Scholar Stories: Andrew Arebalo

Andrew Arebalo is a native of Fort Worth, Texas. He is currently a J.D Candidate at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He expects to graduate in 2017. He received a Bachelor's in Public Administration from Texas State in 2014. Andrew is a recipient of the State Representative Irma Rangel Memorial Scholarship funded by Hispanic Bar Association-Austin.

"HSC had provided me with an opportunity to expand my academic career further than I had originally planned, through the help of a scholarship. Although, the scholarship has helped finance my undergrad and law school expenses the most valuable asset that HSC has provided me with was through the help of their leadership conventions. These conventions have heightened my in leadership, networking, professional skills, and most importantly giving back to the community."

As a first-generation college student, Andrew did not have the complete grasp on what was needed to continue higher education. During his junior year in high school, he took on the motive to research on his own and discover the many resources that he had around him.
"Graduating from high school, at that time, was my biggest accomplishment, because at one point graduating was not part of plan. Being a first-generation college student was not easy. Now I am at one of the top law schools in the country and I owe a lot of thanks to HSC for helping me getting to this point in my life."

While in Law School, Andrew is highly involved on campus. He is part of the part of The Human Rights Quarterly, which is one of the most prestigious human rights journals in the country. He is also a member of the Member of the First-Generation Law Student Society, Criminal Law Society, Employment Law Society, as well as the Public Interest Law Society.

After graduating, Andrew plans to return to Texas and practice Education or Civil Rights Law. He also plans on getting more involved in the political field in Texas.
"I believe that education is the most important issue that our country should be focusing on today. I plan to implement a better education policy; my philosophy is that education is the key to success."

To support hard-working scholars like Andrew, please donate here.

Scholar Stories: Angelica Ruvalcaba

Angelica Ruvalcaba is a recipient of the David Andrew Ramirez Memorial Scholarship sponsored by Austin Capital Area CLC. She is a native of Round Rock, TX and is majoring in Sociology at Texas A&M University- College Station. She is expecting to graduate in May of 2017.

"HSC has pushed me to become more independent, responsible, and outspoken. They have given me the skills and opportunities to become the leader I am today. This has enabled me to participate in multiple organizations,conferences, and events in which I was able to create a network with incredible peers and professors across the state of Texas."

As a first generation college student, Angelica faced unknown obstacles. With perseverance, she was able to face obstacles and continue her path of success.
"HSC has always been available for assistance. The staff has been a reliable resource for any college related question that I have had. HSC has also assisted me in networking with professionals in my future career; therefore allowing me to envision a bigger and brighter future than I had ever imagined that I would be able to reach."

At Texas A&M, Angelica is highly involved on campus. She is involved in an organization called "Council for Minority Student Affairs" that is focused on creating awareness about political and social issues that affect the minority community. "We inform and encourage youth in our community to continue their education. We are very active on campus in order to create positive impacts."

Angelica, along with some colleagues, was able to make a big impact on Latino studies and the Texas A&M curriculum. "We saw that Texas A&M was not properly offering courses that taught the impacts on Latinos in the United States, and therefore worked on getting signatures from students and faculty stating that they wanted a Latino and Mexican American Studies minor."

After months of working on the "Mexican American Studies" project, Angelica and her group was able to make an impact on campus. Starting Spring 2015, Texas A&M University was able to offer the Mexican American Studies minor.

In the future, Angelica wishes to travel as much as possible and prepare for her career as a Social Worker. "I believe that the more cultures I experience, the more tolerant and understanding I will become of those who differ from me. I would then like to take these experiences and apply it to my career. "

To donate to hard-working and deserving scholars like Angelica, please click here.

Scholar Stories: Gracia Arellano Manzanares

Gracia, a recipient of the Ben M. Sifuentes family scholarship, is pursuing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin. She is majoring in English Literature and minoring in Latin American Studies.

As a first generation Latina college student, Gracia is excited to be graduating in May 2016. Although her undergraduate journey has not been without challenge, she has continued to persevere and work towards achieving her educational goals. Gracia’s undergraduate journey began at Williams College in the Fall 2011. Through the rigorous academics of the college and the emphasis on writing, Gracia learned to challenge herself and think analytically. At Williams, she also gained valuable leadership skills that shaped her character and motivated her to think about the impact individuals can make in a community. She was the Events Coordinator and Community Organizer of Vista, a Latino/a organization, for two years.

In March 2014, Gracia became a mother to a lovely and energetic baby boy who filled her life with new meaning and purpose. After taking a short semester break from school to enjoy the newborn months of her son, she resumed her studies in the Fall 2014 at The University of Texas at Austin. Balancing motherhood and full time studies has not been ideal at times, but Gracia has learned to manage her time to excel in her studies and spend time with her family.

After graduation, Gracia wants to start a career in education as an English Literature teacher. She hopes to inspire young minds to appreciate the power of words and the importance of writing. Gracia also wants to give back to her community by helping college bound students through the college application process. In her spare time, Gracia enjoys going on walks with her little family and writing lyrics and poems.

To donate to hard-working scholars like Gracia, please click here.

JTLPP: Winter Summit Re-Cap

WINTER SUMMIT: JANUARY 24,2015

After postponing the Winter Summit (the second session of the JTLPP) in early January due to inclement weather, the re-scheduled second session was held on Saturday, January 24th, 2015. The focus of the summit was on leadership, and ways to get students involved in their community. Another topic that was covered was overcoming the obstacles that could get in students’ way, especially for many that are future first generation college students.

