We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 TAME Scholarship! Read on to meet each of these remarkable TAME Scholars. Most of the quotes are excerpts from the students’ application essays. A few students are described by their teachers, who offered a letter of recommendation on behalf of their TAME Scholarship application.
Brianna Denney
The University of Texas at Austin
Brianna is a person of exemplary character, consistently demonstrating integrity, responsibility, and a strong work ethic in all aspects of academic and extracurricular pursuits. In our TAME Club, Brianna has consistently exhibited a strong aptitude for problem-solving and critical thinking, contributing innovative ideas and demonstrating exceptional teamwork.
Bush Ve
The University of Texas at Dallas
My experiences with TAME have fueled my desire to pursue a career in biomedical engineering. I aim to leverage my skills to revolutionize health care and make a positive impact on society. TAME helped me meet and learn from engineers of different backgrounds underscoring the idea that anyone with passion and determination can pursue a career in engineering. This realization has been empowering, as it has instilled in me a sense of confidence and inclusivity, reaffirming my belief that regardless of background or circumstances, anyone can become an engineer with dedication and perseverance.
Canh Minh Le
The University of Texas at Austin
On a personal level, attending university carries immense importance to me. A few years ago, my family made a difficult decision to move to the United States. The move took substantial work and resources. My parents had to stop their careers that they had invested many years in, instead shifting their focus on preparation for the move. The work continues even after. The efforts post-move revolve around assimilating into the American culture and learning the English language. I am incredibly thankful that my parents have never put too much pressure on me and have always been supportive of me, despite how much they have given up.
Estrella Cavazos
University of Texas at Austin
During elementary school, I lost my brother to cancer and it was the hardest thing I had to go through as a child. I turned my grief into a fire of passion that dedicated my all to school because my brother and I had made each other a promise that one day we would buy our mom and dad their dream ranch and live a comfortable life. Now that he was gone I made it my mission to keep our promise. In middle school robotics, I was first introduced to TAME and it was such an unforgettable experience. TAME taught me how to think on my feet and how to work with people that I have never met before. It definitely showed me how to communicate and organize a group in order for us to be successful as a team. The adrenaline rush of the competitions was like no other. I went to state twice. I had never even been out of the valley before these trips, so they were really eye-opening. I am grateful to have been part of TAME because it honestly shaped my perspective of what I wanted to be when I grew up. I continued on this path and stayed in robotics throughout my high school years which has only helped cement my future career path.
Jason Starks
Texas A&M University
Growing up my family had multiple financial and personal struggles. But despite this I always maintained my love of learning and problem-solving. I joined my school’s TAME Club in my Freshman year where I attended many meetings and competed in three regional competitions. TAME opened my eyes to the value of teamwork in Engineering and gave me a chance to work with others to solve a common task. The experience with TAME further piqued my interest and drove my curiosity about technology as I continued contemplating ways to work with others to solve modern problems in both technology and society, such as our ever-expanding population and our dwindling resources.
Jaelyssa Garza
University of Texas at Austin
Going back to the beginning of my high school career, it was so hard to choose what to do and the path I wanted to follow to prepare for the future. However, it all changed when my friend encouraged me to join robotics with her. I adored it. The world around us is advancing, and I can see how being an engineer is helpful for society and the environment, and I really enjoy learning about it. I am very thankful for the opportunities that TAME has given me to help reach my academic goal.
Jimena Cano Duenas
University of Texas at San Antonio
As I strive to attain academic excellence, I aspire to become a beacon of inspiration for those who face similar obstacles. My journey is not just about personal achievement; it is about paving the way for future generations, dismantling barriers, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and opportunity. This scholarship will enable me to continue my involvement with TAME, furthering their mission of promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. By actively engaging with TAME initiatives, I hope to pay forward the support and mentorship I have received, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions fearlessly.
Lauren Flores
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Starting as such a shy middle school kid with no solid aspirations to competing finally as a confident, aspiring engineer has been my TAME journey from 2020-2024. As I go into college I hope to continue on with the TAME program as one of the UTRGV volunteers I’ve always admired as a kid. Seeing college students conduct and grow themselves from the TAME competitions even now as a senior was so motivating. I plan to talk to the main organizers and inquire about volunteer opportunities as soon as I start my freshman year.
Lillyah Snipes
University of Kentucky
In my surrounding area, I didn’t have many people to inspire me to become an engineer. Being part of TAME made an important difference to me. At first I wondered if I really did love STEM or if it was the money I could possibly make from it. It turns out that I DO LOVE STEM! Not just that, but I have made many connections with teachers and students who also have intersections and dreams of being in the STEM industry.
Matthew Ward
University of Texas at Austin
Matthew has always been an amazing leader for his teams, keeping everyone going forward and making progress every day with their projects. Since his freshman year, Matthew has always accepted the challenge of a college prep STEM curriculum, with Honors Curriculum and Advanced Placement classes. Throughout his time at Foy H. Moody High School, he has been active in FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics, VEX Robotics Competition, National Technical Honor Society, Technology Student Association, and National Honor Society, is a Top 10 Student, and a two-year Student Council member. I see a great future ahead for our local community with Matthew as someone helping to lead the way.
Melissa Magaña López
Lamar University
Melissa’s stellar grade point average speaks for itself. She possesses a determined strength that will transfer to any career that she decides to pursue. She is a responsible and disciplined young lady who is resourceful and very deserving for all accolades.
Miracle Queen
Prairie View A&M University
I have been a part of TAME since I was in sixth grade. I have learned so many things since joining TAME. I have learned how to program and build a robot. I have learned how to build circuits and lasers. I’ve established connections with people that will hopefully last a lifetime and I’ve discovered that I want to be a chemical engineer.
Misael Vargas
Texas Tech
For so long, I had believed that I was just made for hard labor, but I always felt like I had a deeper meaning. During my first ever TAME Competition, I won a medal for “Engineering Mindset,” which thrilled me because it helped me find where I felt most comfortable. I will be the first in my family to graduate high school and enter college. My family has worked very hard to help me reach this point, and they are all ecstatic to see me advance my education. Entering college means so much more to my family than just receiving a higher education; it’s a representation of where dedication can take you.
Qeila Lazo Agustin
Odessa College
In my elementary school years in the Philippines, I often attended the same school where my mom taught. When my mother began teaching in the US, I finished 11th grade in the Philippines and then moved to the US to be with her. My dream is to become a video game developer and designer. I am very eager to learn Computer Science and Visual Arts in video game design. I am enrolled in dual credit classes as a way of gaining knowledge in certain courses so I can be prepared for college. I am also interested in philosophical topics, world history, and social issues within our society.
Sophia Leal
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Sophia is a talented, self-motivated, and intelligent young woman looking forward to facing whatever challenges lay ahead of her. Sophia has been a member of TAME since 7th grade. This year she is the president of her TAME Club. Her creativity and ability to assess challenges are why she is continually successful. Sophia was a teammate whom her peers looked to for leadership and guidance. She has both creative and critical thinking skills and is not afraid to challenge herself.
