2019 Martin Marietta Scholarships
Angelica Morales
Baylor University
14 September/October 2019 The Conveyor | 14 2019 www.martinmarietta.com
She was raised by loving, supportive parents and educated by dynamic,
enthusiastic teachers, but for Angelica Morales, some of life’s most
important lessons were learned elsewhere.
“I was volunteering with Kinetic Kids, which provides special needs
children with the opportunity to participate in sports, and my buddy was
Gavin, a 7-year-old with autism,” she says. “I was there to teach him how
to play soccer, but over six weeks, he taught me way more than I could ever
teach him. I learned the value of patience and, most importantly, of never
giving up. Dribbling and shooting the ball didn’t come easily to him, but
he remained patient and kept trying until, one day, he got it right.”
Following the 7-year-old’s example, Morales pushed through the late
nights of studying to earn top marks. She pushed through grueling
long-distance runs to become a true contributor on her varsity soccer team.
She pushed through the occasional disagreement with fellow officers at the
HOSA – Future Health Professionals organization to find common ground
and move the group productively forward.
Now, she’s ready to push through the rigorous pre-med program at
Baylor University to build the foundation for a long and fruitful career in
pediatric medicine.
“I’ve shadowed a pediatrician and learned about the work, and I really
like it,” she says. “Pediatricians bring so much joy. To think about knowing
what’s wrong with a child and then being able to heal it – that has to be
such a great feeling. And the parents are always so grateful.”
Inspired by her aunt, a medical professional, Morales joined HOSA and
completed two internships in the medical field during high school, earning
national certification in medical billing and coding and as a radiology
technician.
Knowing that her academic schedule will be intense as she moves
through college, but still intent on seeking out service opportunities as
she did in high school, Morales says she’s relying on the strengths she’s
developed over the years and the wisdom of those who came before her to
keep it all in line.
“I love making plans,” the 17-year-old says. “I set specific times for
everything while also setting aside time to relax. I study and work hard,
but I also need to sit and talk with my family because that’s important.
My brother Manuel (a 2018 Martin Marietta scholar) taught me that.
“I have the basics down, but I know there are always places where I can
improve. If I can take things a little at a time and not become overwhelmed,
I know I can be successful.” ▼
Just the Facts: Angelica Morales
Parents: South Metro Ready Mix District Maintenance Helper
Manuel Morales and Angelica Morales
High School: Samuel Clemens High School (Texas)
Angelica’s message to mom and dad: “I can’t even say
how proud I am of everything you’ve taught us. When I compare
myself to my brother, you urge me to be my own person.
You push me to focus on working hard and studying hard to
become successful.”
Photo by Matthew Minard/Baylor University
/www.martinmarietta.com