During the session, students worked with an array of professionals in different workshops to understand the different ways they could grow as leaders. The speakers conducting the workshop sessions discussed how to turn student’s talents into strengths, how to identify the values that help shape who they are, and what obstacles may occur while trying to attain a higher education. Towards the end of the workshop, the high school students got the opportunity to sit with HSC scholars and interns to ask any questions they had about college. Many of the students stated that they were happy that they got the chance talk one-on-one with current university students about their experiences.

When asked about how the summit enriched their lives, a tenth grade student said that “leadership is not just something that you need to put on college or career applications but it is something you need to do in life” while another stated that these sessions were important to their future “because where I come, from I’m not expected to go to college”.

The next conference will be on March 28th, 2015 at the ACC Eastview Campus. For more information on the JTLPP go here.

Junior Texas Leadership Pipeline Program Re-Cap

In collaboration with Austin ISD, City of Austin and Austin Energy, Jr Texas Leadership Pipeline Program,a year long program,brings high school students from across the district for quarterly sessions focused on identity, college and career readiness, service, academic success and leadership.

The first session of the Junior Texas Leadership Pipeline Program was held on Saturday November 22, 2014. The focus for the first session was for the students to learn more about different colleges around the area and to start thinking about other college-related topics such as majors and financial aid.

During the session, students collaborated together to understand the meaning of leadership. Through hands-on and group activities, students discovered new ways that they could grow as leaders in their lives, classrooms and communities. Service was another concept that was focused on during the conference. As a group, students brainstormed ideas on ways that they could engage with their community.
The next conference will be held on January 10th, 2015 during HSC's Winter Summit. High school students will have a chance to network with current HSC scholars and will also have the opportunity to tour the ACC Eastview campus.  

For more information on the Jr. Texas Leadership Pipeline Program, click here.   
                                                               

 "My vision for the future: become a good person who helps others. have a great job that really makes me feel complete, and have a family." -Diana, 10th Grade

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Scholar Stories: Carmen D. Mercedez

Carmen Mercedez is a recipient of the "Dr. Janis Guerrero Thompson Memorial Scholarship" funded by the Austin Capital Area Community Leadership Council. She is a native of Las Vegas, NV and is expected to graduate on May 2015 from the University of Texas at Austin.
 
"HSC has been an integral part of my graduate school experience. Not only has the organization provided my family and I financial support to help pay for my PhD, but it has also provided emotional support through mentoring, workshops, leadership conferences and opportunities to network with other scholars and professionals."

Carmen has successfully overcame many obstacles as a first-generation college student. After attaining a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics Educations and a Masters in Mathematics from UT-Austin, she uses her experience and knowledge to guide others in the same direction.

"As the first member in my family to graduate from high school, I knew very little about navigating college. Now, as a PhD candidate at the University of Texas-Austin majoring in Educational Administration, I am able to help others navigate and succeed in post-secondary settings, through my own lived experiences."

Carmen learned to navigate through college despite being the first in her family to attend college. Although she was faced with many struggles along the road, she did not let her hardships stop her from achieving her goals.
"Although I have experienced many hardships as a student, they have not stopped me from making my dream a reality. Juggling multiple jobs, kids, and school continues to bring me greater challenges but it has also made me stronger. I have endured much but through it all I know I have had the support of my HSC family---something I will value for years to come."

Carmen is actively involved at her campus in which she serves as a guide for mainly first-generations students. She has also had the opportunity to volunteer at Explore UT and study abroad.
"At the UT-Austin, I have been actively involved in the Gateway Scholars program and in research through Project MALES (Mentoring to Achieve Latino Educational Success). This has led me to conduct several research projects, present at numerous conferences and attend several of their conferences."

In the future, Carmen plans to be a college professor. She gains experience by helping individuals earn college degrees and earn a living wage.


To donate to hard-working scholars like Carmen, please click here.

Hispanic Scholarship Consortium's Gala Espiritu Re-Cap

It was a fantastic evening on October 30th as Hispanic Scholarship Consortium celebrated 10 years of scholarship, mentorship and leadership.

The night started off with dinner provided by Habaneros, followed by HSC Awards and also silent auction.

Congratulations to The University of Texas-Division for Diversity & Community Involement for the Latinidad Award, U.S Representative Joaquin Castro & HUD Secretary Julian Castro for the Servant Leadership Award, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the Opportunity Award, Con Mi Madre for the Academic Success Award, and John Hogg & David Garza for the Dr. David B. Garcia Leadership Award.

From participating in the silent auction to attending the awards ceremony, over 120+ supporters of HSC attended the gala.

"It was great to have so many new and old supporters out to celebrate the last decade of HSC, director of Development Ashley Moyer said. "There was a very powerful moment when any one who has supported HSC in the past or believes in the mission of HSC was asked to stand. I looked around and the whole room was on their feet."

HSC would like to thank all the local businesses that donated supplies/services/food for the event.

"We received many donated items for the silent auction, intern Stephanie Espinoza said, " It is great to know the amount of  local Austin businesses that are willing to support non-profit organizations like HSC."

This event could not have been possible without the HSC Board of Directors,staff, interns, donors, sponsors and all the supporters.

"I want to thank everyone who made this night possible," intern Fabiana Melendez said. "It was an amazing experience to have been part of planning and attending the gala."

For the past 10 years, many accomplishments have been made at HSC, and there are bright plans in the future for the organization.

Many thanks go out to The University of Texas-At Austin Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, Concordia University, H-E-B,SOS Leadership, and Tito's handmade Vodka for sponsoring Gala Espiritu.

HSC will continue to strive to fund raise in order to continue to change student's life. Our goal is to assist many students that are promising leaders of tomorrow.

"HSC is always there for us in case we need any support." scholar Pablo Villalobos said.

If you were unable to attend, but would still like to show your support, you can make a donation online at 

https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/hispanicscholar

To view the rest of the pictures, check out our Facebook page here.