Amelia Torres

Amelia Torres, University of North Texas, Talent Search Student
I am very excited to finally reach this graduation point. Can you believe it Mrs. G? I remember showing the pink pass to the teacher so we could go see you, the excitement while walking down the hall to go see Mrs. G, and all those high school stories. It doesn't seem like 4 yrs ago. I'm one of your success stories... I graduated in the 4 yrs. :) I have learned so much from everything and everyone.
Thought you might be a little proud since I made it here thanks to you. :)
I'm having a great day because I finally saw in myself what I am capable of. It's a great feeling Mrs. G. Thanks for getting me here. :) Still not done yet but soooo close. Thank you!

Rhonda Grundy, University of North Texas Talent Search Counselor
Amelia Torres graduated from Decatur High School in 2003, so she is completing in 4 years with a double major. She is the daughter of Juan and Rufina Torres of Decatur. The summer before her senior year in high school, she had a nearly fatal accident on a 4-wheeler and the doctors were fearful that she would never be able to have complete brain function back. She had memory problems for quite a while, but with extreme effort on her part, she has learned to compensate for the problems she had. She also has developed a serious thyroid problem since she has been at college which has affected her energy level, but she has still managed to take full loads each semester and work a part-time job.

Amelia is the second of four kids in her family. Her older brother was not in Talent Search but the younger siblings were and are. She is constantly vigilant with them to pursue their education and to do whatever the Talent Search advisor tells them to do. Amelia's parents do not speak English well but have been very supportive of her efforts to get an education. Although they do not have much money, they know that education is her key to success, and they want her to have the opportunities that they never had.

Amelia will be the first in her family to graduate from college. She will graduate from Stephen F. Austin on August 11 with a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She gives tons of credit to Talent Search for helping her get to and through college. I truly believe that she would not have completed college without the information and encouragement we gave her.

……………….Amelia truly is a TRIO Success Story.