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Angelica Barberena

995

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

As a dedicated student and aspiring lawyer, I balance academics with family responsibilities, caring for my siblings and supporting my mom. I excel in school, earning good grades while pursuing my passion for law. Beyond academics, I volunteer in my community, donating time and resources to make a positive impact. My commitment to helping others extends to my family, where I assist with household tasks and care for my siblings, easing my mom's workload. Through hard work and determination, I strive to make a difference in my community and create a brighter future for myself and those around me.

Education

United High School

High School
2019 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Majors of interest:

    • Law
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
    • Psychology, General
    • Research and Experimental Psychology
    • Criminology
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Judiciary

    • Dream career goals:

      Attorney

    • Logistic coordinator

      Synergy Freight Inc
      2023 – Present1 year
    • To take care of the child

      Babysitting
      2023 – Present1 year

    Sports

    Volleyball

    Intramural
    2011 – 20132 years

    Arts

    • Pre-AP Principles of Dance

      Dance
      2019 – 2019
    • Yearbook

      Computer Art
      2024 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Laredo Animal Protective Services — Clean, feed, care
      2023 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Aurora Rocha Memorial Scholarship
    I believe in the power of education and equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of their race or background. As a Hispanic student, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that students from minority groups often face. From a lack of representation in curriculum to unequal access to resources and opportunities, these disparities can create barriers that prevent many students from reaching their full potential. I want to change that. My mission is to ensure that all students—especially Hispanic and other minority groups—have the same opportunities to succeed as anyone else. This starts with raising awareness about the challenges faced by minority students, whether it’s through systemic inequalities, limited access to quality education, or cultural biases in schools. I plan to advocate for policies that promote inclusion, diversity, and equity in the classroom. For example, I am working to bring attention to the importance of culturally relevant curriculum and support systems that reflect the diversity of our student population. Whether it’s by organizing workshops, hosting discussions, or collaborating with local organizations, I’m dedicated to creating spaces where these issues can be discussed openly. I also want to encourage young people from my community to pursue their dreams and show them that their voices matter. Everyone deserves an education that empowers them, and that starts with ensuring all students—no matter their race—have access to the same opportunities. In my family, I strive to be a role model and a source of inspiration. Many of my relatives came to this country seeking a better life, and I want to honor their sacrifices by breaking down barriers and showing them what is possible. I want to demonstrate that no dream is too big, and that through education, hard work, and persistence, we can all achieve our goals. I also understand the importance of fostering a sense of unity and support within my family. By sharing what I learn and encouraging open conversations about our cultural heritage, I hope to strengthen our bond and help my relatives feel empowered in their own journeys. Whether it's supporting them in their personal goals or helping them navigate the challenges they face as immigrants or children of immigrants, I want to be someone who makes a tangible difference in their lives. In addition to my passion for advocating for equality, I am also an adventurous person who believes in exploring new horizons. I see adventure not just as physical exploration, but as a mindset that encourages growth, curiosity, and resilience. Traveling, meeting new people, and embracing different cultures has allowed me to see the world from many perspectives, and this shapes the way I view opportunities for change. I bring this adventurous spirit to everything I do, whether it’s in my activism or in how I approach my own education. I’m not afraid to step outside my comfort zone, ask questions, and take risks, because I believe that’s how real growth happens. By showing others that it’s okay to be bold and pursue dreams—even if it’s scary—I hope to inspire those around me, including my family and my peers, to take their own leaps of faith. In all that I do, whether it's advocating for equal rights for Hispanic students, supporting my family, or embracing adventure, I aim to make a positive impact. I believe in the power of community, education, and resilience, and I’m committed to creating a world where everyone has the chance to succeed—no matter their race, background, or where they come from. Through every challenge, I’ll keep pushing forward, inspired by the belief that each of us has the ability to make a difference.
    Larry Darnell Green Scholarship
    "A Second Mother's Journey: Shaping My Identity" As I was growing up, I became the default second mother to my siblings and my grandparents. My mother, bless her heart, worked tirelessly to put food on the table. In turn, I unwittingly took on the role of primary caregiver, making sure that the household runs smoothly and that everybody is gets their needs met. My experience as a second mother has helped mold me into the resilient and compassionate individual that I am today. I can no longer remember what year I took on the role of a caregiver. All I know is that I did what I felt was right and I did everything I could to help out. I oversaw my siblings’ daily routines, I helped with their homework, I cooked their meals, and I cleaned the house. Aside from that, I took care of my grandparents, who were respectively suffering from depression and Alzheimer’s. I took on these responsibilities and I also pushed hard to excel at school. I taught myself how to manage my time properly, making sure that I get to finish my homework, study, and do my extracurricular activities, aside from my caregiving duties. On the other hand, this journey is not without its sacrifices. I had to forego social activities and personal interests. It also pains me to admit it, but I was not able to take care of my emotional well-being and physical health. I also felt abandoned by my mother’s 24/7 work schedule. However, I chose to see things in a different light. I watched as my mother tirelessly made her own sacrifices to ensure that we always had what we needed. She is the inspiration for my work ethic and my determination. But what else did I do to help out in my own way? I knew for a fact that my mother deserved to take a break. I