By Jennifer Romero Vasquez
Texas Woman’s University
Expected graduation date: December 2021/May 2022

Growing up, my parents always embraced that I was ambitiously curious and allowed me to venture out and try different things to learn as much as I could. Many certificates, exams, and research papers later, I have never been as proud as I am today of my educational success. The 4.0 GPA’s, college acceptances, and state scholarships were all possible with the help, support, and love of my mom. Coming from a Salvadoran home, pupusas are like medicine, always a quick remedy to a long day of school and tests. I would not be the young lady I am without her, and I am so grateful to have her as my biggest cheerleader. Everything that I am doing is not only for my future but for our future.

If I had any advice to offer to any student, it would be to follow your heart. No matter your age or level of education you are currently in, always choose the path that will help you get out of bed in the morning. Make decisions that will make you happy. Although happiness is subjective to our own definitions choose the career, major, or university that will push you to be the best version of yourself. Luckily, I encountered this lesson during the second semester of my senior year.

As an Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School Class of 2018 alumni, I value and prioritize education and culture. My first three years at Rangel facilitated me with a strong mindset to face difficult decisions I faced during my senior year.

The biggest decision I faced was what university I was going to commit to. It was the battle between the heart and the mind. One university offered a business program that my mind told me would benefit me in the long run. The second university offered me a scholarship known as the Terry Foundation Scholarship that would fully-fund my education and study abroad programs. My heart knew this was the decision to take. My mom advised me to follow my heart which resulted in committing to Texas Woman’s University in Denton, my home away from home.

Since being at TWU and in my Terry Scholar family, I am becoming the leader I always wished to become. I am currently a sophomore studying Marketing and Business Administration learning as much as I can about the field by taking upper-level courses already. I am a junior by credits, hoping to graduate early. As a freshman, I earned an internship with LATINA Style and since then my life has changed for the better. I am so grateful to have learned with seasoned and kind professionals, attending the National LATINA Symposium in Washington D.C. this past September, and having people fully believe in me. I will always value my time at LATINA Style and will be back soon, but until then, I will continue to develop into a successful leader, follow my heart, and eat pupusas.

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