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The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo holds a special place in my heart. When people think of the Rodeo, they might picture cowboy hats or horses racing around barrels.
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For me, it represents something greater: opportunity and tradition. It’s where I first rode a pony as a little boy, laughed at piglet races and listened to my grandparents share stories about my mom’s show animals. It’s where I’ve felt connected to my city and my roots, and where I now find the support to pursue the future I’ve always envisioned.
I was born and raised in San Antonio and after graduating high school, I joined the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. From the first day, I knew I was stepping into something that would challenge me tremendously. Over the past two years, it has, and I am more confident, disciplined and resilient than I ever imagined. I’ve learned to lead by example and demonstrate character through actions, not just words.
I currently serve as the B-Battery 3rd Platoon Sergeant, responsible for the oversight of nearly 30 cadets. I am also a drummer in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, and a proud member of the Parsons Mounted Cavalry. Balancing both organizations with academics is demanding but rewarding. I am pursuing a degree in Animal Science and plan to graduate in 2027, with hopes of continuing to veterinary school and one day opening a mixed-animal clinic to serve families in my community.
Even as my responsibilities and goals have grown in College Station, the Rodeo has remained a source of inspiration and connection to home. One of my favorite Rodeo memories was in high school, after a late-night pep rally. Instead of heading to Whataburger like usual, my friends and I drove to the Rodeo. We arrived just in time to catch the calf roping and the thunder of the bull riding. Sitting in the stands, surrounded by the crowd and the dirt flying through the air, I realized the Rodeo was more than an event. It was a tradition that tied me to my hometown and to generations before me.
That tradition became more personal when I received a Corps of Cadets Scholarship through the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. This scholarship has been an incredible blessing for me and my family. It has eased a significant financial burden, allowing us to focus less on the weight of expenses and more on opportunities ahead. Because of this generous support, I can continue pursuing my education and following my dreams with confidence. It’s brought me closer to achieving my career goals and has motivated me to work harder, knowing that others believe in my potential. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to the day when I can give back to others in the same way.
I am not the only one that benefits from the Rodeo in this way. The Rodeo supports more than 22,000 Texas youth every year through scholarships, grants, endowments and programs. That’s why I was excited to learn about the proposed improvements and expansion of the county-owned facilities at the Freeman Coliseum and surrounding grounds, the home of the Rodeo for generations. This expansion will create space for more events and year-round programming, which means even more opportunities for scholarships for students like me.
I’ve experienced first-hand how the mission of the Rodeo empowers students and its reach extends far beyond the Coliseum. By continuing to grow, the Rodeo will be able to provide even greater support to students. It means a lot to know that I not only have the support of my family but also the Rodeo community. It’s like having a piece of home with me, a reminder that I have a cheering section behind me every step of my journey.
Let’s Rodeo, San Antonio!
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