Thinking family first

In his nomination letter for Jenika Gonzales, her teacher wrote, "If we were to sit and talk about dedication and a zeal for learning, the bulk of our conversation would begin with this young lady."

Jaime Barrera, a government teacher at Livingway Christian Academy described Gonzales as a "motivated young woman who will take her success and use it to benefit those around her."

To Gonzales, who wants to be an elementary school teacher after completing her education degree at the University of Texas at Austin, a combination of wisdom and patience is what any teacher needs to help their students succeed as she has.

"Mr. B is wise," she said. "Like he's not just smart, he knows a little bit about everything, and if he doesn't know the answer he'll find it out for you."

Gonzales, who is a star athlete in addition to her scholarship, has many inspirational people in her life, including her close family.

"My family is a major part of my life," she said. "Almost everything I do or decision I make, I think of them first."

Gonzales wrote her college admissions essay about her grandfather. He overcame a disadvantaged background to build his own construction and paving business, G&T Paving.

"He's also been married to my grandmother for 50 years. I really admire that," she said.

Gonzales hopes to continue her volunteerism with Toys for Tots, Adopt-A-Block, and as an interpreter for missionaries to Mexico.

ltillman@brownsvilleherald.com