobby loved what he did, and that made him unstoppable. I feel the same way about animals and agriculture. My dream is to become a large animal veterinarian and serve rural communities. When you care about something deeply, you find a way to show up, even when it is hard, even when you are tired, and even when it feels like you might get tackled by life a few times yourself. Another reason "The Waterboy" impacted me is because it showed how important support systems are. Bobby had his mom, Coach Klein, and Vicki cheering him on. I have been blessed with family, teachers, and coaches who believed in me even when I doubted myself. They reminded me that success is not a solo sport. Even in individual powerlifting meets, you always have a team behind you, handing you your gear and cheering you on. (And maybe laughing a little when you struggle to peel off knee wraps afterward.) The humor in "The Waterboy" also taught me that life is better when you can laugh at yourself. High school was busy for me—football, powerlifting, theater, speech and debate, community service—and it would have been easy to get overwhelmed. Learning to laugh when things went wrong (like the time my speech notes fell off the stage mid-competition) helped me keep perspective and keep going. "The Waterboy" is more than just a funny movie. It is a reminder that determination, heart, and believing in yourself matter more than anyone else's expectations. It showed me that you can be different, stay true to yourself, and still succeed. And if you can do all that while tackling life’s problems the way Bobby tackled quarterbacks—well, then you are doing just fine.

If you had asked six-year-old me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have said "an animal doctor" without thinking twice. While other kids were obsessed with superheroes or cartoons, I was glued to Animal Planet, fascinated by wildlife rescue stories and veterinary shows. Growing up in South Texas, where agriculture and livestock are part of everyday life, it did not take long for my passion for animals and agriculture to become part of who I am. My earliest memories include visiting the Texas State Aquarium and feeling completely at peace watching dolphins leap and sea turtles glide. I begged my parents for every animal book at the book fair and even tried to convince them once that we could adopt a cow. (They said no—probably wisely.) Animals were more than just interesting to me; they felt like a calling. As I got older, I realized that animals are at the heart of communities like mine. In rural areas, cattle, goats, horses, and sheep are not just animals; they are part of family traditions and livelihoods. That realization fueled my goal: to become a large animal veterinarian who serves rural and underserved areas where access to animal care is limited. Throughout high school, I stayed close to that dream. I was involved in football, powerlifting, theater arts, and speech and debate. Some people were surprised that the same kid who lifted weights at sunrise also stayed up late memorizing lines for school plays. At one point, I even learned to speak Russian for my role in Matilda the Musical, because apparently balancing sports, academics, and service projects was not challenging enough. Community service has also been a big part of my journey. Through PALs (Peer Assistance and Leadership) and the National Honor Society, I mentored younger students, organized service projects, and helped with local events. One project that really stayed with me was assembling hygiene kits for the homeless through Buc Days in Corpus Christi. Seeing the impact even small acts of kindness could have showed me that real service is about consistency, heart, and respect. One of the most personal experiences that solidified my passion for animal care happened two years ago when my cat, Kitty Purry, was injured and needed surgery. I took full responsibility for her recovery—cleaning her wound, giving her medication, and making sure she stayed comfortable. Watching her heal and knowing that I played a role in her recovery reinforced everything I had believed since I was a kid. Animal care is about more than just medicine; it is about compassion, patience, and dedication. Agriculture and animal care are deeply connected to the health of communities, especially in places like South Texas. I want to make a difference by making veterinary care accessible to families who depend on their livestock. I want to offer affordable services, volunteer at agricultural events, mentor youth in 4-H and FFA, and give back to the communities that shaped me. The kid who once tried to convince his parents to let him adopt a cow is still here—just a little taller, a little stronger, and a lot more determined. With the support of this scholarship, I will take the next step toward becoming the kind of veterinarian, and the kind of community leader I have always dreamed of being.

