Embracing a ‘whole new world'

Since she received her letters of acceptance at the beginning of April, Maria Julia Gutierrez has had the chance to make a decision that few people ever get to make: choosing between Princeton University, Harvard University, Notre Dame University, and Georgetown University, some of the most selective colleges in the world.

The northern schools appeal to Gutierrez's keen sense of adventure and an excitement for new things. She looks forward to beginning the next chapter of her life.

"There's a whole new world out there and the chance to learn about so many different cultures, so many opportunities and experiences I'm going to be able to get by reaching out of my comfort zone," she said.

Though Gutierrez certainly had to maintain exemplary grades to gain admission to the Ivy League, she says that achievement has always taken a backseat to leading a balanced life.

"I might not be the No. 1 in my class," Gutierrez said. "I study hard but I also like to have fun."

The most influential person in her life has been her mother, who also served as the topic of her college admission essay.

"My mom is a very dedicated person, it's something she's shown me through example. She loves to serve others."

Gutierrez's parents divorced when she was very young and her father remarried shortly afterward. As she matured, Gutierrez realized how difficult it must have been for her mother to maintain a strong, happy disposition.

"My mom always made sure I was a happy kid, she didn't want my dad's absence to hurt me," Gutierrez said. "It must have been so hard for her to look so happy in front of me the whole time. I admire her a lot for that."

Gutierrez has also followed her mother's example by doing community service work, particularly through the school's Mexico Missions Program and the Marist Youth Movement.

"I always was looking for a way to work with other countries to help them better themselves," Gutierrez said. "God became involved in that and my faith really started to grow."

ltillman@brownsvilleherald.com