WHAT HELPED YOU PREPARE FOR SUCCESS AT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY?
My grandpa took care of me growing up, but when he was diagnosed with early onset dementia in my sophomore year of high school, our relationship transitioned to me caring for him. During my junior year, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and moved to The Woodlands for treatments. My dad commuted a lot from our hometown in Eagle Pass, Texas, to support her, so I cared for my grandpa and younger sister while taking AP classes and being involved in extracurricular activities. My mom would call to check on me, but there was only so much she could do. This really helped me learn to be disciplined, self-motivated and manage my time. I also realized I was setting an example for my younger sister.
WHY ARE YOU FOND OF CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS?
I grew up with a lot of friends in low-income housing, and my church held charitable events for the less fortunate. I also worked as a community pool lifeguard and got to know the kids who swam regularly. When I asked where they’d been after missing some days, they told me their family was having financial trouble. The daily pool entrance fee was only $2. Situations like that make you realize how tough some people have it. I’d like to create an organization to give children from low-income families more opportunities and a better life the way I have been blessed by the Brockman Foundation.