Ever since I was a kid, I have been fascinated by animals. Growing up, trips to the Texas State Aquarium and hours spent watching Animal Planet shaped my dreams early on. I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to helping animals, and now, as I prepare for college, that dream is becoming a reality. My academic goal is to major in Animal Science and ultimately earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. My professional goal is to become a large animal veterinarian, serving rural communities that often struggle to find quality veterinary care. In South Texas, livestock are not just animals; they are a way of life. Families depend on cattle, horses, and goats for their livelihoods. Having seen how important these animals are to rural communities, I am committed to giving back by providing affordable and compassionate veterinary services where they are most needed. I want to make sure families can continue traditions that have been passed down for generations and that their animals receive the care they deserve. Community service has always been a part of my life. Through PALs (Peer Assistance and Leadership), I mentored younger students who needed support, encouragement, and someone to believe in them. PALs showed me that sometimes the biggest difference you can make is simply showing up and listening. Through the National Honor Society, I participated in park cleanups, school events, and service projects that helped build a stronger community around me. I also volunteered my time at local events and fundraisers, learning that service is not about recognition—it is about action. Balancing football, powerlifting, theater, academics, and community service was not always easy, but it taught me the importance of time management, resilience, and heart. It showed me that even when you are busy, there is always time to give back if you make it a priority. Giving back to my community has inspired me to think bigger about the impact I want to have on the world. It showed me that small acts of service can ripple out and create real change. Helping a younger student feel more confident or cleaning up a park might seem small at first, but over time, those actions build stronger, healthier communities. Service taught me that making a difference is not about doing one big thing; it is about doing many small things consistently and with heart. In the future, I want to continue giving back through my career. As a veterinarian, I plan to volunteer my services at agricultural events, mentor students through programs like 4-H and FFA, and provide free clinics when possible. I want to be someone families can count on, not just for animal care, but for support, education, and encouragement. The world needs more people who are willing to lift others up, and I am committed to being one of them. Whether it is through community service, veterinary care, or mentoring young people, I believe that my education and future career will allow me to make a lasting difference. The little boy who once dreamed of dolphins is still here, but now he is carrying bigger dreams—dreams of healthier animals, stronger communities, and a world where service is a way of life, not just a requirement. This scholarship would help me continue that journey and turn those dreams into reality.

My name is Adam Alvarez, and if you had asked me at age six what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have told you, without hesitation, "an animal doctor." Some kids dreamed of being superheroes. I dreamed of rescuing dolphins, healing cows, and fixing injured animals big and small. Growing up in South Texas, the Texas State Aquarium was my happy place. I could sit for hours watching dolphins leap through the water or sea turtles glide by like old wise souls. I was that kid who preferred Animal Planet over cartoons and thought a Saturday spent at the aquarium was better than any movie. Animals gave me a sense of peace, wonder, and purpose. In high school, I threw myself into everything I loved—sports, theater, debate, and community service. I played football and competed in powerlifting. I performed on stage and delivered speeches at tournaments. I mentored younger students through PALs and volunteered through the National Honor Society. Balancing it all was not easy. Some days started before sunrise with a football workout and ended late with a debate tournament or play rehearsal. But those long days taught me that anything worth doing is worth showing up for, even when it is hard. My goal is to make a positive impact by serving as a large animal veterinarian in rural communities. Livestock are more than animals; they are the heart of many families' lives and livelihoods. I want to provide high-quality care where it is needed most, helping families care for the animals they depend on. I also want to mentor future generations through 4-H and FFA, helping students who, like me, have big dreams but might not always see the path clearly. Of course, the journey has not been smooth. During my senior year, while training for regional powerlifting competitions, I injured my back. It was one of the hardest challenges I have faced. It forced me to slow down and rethink what strength really means. Strength is not always about pushing harder; sometimes it is about healing smarter and being patient with yourself. Overcoming that injury taught me resilience, humility, and how to come back stronger. Financial challenges have also shaped my journey. My mom, a single parent and an educator, has always worked hard to support me, but college is expensive. Scholarships like this one are not just financial help; they are doors that open when it feels like the world is full of walls. With your support, I can focus on becoming the veterinarian I have always dreamed of being without carrying a mountain of debt on my back. I believe that the best way to leave a mark on the world is not by standing above others, but by lifting others up. Animals have always lifted me, taught me about loyalty, patience, and unconditional care. I want to give that back—to communities, to young people, and to every creature that needs someone in their corner. The little boy who once dreamed of dolphins is still here. He just wears football cleats and work boots now, and he is ready to build a future full of service, compassion, and heart.