wanted her to reap the fruits of her labor as well. I took the initiative to take on babysitting jobs to contribute financially to the household. I also secured a job at Synergy Freight Inc., which allowed me to work from home and at the same time, fulfill my duties as a caregiver. While our family is still a long way from living a life of luxury, I can honestly say that we have survived many storms together. For that, we emerged as a stronger and better family, well-equipped to fight through battles and support each other. Through this journey, I learned the importance of family, support, hard work, and persevering against all odds. My role as a second mother also developed my compassion and nurturing nature, taught me how to be resilient and adaptable, and has prepared me for challenges in the future. Despite everything, I never saw my family as a burden, for they are my inspiration. They are the reason why I am writing this essay, determined to make a good life for them. I love to volunteer in food drives and animal shelters helping the community. I also clean all the trash all over my community. I will do community meetings to here about the problems in my city and do something about it. i'll create a program where we donate hygine productes, etc to help out anyone in the community. I will help out all the single parents to, by proving caregiving services or ways to have their kids get taken care of withought having to affect one of their children like it did to me. I will make a change in
    Resilient Scholar Award
    "A Second Mother's Journey: Shaping My Identity" As I was growing up, I became the default second mother to my siblings and my grandparents. My mother, bless her heart, worked tirelessly to put food on the table. In turn, I unwittingly took on the role of primary caregiver, making sure that the household runs smoothly and that everybody is gets their needs met. My experience as a second mother has helped mold me into the resilient and compassionate individual that I am today. I can no longer remember what year I took on the role of a caregiver. All I know is that I did what I felt was right and I did everything I could to help out. I oversaw my siblings’ daily routines, I helped with their homework, I cooked their meals, and I cleaned the house. Aside from that, I took care of my grandparents, who were respectively suffering from depression and Alzheimer’s. I took on these responsibilities and I also pushed hard to excel at school. I taught myself how to manage my time properly, making sure that I get to finish my homework, study, and do my extracurricular activities, aside from my caregiving duties. On the other hand, this journey is not without its sacrifices. I had to forego social activities and personal interests. It also pains me to admit it, but I was not able to take care of my emotional well-being and physical health. I also felt abandoned by my mother’s 24/7 work schedule. However, I chose to see things in a different light. I watched as my mother tirelessly made her own sacrifices to ensure that we always had what we needed. She is the inspiration for my work ethic and my determination. But what else did I do to help out in my own way? I knew for a fact that my mother deserved to take a break. I wanted her to reap the fruits of her labor as well. I took the initiative to take on babysitting jobs to contribute financially to the household. I also secured a job at Synergy Freight Inc., which allowed me to work from home and at the same time, fulfill my duties as a caregiver. While our family is still a long way from living a life of luxury, I can honestly say that we have survived many storms together. For that, we emerged as a stronger and better family, well-equipped to fight through battles and support each other. Through this journey, I learned the importance of family, support, hard work, and persevering against all odds. My role as a second mother also developed my compassion and nurturing nature, taught me how to be resilient and adaptable, and has prepared me for challenges in the future. Despite everything, I never saw my family as a burden, for they are my inspiration. They are the reason why I am writing this essay, determined to make a good life for them. I am confident that this experience has made me strong enough to help me navigate through life without breaking a sweat. I have undergone a lot of self-discovery along the way. I am definitely confident that all of the qualities I got will continue to be useful in the next chapter of my life as a college student.
    Texas Women Empowerment Scholarship
    Winner
    As I prepare to attend the University of Texas, I'm reminded of the harsh realities of gender disparity in our state. The catcalls, whistles, and degrading comments from men who think they can get away with it are a constant reminder that we still have a long way to go in achieving true equality. My personal experiences with gender disparity have been a driving force in my determination to create change. I've been belittled, mocked, and sexualized by men who thought they could assert their power over me. But one incident that still resonates with me was when a guy made fun of my appearance in front of my peers. It was a moment that could have broken me, but instead, it fueled my determination to fight back. I remember feeling helpless and violated, like I was just another victim of a society that doesn't value women. But as I looked around, I saw that I wasn't alone. I saw women who had been through similar experiences, women who had been marginalized, objectified, and silenced. And I knew that I had to do something. That's why I'm committed to studying Law Studies at UT. I want to use my education to amplify the voices of women across Texas, to create a society where we're valued and respected, not objectified and marginalized. I want to be part of a movement that challenges the status quo, that demands change, and that empowers women to speak out against gender disparity. Through volunteer work with organizations like the Texas Women's Foundation and paid internships with feminist advocacy groups, I'm able to make a difference and have a voice. When I arrive at UT, I plan to continue this work. I want to create a movement that empowers women to speak out against gender disparity. I want to create safe spaces for women to share their experiences, to support one another, and to demand change. I want to show men that their actions have consequences, that their words have power, and that we won't be silenced or sexualized anymore. In the end, it's not just about me or my experiences; it's about creating a Texas where women can thrive, free from gender-based discrimination and violence. It's about showing men that we're not objects, but agents of change. And it starts now. I envision a future where women are valued and respected, where we're not judged by our appearance or our gender. I envision a future where women can walk across campus without fear of harassment or assault. And I know that with determination, hard work, and a commitment to change, we can create that future