Our Students Tell Us....

What does academic sponsorship really mean to our students? 

It's the chance to follow a dream, complete an education, launch a career, build a better future....

Valeria Perez, BAFTX Junior Achiever 2023

Angie Alvarez, Junior Achiever 2022

Sara Mai, Junior Achiever 2021

I gained more knowledge and personal confidence. It made me realized that even though people all have different cultures, we are not really that much different and it made me realize the closeness I share with people all around the world. Additionally, the experience of traveling on my own without the presence of my parents made me more independent and confident that I can achieve my ambitions and overcome all obstacles that comes in front of me.

Anh Thy Nguyen, Junior Achiever 2021

The experience I gained from the program inspires me to seek and explore more opportunities to travel outside of the United States. I hope to travel alone or with family to experience newer sites in other countries to satiate both my curiosity and passion for learning. Furthermore, I felt that I have developed a greater sense of confidence and independence after staying in the United Kingdom for nearly two weeks, and I hope to pave a journey much greater than my home back in Houston, Texas. I’m truly grateful for the experience I received, and I feel much more assured in myself knowing that there is so much left in the world to see and learn from.

Allison oballe, Junior Achiever 2022

I feel that at first, I was very scared and anxious to be in an unknown place but after being there for a short amount of time I loved every single moment of it. I had some culture shocks, learned that the people there my age weren't so different, and that what makes a place special is the people that you are there with.

Jaquelin Franco, Junior Achiever 2022

Through this program I definitely gained a new sense of autonomy that I didn't quite have before. I was expecting to be extremely homesick the whole time or feel some type of imposter syndrome. Nonetheless, this was not the case. Everyday provided an enjoyable experience in which I felt independent and ready to take in the British sights. I also learned a lot more about the world through this experience. I came to realize that there are other cultures out there and it was amazing to be able to have some exposure to them. All in all, this program opened up my eyes to the world that could be found outside of Houston, Texas. I know that I will never forget these two weeks and that I will use them as a catalyst for traveling more in the future.

Georgette Djenadoum, Junior Achiever 2022

This program has changed my perspective on how I viewed the world, to embrace those who are different from me, and motivated me to keep an open mind and travel the world more in the future. It promoted confidence within myself to appreciate the young woman I am and to love the woman I am becoming and become more independent, but also leave room to learn from others. It allowed me to acknowledge and seize every opportunity that’s opened up to me and as for my ambitions, it’s taught me to work hard for everything I strive for and to appreciate the journey.

Michel Adeniran, Susan Howard Community Service Award 2022, Medicine at UT Medical Branch

When I received this scholarship I was overcome with relief and hope. To articulate what this scholarship means to me is almost impossible, but to say the least, it is a confirmation to keep persevering.

Jennifer Muniz, bp undergraduate award 2022, engineering at Texas A&M

“I will work diligently and persevere through any obstacles to prove my parents sacrifices and the investment that was made to me by this foundation worthy. Once again I would like to thank BAFTX and bp for believing in me and investing in my education.”

Katherine Argueta, Crestwood Equity PArtners Undergraduate Award 2022, Environmental Studies at Texas A&M University

Upon receiving the news that I was a recipient of this award, I remember feeling a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Thank you for relieving some of the financial burden and thank you for this opportunity that will allow me to dedicate myself to my studies. I hope that this award will allow me to become who I am meant to be. Thank you.

Daniela Perez, IHS Markit Undergraduate Award 2022, Business and Accounting at Lone Star College

Before anything, I want to say thank you. Receiving this scholarship will be life changing and will make me more driven to achieve my dreams. My biggest weakness is the fear of failure. With this recognition it will lead me to open myself to new opportunities, as it will create a chance to learn and grow. Thank you!

Tyla Tennant, Inoapps Undergraduate Award 2022, Computer Science at Prairie View A&M University

I’m thankful that I am able to continue my education and change the world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Catherine Do, PwC Undergraduate Award 2022, Business and Computer Science at UNIVERSITY of Houston

A window of opportunity to make my future dreams a reality. Thankful and very appreciative of BAFTX for awarding me this scholarship to get my education affordable and with the chance to meet future networks. From the bottom of my heart, I want to say a very big THANK YOU!

