Graduation year from Legacy: 2014
Number of years you attended Legacy: 3
College/university attending: University of Houston
Year in college: Second Semester Junior
Degree plan: Biomedical Engineering, Focus on Biomedical Imaging
Scholarships/recognitions/awards for college or while in college: Valedictorian Scholarship, Academic Excellence Scholarship, Nomination for Outstanding Junior Award, Dean’s List (2015 and 2016)
Career/future plans after graduating college: I plan to work for a medical equipment/imaging company, such as GE or Stryker in product development or sales. Outside of career plans, I would love a house on a few acres where I can have dogs and chickens.
Extra-curricular activities/organizations while in college: Campus Outreach, Society for Biological Engineering, Engineers Without Borders
Jobs while in college: I worked at Soma in Rice Village seasonally from 2014-2016. I currently work as an Operations Assistant at Harlee Medical Technologies. My company rents portable ultrasound machines and sells radiation protection equipment to doctors and surgery centers.
What are you enjoying about your college experience?
My favorite aspects of college life are meeting new people and having free access to resources that I wouldn’t otherwise have. Some examples include the Houston zoo, group fitness classes, and career counselors who connect me with employers in my field. I also love Ecclesia, the church I attend here in Houston.
How do you feel your time at Legacy helped prepare you for college?
Legacy definitely helped me prepare academically for college by following a university schedule and introducing me to rigorous courses early on. But as I have spent more time in college, I think the most valuable lesson I have learned from my time at Legacy is confidence in myself and my faith. The small classes allowed me to really get to know my teachers and gave me confidence in my studies. Leadership courses at Legacy taught me how to defend my faith and encouraged me to read God’s Word every day. Without Legacy, I know it would have been a much more difficult transition from high school to college.
How was your adjustment to the college schedule based on coming from a university-model school?
Adjusting to the college schedule was easy coming from Legacy. I think most students coming out of high school are used to being in class all day, so when they have “free time” in college, they typically don’t know how to manage their time. The university-model school schedule provides for an easier transition because students learn time management skills while still in high school.
What are some of your fond memories/favorite experiences while at Legacy?
One of my favorite memories at Legacy was participating in National Honor Society. Our organization hosted a drive for items to go in care packages for American troops stationed in Africa. It was great to see so many students come together for a great cause; we shipped almost 50 packages!
If you had to describe Legacy in one or two sentences to somebody, what would you say?
The students at Legacy do not only benefit from the academic rigor of honors-level classes; they are also strengthened in their walk with Jesus. Students leave Legacy confident in their faith and ready to tackle the challenges of university academics.
How does your spiritual life play a role in your college experience?
Most students and faculty in my area of study are not believers and do not condone Theism. As a result, my faith is challenged now more than ever. Luckily, I have plugged into a great church and I have been part of a Christian organization on campus. I have found that keeping close Christian friends has been imperative in my walk with the Lord as I go through my college experience.
Do you feel Legacy helped to grow you spiritually and for doing God’s work?
Legacy gave me the confidence to be open about and defend my faith in front of others. Many of my friends have different spiritual beliefs than me, and I have learned to start conversations with them about Jesus. Many people on campus haven’t heard about Jesus or have misconceptions about Christianity. At Legacy, I learned to be comfortable beginning the conversation and sharing Jesus.
Is there anything else you would like to share with Legacy families or those interested in Legacy?
Legacy is an opportunity to invest in your child’s future. The rigorous courses will teach them how to tackle academic challenges in college, and the leadership classes will show them how to share their faith with others. I recommend Legacy to parents who want quality time with their children while spiritually and academically preparing them for college.