Community service is not just something I do—it is part of who I am. Through PALs, I mentored younger students, showing up when they needed a hand, an ear, or just someone who believed in them. Through NHS, I rolled up my sleeves at park cleanups and school events, learning that service is about stepping in when it is easier to walk away. It was not always easy. Balancing football, powerlifting, theater, and academics with community service meant late nights and long days. But it also meant learning that leadership is about heart, not headlines. It taught me that even when no one is watching, doing the right thing matters. Those lessons are now the foundation of my future. I plan to become a large animal veterinarian, serving families in rural communities who depend on livestock for their lives and livelihoods. I will volunteer with youth programs like 4-H and FFA to mentor the next generation. Service taught me that true success is not measured by trophies or titles. It is measured by how many lives you lift up along the way. That is the legacy I want to build, one small act of service at a time.

Growing up in South Texas, I learned early that life is not always easy, but the challenges you face can build you into a stronger and more determined person. One of the first major challenges I faced came through sports. During my senior year, I was preparing for regional powerlifting competitions when I suffered a back injury. It forced me to take a step back from training and rethink how I approached not just athletics but life. I learned that pushing harder is not always the answer. Sometimes you have to slow down, listen to your body, and find new ways to move forward. That injury tested my patience and resilience in ways I had never experienced before, but it also showed me that real strength is about perseverance, adaptability, and mental toughness. Another challenge I faced was balancing my passions and responsibilities. While competing in football and powerlifting, I was also deeply involved in theater, speech and debate, and community service through PALs and NHS. Balancing sports practices, late-night rehearsals, academic work, and volunteering taught me how to manage my time, stay committed, and show up even when I was exhausted. It also taught me that success is about consistency and heart, not just talent. Financial struggles have also shaped my journey. My mom is a single parent and an educator who works hard to provide for our family, but teaching is not a high-paying profession, especially in South Texas. Even with her support, paying for college is a major challenge for us. Every scholarship I earn is a huge step toward making my dream of becoming a veterinarian possible. I know that pursuing a degree in Animal Science and eventually veterinary school will be expensive, but I am committed to doing whatever it takes to achieve my goals. This scholarship would not just help me financially—it would allow me to focus fully on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford tuition, books, and living expenses. It would bring me closer to my dream of serving rural communities as a large animal veterinarian, providing care for livestock and working animals that are vital to families' lives and livelihoods. The challenges I have faced—whether physical, personal, or financial—have taught me important life lessons. They have taught me that setbacks are temporary, but perseverance is permanent. They have taught me to be grateful for every opportunity, to work harder than anyone expects, and to keep my goals in sight even when things get difficult. I believe that everything I have gone through has prepared me not just to succeed in college but to give back to my community. I want to serve as a role model for other Hispanic students from small towns who might not believe that big dreams are possible for them. With the support of this scholarship, I can turn those dreams into reality and prove that challenges are not roadblocks—they are the foundation for something greater.

