Perez is the second member of her family to attend college and to even graduate from high school. Following her sister’s lead, she is now studying education at Texas A&M thanks to the generosity of Jon L. Hagler '58 and the Foundation Excellence Award Scholarship.
“I would not have been able to attend any university at all had it not been for scholarships and financial aid,” she said. “I probably would have ended my education after graduating from high school. That in itself is a great accomplishment in my family and attending college was something unimaginable.”
Perez is one of hundreds of undergraduates now benefiting from Foundation Excellence Awards (FEA) at Texas A&M. The Texas A&M Foundation established the scholarship program in 1998 to help the university increase diversity within its student body. The awards are available to outstanding students from under-represented groups, including minorities and students from economically disadvantaged areas and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
The largest donor to the Foundation Excellence Award program, Jon L. Hagler funds scholarships for about 100 minority students at A&M, collectivly known as "The Hagler Scholars."
“It would certainly have been difficult to attend Texas A&M without the generosity of Mr. Jon Hagler and a scholarship from the Texas A&M Foundation,” said Perez.
Growing up in a Spanish-speaking home while living in Houston, the Perez understood from a young age the importance of a bilingual education. She was taught bilingual classes up until fourth grade and eventually graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class.
“Bilingualism is important to be able to grow culturally and to be able to understand a broader range of people,” she said. “It enriches life on many intellectual levels.”
Perez hopes to use her unique experience and success in school to shape her into a future teacher. Her passion for educating children while keeping native languages a priority is what will make her an inspiration to future students.
“I liked being taught in my own native language but also being taught English as a second language,” she said. “I want to teach students the tools necessary to succeed in the United States of America, where learning English is one of the most important.”
Her older sister, Marisol Perez, is a senior at Texas A&M. Aside from acting as a home away from home, Marisol also had a profound impact on Ana’s life.
“Had it not been for her, I probably would have ended my education after graduating from high school,” said Ana Perez. “She encouraged me to attend college which is the most important decision I have made in my life.” Ana’s passion for giving back to the community is clear in her life decisions and daily routine. Aside from living the classic college life, Anna likes to read children’s literature and does research on teaching and education. She is a worthy recipient of the Foundation Excellence Award.
“As a future teacher I will encourage my students to go to college and suggest them to attend a university like Texas A&M. I also plan to give money to the bilingual department whenever I can,” she said.
By Patrick Connor '07
Texas A&M Foundation
