Graduating at the top of my class from Jefferson Davis Sr. High School I never envisioned a college education being another obstacle for me to overcome. In high school it seemed like getting into college was the “hard” part. After being accepted to Texas A&M University I thought the hard part was over. I was rudely awakened to the reality that my education prior to attending college would not suffice for the rigorous academic demands of A&M. I quickly found myself not only worrying about how I would bring my grades up to keep my scholarships, but more importantly how I was going to financially survive the next four years. The well known verse, “God will never give us more than we can handle,” never seemed so relevant, yet so true.

Impact Church of Christ has provided me with love, support, mentor ship, and spiritual guidance for the last 15 years of my life. Through the grace of God it was able to yet again support me in more ways than I could imagine by providing me with an annual scholarship. I was told this scholarship was supported by people who wanted to help students go to college, but more importantly stay in college. For me financial stability became an obstacle I did not foresee, but it soon became one I no longer needed to worry about. The scholarship money eased the burden of having to find a job during my time in college. It provided me with the amazing blessing of being able to completely devote myself to my academics and my college experience. I recognize this is a blessing that many do not have and I did not, and will not, take that gift for granted.

After having completed my undergraduate career in Interdisciplinary Studies, I have accepted a position as a 5th grade Language Arts/Reading teacher in Aldine ISD. I will be taking graduate courses online during my first year teaching and plan to continue my graduate education in order to pursue my goal of working with education reform. For me, attaining a college degree shaped me into a wiser, stronger, and more determined individual. But more importantly, it has broken the cycle of poverty for my family and has opened a world of possibilities for my life and those around me. I’m excited to see what God holds for my future and the lives I will be able to impact thanks to those who have taken the time to impact my life.

Thank you,

Gabriela Arevalo
Texas A&M University ‘09