Since I was a little kid, animals have always been a part of who I am. While most of my friends grew up watching cartoons, I was glued to Animal Planet. Shows about wildlife, ocean life, and veterinary care fascinated me. I would sit for hours, completely absorbed by stories of people rescuing animals, caring for them, and helping them heal. Those early memories shaped me in a way nothing else could. Weekend trips to the Texas State Aquarium became my happy place. I could spend hours watching the dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine animals swim gracefully. The peacefulness and beauty of those animals showed me how important it is to protect and care for them. That love grew stronger over time and became part of my future goals. When my cat, Kitty Purry, was injured three years ago and needed surgery, my passion for animals turned into action. I took responsibility for her care during recovery—cleaning her wound, administering medicine, and making sure she stayed comfortable. That experience showed me firsthand that caring for animals requires more than just love; it takes patience, commitment, and hard work. It made me even more determined to dedicate my life to animal care. Today, my passion is focused on becoming a large animal veterinarian. I want to serve rural communities where access to veterinary services for livestock and large animals is limited. Growing up in South Texas, I have seen firsthand how important animals like cattle, goats, and horses are to families’ livelihoods and traditions. I plan to make a positive impact by providing quality care to these animals and supporting the people who depend on them. Large animals are vital not only to agriculture but also to culture and community life. By offering affordable, high-quality veterinary services in underserved areas, I hope to strengthen communities, improve animal welfare, and support future generations of farmers and ranchers. I also plan to volunteer my time with youth agricultural programs like 4-H and FFA, helping young people learn about animal health, responsibility, and care. My major is Animal Science, which is the first step toward my long-term goal of earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Studying Animal Science allows me to build a strong foundation in biology, animal behavior, nutrition, and care, all of which are critical to becoming a successful veterinarian. It gives me hands-on experience working with livestock and prepares me to address real-world problems in animal health. Being around animals has taught me important life lessons about compassion, responsibility, and resilience. Every early morning practice for football, every late-night study session for theater and speech competitions, and every challenge I faced along the way helped me develop the work ethic and determination I will need as a future veterinarian. Learning to balance sports, academics, and theater taught me that caring deeply about something means showing up even when it is hard. I believe that animals make our lives better in ways we sometimes take for granted. Whether it is the dolphins at the aquarium that brought me peace as a child, the cattle that sustain families in rural Texas, or the cat that taught me patience and care, animals deserve our best efforts. Through my education and future career, I am committed to giving back to them—and to the communities that depend on them.

Title: Strength Beyond the Surface Opening Scene: The camera opens on a dusty football field in South Texas just before sunrise. The bleachers are empty. The stadium lights buzz like they have not had their morning coffee yet. I, Adam Alvarez, am dragging weights across the field, wondering if "leg day" was invented as a joke. As I lift the barbell, my headphones blast my favorite playlist—a little country, a little rock, and a lot of songs that make 5:30 a.m. feel almost normal. Music has always been my fuel. It drowns out everything: the soreness, the doubts, the early morning yawns. Flashbacks flicker: A little boy sitting cross-legged in front of Animal Planet, completely absorbed, seriously considering asking for a dolphin for Christmas. Weekend trips to the Texas State Aquarium, staring at dolphins and sea turtles for hours, feeling completely at peace. It was my happy place—a reminder that animals are amazing and worth protecting. Telling my elementary teacher, "I want to be a veterinarian," right before drawing a suspiciously lopsided manatee. Staying up late studying after football and powerlifting practice, fueled mostly by leftover pizza, sweet tea, and sheer stubbornness. Practicing lines for theater productions and preparing speeches for debate tournaments after two-hour football practices, somehow fitting it all into the same crazy schedule. Learning how to speak Russian for my role in Matilda the Musical, because apparently memorizing English lines was not challenging enough. Standing on a stage delivering a speech one night and hitting the weight room early the next morning. Earning fifth place at regionals in powerlifting and proudly telling everyone, "Top five sounds better than fifth anyway." Holding my injured cat, Kitty Purry, after her surgery, cleaning her wound and realizing that true strength is not just physical—it is caring even when