2016 New HSC Scholars

Hispanic Scholarship Consortium is proud to welcome 14 new students into the HSC Scholars Program. Although there were many applicants, these young Hispanics displayed the highest of qualities that uplift more than just themselves, but their family, peers and community. Some are the first in their family to attend college, some the first among their siblings, both want to set an example that, yes, the sky is the limit! It is this kind of purposeful youth that will lead the way for future generations of young Hispanics that inspire this program and its Consortium Members.

This semester’s new students have it all. From high school valedictorians attending their first semester at college to Latin American human rights investigators pursuing their Master’s. Some are at the beginning of a new collegiate career either as an undergrad, graduate or law doctorate, ready to delve into a new experience. While some are in the middle of their undergraduate degrees, having become astonishingly engaged in their communities, school programs, such as, several band groups at once or robotics and livestock shows, and internships. At a range of schools as close as here in Austin at UT or St. Edward's to as far away as Michigan State and Stanford, all are furthering their educations for themselves, their community and a better world for tomorrow. The aspirations of these dream driven students are refreshingly genuine in that they mostly strive to ultimately give back. From future pediatricians saving little lives to Judge Advocate Generals giving a voice to the silenced, these students are proud to be Hispanic and fellow Hispanics are proud of them.

Each student awarded has their own unique passion that is driving them to reach for new heights. That is the most exciting part of being able to take some of the stress off their shoulders and allow them to focus on their dreams without quite so much worry. What these students will achieve with an education in hand is what the future is built upon. So here is to building the future!



These students join our renewing HSC Scholars and the inaugural cohort of MexAustin Scholars.

Scholar Spotlight of the Week

Pedro Villalobos is an HSC Scholar enrolled in the University of Texas School of Law. He chose to go to law school because a law degree would open doors for him in the fields of politics, government, and policy. After law school Pedro hopes to remain in Austin and work for either the Travis County Attorney's Office or for an immigration law firm.

As an undocumented student, this has been a huge obstacle that he has had to face. Thankful for the opportunities presented to undocumented students as a result of DACA, Pedro has been able to pursue his dream of receiving a JD degree. Outside of the classroom, Pedro enjoys going to concerts, cooking interior Mexican cuisine, and volunteering and working on political campaigns. He worked as Policy and Digital Director for the Sally Hernandez for Sheriff campaign in Travis County.

In this position he researched, analyzed, and wrote memos on topics of interest - including but not limited to, the Priority Enforcement Program, in-person visitation, mental health, general health, recidivism/reentry programs, school to prison pipeline, cite and release programs, and body cameras. Pedro worked closely with Constable Sally Hernandez and other campaign advisers. He drafted policy for the Sally Hernandez Campaign, staffed Constable Hernandez at events and maintained and updated Facebook and Twitter accounts.

To Pedro, being an HSC scholar means that there is a network of people supporting him along his path to becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college and law school. At the beginning of his law school career Pedro did not feel prepared but with graduation steadily approaching in May of 2016, he has proven to HSC, his family, and himself, that through hard work and perseverance even the largest of obstacles can be overcome.

His advice to students thinking about college after high school is, “College is within everyone's grasp. Grades do not define you as a student or a person. Conviction, a positive attitude, dedication, and a hard working attitude will get you past the goals you have set.” Pedro also offers his number one study tip to students, being to take breaks. “Studying for hours on end tires the mind and the body. Get outside and run for 10 minutes, watch a short TV show, talk to a friend, read a few pages in your favorite book. The best results don't come from hours of being secluded in a room or from looking at text.”

We here at HSC are very proud of Pedro and are excited to see where his drive will take him next! Congratulations on your upcoming graduation and we wish you nothing but the best.

Scholar Spotlight of the Week

Chelsey Suarez is an HSC Scholar attending Austin Community College. Chelsey’s scholarship is sponsored by Hispanics in Partnership at Applied Materials and HSC.  Like any college student, Chelsey finds herself with minimal spare time but does not let time restraints stand in the way of her creativity. She jots down any ideas she may come across so that she may revisit them later.

Chelsey describes her first year in college as rough. At the beginning, Chelsey felt she was prepared for school until she actually arrived at university. She assumed it would be as easy as it was in high school for her to keep her head down and focus on her studies. That did not prove to be the case. University is a new kind of work.

She was not sure if electrical engineering was right for her. It took time and a genuine effort from her in order to realize that she wanted something else. After a year and a half studying electrical engineering at the University of Texas and an opportunity to intern at the Walt Disney Company, Chelsey discovered that her true passion was 3D Animation. Successfully passing this hurdle, Chelsey felt more grounded in her choice to pursue 3D Animation. The hardest obstacle she has come to face was the decision to acknowledge a change of heart and actually defending that decision against those who did not understand.

Chelsey offers this advice to high school students debating on a college career:

“Think way into the future to the happiest version of yourself, where do you see yourself? What do you see yourself doing? For most, attending college will be the first step towards these goals. And while attending a college, paying for college, and succeeding in college may sound daunting, organizations such as HSC help you plan and work towards that happiest version of yourself. It all starts with you.”

Scholar Spotlight of the Week

Yocelin being interview by Despierta Austin host Leslie Montoya.

Yocelin Avalos attends Texas State University and is majoring in Bilingual Education. Her passion for bilingual education comes from the goal of breaking gaps in minority education. Yocelin became an HSC scholar in the Fall of 2013 and continues to be an outstanding candidate for what HSC stands for. She is a first generation college student who was inspired to attend college by her parents and the idea that one day she could be the teacher to open doors for her future students. At the beginning of her college career, like any other new student, Yocelin felt she lacked certain information that may have better assisted her on her path but now as a college junior she has a better understanding of the environment she is currently in. Yocelin’s number one study tip is perfecting time management. Her hobbies outside of school revolve around the outside world. One of Yocelin’s favorite pastimes is going for a hike and Austin is a good place for that. HSC is excited to see what Yocelin will accomplish after graduation in May of 2017. She hopes to teach for a few years before applying to any graduate schools.

What's up Scholars?

Our HSC Scholars come in all shapes and sizes, with varying interests and personalities! These individuals continue to go out into their schools and communities and do an incredible job at representing HSC and making us proud. Here's some insight on what a few of our scholars have been up to lately...

Our #HSCscholartakeover on Instagram has allowed our scholars to share some awesome images from their schools, trips, and activities! 

Our first scholar for 2016 was Angelica! She's a Sociology Major and member of Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2017. Angelica traveled to Tampa, Florida as a part of Aggie Rotaract to work on service projects outside of Texas. During her trip she visited the Metropolitan Ministries, the Humane Society, and Advocates for World Health. 

Adrian is studying Finance at Texas Tech. Adrian traveled to Dallas to attend a Leadership Conference while staying on top of his studies and enjoying some delicious Texas BBQ.

In November, Scholar, Lucie, showed us around the St. Edward's Hilltop where she is part of the Phi Alpha Delta chapter, who got to travel to DC and experience a visit to the Supreme Court. 

Denise is our one of our scholars pursuing nursing as an ACC River-bat! She stays busy with plenty of studying and labs which are preparing her to become a great nurse one day!  

We are proud to see all the focus and commitment our scholars display. Their work ethic and skills have them on a great path to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals! Stay tuned to our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts to see more of our scholars "take-over" and share their exciting accomplishments!