I was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, the country’s largest city. Even as a child, I was drawn to the ideas of law and justice.  My grandfather always told me that I was very good with words and that, when used correctly, words could open many doors. He also fostered my ability to argue effectively and stand up for what I believed in, traits that sparked my early interest in debating and eventually a passion for the legal field.

As I grew, my curiosity deepened. I was fascinated by how laws functioned in theory, but I quickly came to understand that the ideas presented in books and texts differ in practice. In Ecuador, I saw firsthand the challenges of corruption and misuse of power. In some cases, judges would be demoted or removed in the middle of proceedings, causing massive delays and further complications for the people involved. These experiences led me to leave the country and fueled my determination to pursue a legal career in the United States, where I believe the legal system would differ from the obstacles I faced back home.

My journey began at Illinois Central College, a small community college where I spent the next two years after arriving immersing myself in American culture. Though the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to meet new friends, it didn’t deter my commitment to learning and adapting to my new surroundings. 

To expand my community, I joined the honors program and the Rotaract Club, a service organization that helps build leadership and professional skills. These experiences gave me insight into the value of pushing myself academically while forging meaningful relationships with my peers and soon-to-be friends. This made me feel ready for bigger and better challenges.

When I completed my associate degree, I applied to the University of Arkansas, motivated by my father’s new job in Northwest Arkansas, and my desire to stay close to family. I was thrilled when the U of A not only accepted me but also offered me a scholarship, recognizing my accomplishments at my previous college.

When I first arrived at the U of A, I heard about the Honors College but assumed it was meant for freshmen, not transfer students. However, after joining the Pre-Law Society and serving as treasurer, I kept hearing about the benefits of being in honors and felt confident I could handle the rigor based on my past experiences. I was eager to challenge myself and strengthen my law school applications. After meeting with Dr. Louise Hancox, senior director of career innovation for the Honors College, I decided I wanted to be the first in my family to earn this distinguished merit.

I began taking honors courses across campus, finding the smaller class sizes lent themselves to more interactive and personalized learning. Honors provided a new way for me to interact in the classroom. I wasn’t just taking notes. I was debating and engaging my mind in deep discussions. The assignments were more challenging, but they helped me to develop more decisive skills in critical analysis. I took honors courses in business law, political science, anthropology, geography and even a special seminar on the Syrian conflict. These classes captivated me, and the interactions with my professors, particularly their insightful responses to my questions, were profoundly educational.

I soon realized my interdisciplinary education wasn’t just strengthening my law school applications, it was making me become a well-rounded leader. I now felt comfortable defending viewpoints and standing behind my coursework. I was also struck by the community in honors as my classmates motivated me to push myself.   

Reflecting on my journey from Guayaquil to Northwest Arkansas, joining the Honors College has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has provided me with unique opportunities to engage in highly interactive classes, benefit from personalized guidance from exceptional advisors and thrive in an environment that encourages growth and leadership. As an international student, I faced the unique challenge of adapting to a new culture, language and academic environment, and my experience in honors made me feel welcomed and supported while allowing me to form meaningful connections across campus.

The honors experience goes beyond achieving good grades. It’s about pursuing ambitious dreams and equipping yourself to achieve them. My time in honors instilled a deep passion for learning and the confidence to tackle any future challenges.

As I close this chapter, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this experience so meaningful. To the Honors College staff, especially Dr. Hancox, who encouraged me to apply; my political science professors, who guided me with insight and care; and my family, whose unwavering support carried me through: thank you for making this journey extraordinary.