it is messy and hard. Back in the present, I rack the barbell and sit down, breathing heavy. The stadium is empty except for me and the music pounding in my ears. I look at the horizon, where the sky is turning gold. Every morning like this is a step closer to the future I have been building since I was a kid. The scene fast-forwards: I am standing in a small-town veterinary clinic, wearing a white coat. A little girl hugs her goat after I finish treatment. The goat immediately tries to chew my clipboard. I let it. I have learned some battles are not worth fighting. Outside the clinic, a long line of families wait, holding calves, goats, sheep, and even a few horses tied patiently nearby. Most families do not have much, but every animal is loved. This is exactly where I want to be—serving the people and animals who need it most. Voiceover (narration): "Strength is not just about lifting weights. It is about lifting others, serving your community, and staying true to yourself—even when goats try to eat your paperwork. And sometimes strength looks like memorizing a Shakespeare monologue or learning Russian after football practice." The credits roll over scenes of small towns, dusty roads, working with horses and cattle at rural clinics, volunteer work at animal shelters, late-night speech tournaments, theater performances, study nights at Texas Tech, and dolphin shows at the aquarium that once sparked a dream. The final flash shows me throwing on my headphones, walking into another early morning, ready to take one more step toward the life I am meant to live. Closing of Opening Scene: The screen fades to black with the words: "Strength Beyond the Surface—A Story Still Being Written (Probably Featuring More Goats, Dolphins, Pizza, and Sweet Tea)."

Whether I was lifting weights in the gym or cleaning my cat’s wound after surgery, I learned that real strength is about perseverance and care. Being a student-athlete has shaped who I am and where I want to go in life. Through football and powerlifting, I learned that success comes from discipline, perseverance, and resilience. Sports taught me early that setting goals, putting in effort, and overcoming setbacks are necessary not only on the field or in the gym but in life. One of the biggest lessons I learned through athletics is how to handle challenges. Training for powerlifting competitions taught me about commitment, but it also taught me about failure and recovery. During my senior year, I hurt my back while lifting. It was a tough injury that forced me to rethink how I approached training. I realized that working harder is not enough; you have to work smarter, listen to your body, and take care of yourself. Recovering from that injury showed me the importance of patience, persistence, and being willing to adjust when things do not go as planned. Those same lessons apply to my future career goal of becoming a veterinarian. Veterinary medicine requires discipline, hard work, and the ability to stay focused even when things get difficult. I know that just like in sports, there will be long hours, tough cases, and setbacks. Being a student-athlete has given me the mental toughness to keep pushing forward. It has also given me leadership skills, teamwork experience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure; skills that will help me succeed as a veterinarian. Outside of sports, one of my biggest passions has always been animals. Growing up, I loved watching Animal Planet. It was the only channel I wanted to watch, and it sparked my early interest in animal care and veterinary science. That passion grew even stronger through my bond with my cat, Kitty Purry. About two years ago, Kitty Purry was injured and needed surgery. Taking care of her—including giving her medication, cleaning her wound, and monitoring her healing—helped reinforce my belief that veterinary medicine was the path I was meant to follow. Seeing her recover and knowing I played a part made everything I had felt since childhood even stronger. It showed me that caring for animals is about dedication, patience, and heart; all things I want to carry into my future career. I also developed a love for theater during high school. Theater taught me how to step out of my comfort zone and be creative. It gave me confidence in public speaking and helped me build strong communication skills, which are important not just for performances but also for working with clients and explaining information clearly; something that will be important in my veterinary career. In addition to sports, animals, and theater, I have been involved in community service through programs like PALs (Peer Assistance and Leadership) and the National Honor Society. Helping younger students through PALs showed me the value of mentorship and giving back. Through NHS, I participated in service projects like school events and park cleanups, reinforcing my belief that making a difference often starts with small acts of service. Being a student-athlete has prepared me for the future by teaching me discipline, leadership, and resilience. My love for animals—and caring for Kitty Purry—has made my passion stronger. I am excited to continue building on everything I have learned as I work toward my goal of becoming a veterinarian and giving back to my community.