Scholar Stories: Nathan Salazar

Nathan Salazar is a current HSC Scholar from Lubbock, TX. He is pursuing a Master of Arts in Political Science at Texas State University. His expected graduation rate is May 2015. He is a recepient of the "State Representative Irma Rangel Memorial Scholarship."

"HSC and the Hispanic Bar Association of Austin have and continue to play an integral part in my pursuit of higher education.Both, HSC and the HBAA, understand the importance of taking the time to listen to their members; thus allowing them to enlist future leaders from a diverse set of backgrounds. This time investment has been crucial to my success because it has allowed me to tell my story, as a Texan with Mexican roots, from a low-income community."


Regardless of being a first generation college student, Nathan overcame many obstacles in order to achieve successfully. 

"For the most part, I have faced many obstacles as a first generation college student. For me, a major issue I have overcame is the awareness of the numberless resources available to students. From emotional guidance to financial aid advice, students must make themselves aware of how the hidden and inner workings of higher education operate. Doing so, has allowed me to adapt and use education as a tool. A tool that I have learned to use at its upmost effectiveness to achieve my duty as a productive, pro-active member of my community."


Other than being a full-time student, Nathan stays actively involved at Texas State University by completing internships, serving as a writing tutor, and staying involved with Leadership programs. "Currently, I am involved in Texas State’s Leadership Capstone Program, which is geared towards exploring the complexities of leadership.Thus far, the program has allowed me to refine my leadership skills in preparing myself for future leadership roles and has given me the opportunity to continue service to others."


In the future, Nathan hopes to go to Law School and study international law and Human Rights to become a practicing lawyer. After Law school, Nathan hopes to go back to school and attain a PhD in Political Science.

To help fund Nathan's dream of going to Law School, please donate here.

Scholar Stories: Alumni: Arturo Frausto

Arturo Frausto is a HSC Scholar Alumni from Austin, TX. He graduated from Texas State University with a Spanish Major and a International Studies Minor in 2013. He is currently employed as a New Construction Manager at KB Homes.

"HSC has helped gain confidence in my abilities to grow as a leader and a person. HSC has made me believe with personal effort and vision goals can be accomplished through actions, not just dreaming."

Arturo shares his current goals and his personal and educational plans for the future.
"My goal is to do my job well and strive as a construction manager to build rapport with vendors in the construction industry.In my personal life I strive to grow in virtues such as discipline, courage, decision making. In my academic career I have given a thought to go to Graduate School but I have not come across a career that interests me that would move me to apply."

Arturo shares some key advice that he learned from his time at Texas State University.
"My advice to college students would be strive to get your work done between 9 and 4 each day. If you do so, you’ll have time to get involved in different organization that will help you grow and meet new people. Go to your career services and build up your resume. Life gets real and reach out if you need it. Remember, you have to “make moves, make something happen, take action, do a little digging (find information about a topic) ask, ask ask!” You shouldn’t wait to be handed everything. (Advice from my career field).

To help create more leaders like Arturo, please donate here.

Scholar Stories: Adrianne Waddell

Adrianne is a third-year law student at the University of Texas School of Law with an interest in Oil and Gas Law, Environmental Law, and Intellectual Property Law. She received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Rice University in 2012. Adrianne has been an HSC Scholar since 2008. As an undergraduate student, she received the Hispanic Chamber Foundation Scholarship through the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Upon entering law school, she was awarded the State Representative Irma Rangel Memorial Scholarship funded by the Hispanic Bar Association- Austin. 

Adrianne at Rice graduation.

"HSC has supported my goals throughout my undergraduate and graduate career. HSC has enabled me to achieve these goals through it's leadership programming, support, and amazing network of professionals and resources.  My success as a student, leader, and professional are in part due to my experience as an HSC Scholar."

While in law school, Adrianne has served as President of the Chicano Hispanic Law Students’ Association and is currently Development Editor of the Texas Intellectual Property Law Journal. Adrianne has clerked for the Travis County District Courts and Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody in Austin, TX. Prior to her third year, she will be working as a legal intern for Pioneer Natural Resources in Irving and Fletcher Yoder in Houston.

Adrianne was recently selected to be a Ms.JD Fellow! Ms.JD, a national organization, selected Adrianne based on her academic performance, leadership, and dedication to advancing the status of women in the profession of law.  Adrianne also gives back to HSC by serving on the HSC Alumni Association Executive Board. She is a great example of leadership and academic excellence that HSC embodies. We could not be more proud of Adrianne and all of her accomplishments.