Hometown
Los Fresnos, Texas
Undergraduate education
Bachelor of arts in English and political science with a minor in Spanish, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Expected graduation date
May 2027
Why an MPA?
I have always had an interest in the way law is created, as I plan to practice law after graduation. I participated in a study abroad course in the summer of 2022 that focused on the politics of southern Africa and became curious about how policy in the United States is shaped.
Why the La Follette School?
I was drawn to La Follette because of the warm and welcoming environment (shout out to Mo) combined with its reputation for producing strong policy makers. The idea of studying public policy in a capital city in a different state also intrigued me, as I ultimately want a wholistic view of the policy making process.
Career goals
I aspire to practice law for a nonprofit immigration organization or a sustainability company…or both. The La Follette School has helped me define how I can create an impact in my policy interest areas while teaching me the technical skills I need in order to do so.
Internship
I had a virtual internship at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian with the History and Culture Department. I conducted research on cultural celebrations and remembrances for past injustices within indigenous communities, curated reports of findings, and presented ideas for the 2022 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
Advice for prospective La Follette School students
The biggest piece of advice I have to offer prospective students actually comes from a La Follette alum, and it is to give yourself some grace! You’ve worked hard throughout your academic career to place yourself in the spaces you occupy, so trust your gut, invest in your education, and give yourself some grace when life gets hard.
La Follette involvement
I am excited to have been recently elected as the social coordinator of the La Follette School Student Association (LSSA) Board!
Anything else?
I love to take my pug, Mabel, on walks and love to read lots of books! I also aspire to be like Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation, as she was my first introduction to a local government system.
Interested in studying at the La Follette School?