When Kenneth Garcia receives his UHD diploma this December, he will be the first “Tu Futuro” (Your Future) scholarship recipient to graduate from UHD. Garcia earned the award as a high school senior in 2022 and will earn his bachelor’s degree in chemistry a year and a half early.
Since 2021, Univision Houston and UHD’s “Tu Futuro” scholarship program has improved access to college education for 12th grade students in the Houston area. Applicants must submit an essay explaining how the scholarship will help them positively impact their community. “Tu Futuro” winners receive full tuition coverage at UHD for a four-year undergraduate degree.
Garcia acknowledged that being the first “Tu Futuro” graduate comes with “a bit of pressure” but said that the opportunity is “a dream come true.” “The biggest thing is just [that] it took a lot of stress away from me.” Without financial stressors, Garcia said he could better manage his time and focus on his coursework.
The award has also brought pride to Garcia’s family. “That’s what I really liked about it—how it brought me together with every single one of my family members.” He said, “It’s something I can connect and bond with my father [over].” Laughing, he added, “And for my mother, it’s more like her trophy. It’s something she’s very proud of, and she holds it highly.”
Garcia began his undergraduate career with aspirations of becoming an orthopedic surgeon but discovered a passion for biochemistry at UHD. “I really enjoyed working at the lab and how research was.” He added, “Having a problem and finding ways to solve it…it’s like a puzzle you’re trying to fight, and it’s really interesting.”
The “Tu Futuro” scholar cited UHD’s tight-knit community as a highlight of his time as an undergraduate. “It’s more personal, and I like that we all get to connect to each other,” said Garcia. “You always had people [of similar backgrounds] you could talk to and relate to,” but he later said that “it’s not just about your own community that you connect to. You also connect with other ones [that] give you different insight, and honestly that’s what I really like about UHD.”
UHD’s supportive faculty members are another defining aspect of Garcia’s education. The soon-to-be graduate recognized Dr. Maria Benavides and Dr. Jerry Johnson in the Department of Natural Sciences as notable influences. Both professors have guided Garcia as he considers a future in biochemistry.
Garcia plans to apply for Ph.D. programs after graduation: “So I said, ‘You know what? I’ll be a doctor—just not that type of doctor.’” He expects to return to UHD after graduation to earn prerequisites for his target doctoral programs. In addition to post-baccalaureate studies, Garcia hopes to gain work experience while preparing for the GRE.
One thing that hasn’t changed for Garcia is his commitment to the community. He said, “I know, in some way or some form, I would like to give back. I want to be a part of somehow giving a chance to other people like me.” When asked about what advice he would give to future “Tu Futuro” applicants, Garcia emphasized the importance of authenticity. He said, “Just be honest on how you feel like you want to help your community,” before adding, “Because, at the end of the day, that’s what you’re going to try to achieve later on.”
Garcia will earn his degree at UHD’s 79th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, Dec.12, where Univision Houston will capture his graduation moment on video.