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Karen Figueroa

1x

Finalist

Bio

“Did I teach you to dream small?” - Hongjoong (ATEEZ) ˖ ݁♬⋆.˚𝄞 As a proud Latina, my goal is to increase our representation in Audio Engineering. Music comes in various flavors, so I’m here to bring mine to the table!

Education

Lamar State College-Port Arthur

Associate's degree program
2025 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Engineering, Other
    • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians

Lamar University

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Communication, General
    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      • Music
    • Dream career goals:

      Research

      • Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies, Other

        Lamar University — Director, Photographer
        2024 – 2025

      Arts

      • Freelance Photographer

        Photography
        Graduation pictures, Birthday pictures
        2024 – Present
      • LU K-Pop Dance Group

        Dance
        Chk Chk Boom - Stray Kids, Easy - LE SSERAFIM
        2025 – Present
      • Lamar State College

        Music
        Blue Side - J-Hope, Bodies - Keshi, Attention - Charlie Puth, Don't Say You Love Me - Jin
        2024 – Present
      • Lamar University Senior Thesis

        Videography
        "Tomorrow"
        2025 – 2025
      • Red Beak Productions (Student Organization)

        Visual Arts
        Reaper [2025], Deadbeat [2026], Dirt [2024], Onryō [2024], Hello Holly! [2024], It's Just A Game Show [2023], HIVE [2023]
        2022 – 2025
      TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) MOA Scholarship
      1.A simple TikTok of funny Beomgyu moments. The all-too-familiar “What’s his name?” turned into discovering TXT, their music, TO-DO episodes, and eventually attending my first-ever, unforgettable concert. 2.MOAs are the definition of hilarious, but I think kindness is their most defining characteristic. TXT lead by example and their fandom consists of the sweetest people I’ve ever encountered. I wouldn’t be sitting here writing if not for the kindness of MOAs! 3.Each chaotic member holds a special place in my heart, but if I had to pick one? Beomgyu. Alongside his chaotic antics, he just radiates comfort. As an anxious person still figuring out who I want to be, watching Beomgyu be unapologetically chaotic feels like healing. Knowing Beomgyu bravely poured similar feelings into his work like “Panic” resonates deeply. Trying to be brave like Beomgyu, I usually lean towards being silly because I want others to feel safe enough to truly be themselves. 4.As a multistan, this question is the bane of my existence, but ultimately it would be both Beomgyu and Hongjoong(ATEEZ). Beomgyu taught me to live for yourself: our personalities don’t have to meet anyone’s standards. Hongjoong taught me it’s ok to dream big; even when things get difficult, stick to what you believe in and give it all you’ve got! 5.“Cat & Dog” is absolutely iconic- I WILL bark along- but “Nap of a star” is my favorite TXT song, “9 and ¾ (Run Away)” close behind. On days I’m scared I can’t feel anything from music anymore, TXT brings me back. The second I hear “Nap of a star”, my instant reaction is “Oh? Everything’s ok.”- like a wave of comfort washing over me. Safe to say, I bawled the first time I listened, even without knowing the lyrics– the feelings transcending language. 6.Yes!! ACT:PROMISE was my MOA twin sister and I’s first-ever-concert! A teensy-bit dehydrated by the end, but we secured our first lightstick, and witnessed a crown lower onto Yeonjun’s head that started an unforgettable 2 hours. Tears? Awe? A floor search for a single piece of confetti afterwards? Absolutely. I left that concert with a happy heart and one thought: this is where I’m meant to be. 7.I love ‘The Little Prince’ concept for “minisode 3: TOMORROW”! This album found me while struggling to see a clear future for myself, and the comforting promise of tomorrow gave me courage to keep pushing for a brighter tomorrow. Among the 5am comeback showcases, this era has stuck with me the most; it even was the source of inspiration for my thesis short film project! [Link if you’d like to watch :P] https://youtu.be/zt6DFVuKNm8?si=eZ1ljaRLmbTEdrQm 8.I’m currently working two jobs to pay for college. Neither FAFSA/my school's financial aid office will help due to my Bachelor’s in Film, so my education is completely out of pocket. 9.This scholarship would be a huge help in granting me the financial stability to cover tuition and the physical/mental rest I need to focus on my studies, instead of scrambling for gaps in my schedule to work. As a first-generation Latina, I want to show my siblings that they can pursue a career they are passionate about and still be successful. 10.Soobin-Yeonjun-Beomgyu-Taehyun-Hueningkai: five boys with a dream who somehow reached me across the world. Each is confidently themselves, always working hard to gift MOAs projects/performances and that resolve is contagious. Aiming for a career in K-pop, I want to create cool projects like TXT while keeping my whimsy– like Soobin who will practice for hours just to eat-a-watermelon-as-fast-as-humanly-possible. To the 5 guiding stars that feel like home and MOAs who lift each other up: thank you<3. 11.Just as TXT has inspired me, I want to inspire others to go chase their dreams, no matter their circumstances. As an Audio Engineering major (Visual Production minor), I’m working towards a career producing music and creating visuals, in hope of inspiring others or providing some comfort. Regardless of obstacles yet to come, I’ll continue to work hard to create content that encourages people to use their voice. Thank you dear MOA for creating this opportunity for MOAs! May your pillow always be cold and your wildest dreams come true! To all MOAs out there, fighting!!<3