Charlize Barrera-Barroso
Charlize Barrera-Barroso hopes to someday become an architect. Although she graduated from Victoria East High School earlier this year, she already built her higher education foundation.
In addition to taking dual-credit English and math courses at Victoria College as a senior, Barrera-Barroso is one of four winners of VC’s “What's Your Story?” essay contest, which includes a $1,000 scholarship.
“I was excited when I found out you could take college classes while still in high school,” she said. “Jill Runnels in Enrollment Services helped me out a lot with the processes of getting scholarships and financial aid.
“I was looking for financial help to reduce the cost of taking classes while still in high school. Jill was wonderful for me. She helped me get my story submitted and guided me to more financial help, too. It was great.”
Barrera-Barroso will use that money to help pay for her first full semester as a VC student this fall. She hopes to eventually transfer to Texas A&M University and earn a bachelor’s degree.
“I want to obtain a college degree here, find and work in a place that I am passionate about, expand my knowledge and develop professionally, as well as find an excellent professional stability that will allow me to enjoy my personal goals and achieve the necessary balance between work and professional life,” she said in her winning essay.
Getting a jump on college was big for Barrera-Barroso, who did the bulk of her VC schoolwork online.
“It was really helpful to know what you will be doing once you get to college,” she said. “I was scared the first time I came to the campus. I didn’t know what to do, but it was good. People were kind and helpful. They make you feel welcome. It was a new experience for me.”
Barrera-Barroso said in her essay that she fell in love with architecture a little more than four years ago, thanks to one of her teachers.
“I discovered my love for drawing and was able to develop great skills thanks to people who helped me progress in my path,” she said. “I discovered the wonders that a pencil can do with a great idea and the abilities that the mind has to create art with just a piece of paper.”
With the experience of taking dual-credit classes under her belt, Barrera-Barroso feels prepared to embark on college as a full-time student.
“My commitment to learning never ends,” she said.