Rean Dang, Kevin Howard MBE Undergraduate Award 2022, Chemistry at University of Houston

This award means so much to me as I worried greatly about the financial part of going to college and this scholarship helped me to achieve a step forward in overcoming this obstacle. I am absolutely beyond thankful and have had the best experience receiving this award!  BAFTX has definitely helped me transition into college more comfortably. Again, thank you so so much!

Muhammad Zain, Holden & Holden Undergraduate Award 2022, Psychology at university of houston

This scholarship means a lot for me. College has always been an issue for my family and me because we knew we couldn’t afford it. It is only through scholarships such as this one that my family and I can afford college. My goals for the longest have been to give back to my community, no matter what situation I am in

sonya Ortiz, Nancy & Lamar McKay Undergraduate Award 2022, forensic Science at Sam Houston State University

What this award means to me is ever-lasting change. I’d like to thank BAFTX and my sponsor who fortunately chose me as their recipient. This is an incredible gift that has been graciously offered to me and I know that this scholarship will aid in the betterment of my future. Financial issues have always been prevalent in my life, so it was imperative to me to make sure I have worked diligently throughout my high school career to ensure a chance at my future education. This award means the absolute world to me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity. Thank you.

Edna Gutierrez, Junior Achiever 2019

Turab abbas, Merrimac International undergraduate scholar 2021, business management at university of houston

Casey freeman, enterprise products partners undergraduate scholars 2021, chemical engineering at University of Houston

Jaliyah Herbert, Phillips 66 undergraduate scholar 2021, computer information systems at Stephen F Austin University

micah le-masakela, phillips 66 undergraduate scholar 2021, mechanical engineering at university of houston

Madison Terry, BAFTX undergraduate scholar 2021, business marketing at Lone Star college

I’m so thankful and so excited to take this opportunity and be able to use it in so many ways because not only is it impacting me and my academic career, but it’s also giving my family the ability to not stress about the money aspect of college. As a first generation college student, one of the biggest things that can become a stressor […] is the tuition aspect.

rolando Calderon oliver, BAFTX undergraduate scholar 2021, chemistry at Texas A&M

Sarah Gifford, TD Securities undergraduate scholar 2021, business administration at university of Texas at Dallas

I cannot begin to express the level of gratitude I have towards you. […] It is a truly great honor to have been selected for this scholarship.

lydia wilson, baftx swansea to texas scholar 2021, medical engineering at texas a&m

Randy Jordan, conocophillips undergraduate scholar 2021, petroleum engineering at university of houston

Tarami readus, donald rose memorial scholars 2021, electrical engineering at university of houston

Ashley Varkey, Fiona Chandler Undergraduate Scholar 2021, Biology at university of houston

I come from a single parent household so tuition was a worry not only to me but to my mother as well.

SAAD nadeem, Pat mitchell undergraduate scholar 2021, nutrition and kinesiology at university of Houston

This scholarship is going to help me become a doctor one day.

Vivian Martin, phillips 66 texas to uk scholar 2020, biomedical engineering at Texas a&m

I have really grown in my appreciation for the UK and come to love it. And so even though I wasn't able to complete [the program], I'm really glad for the time that I did have there.

Valeria Gonzalez Romero, Phillips 66 Women in STEM scholar 2020, mechanical Engineering at TEXAS A&M

Tony Zifeng Tang, Willie & Linda Chiang Graduate Scholar 2020, Neuroscience at UT Medical Branch

I want to express my appreciation for your help in this academic in my academic and scientific journey for this PHD program at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Kadie Graves, King & Spalding Undergraduate Scholar 2020, Biology at Texas A&M

I'm very grateful for this sponsorship. It will be very important for me to get scholarships like this to get me through college

Daniel Palacios, Enbridge Undergraduate Scholar 2020, Physics and Math at University of Houston

The biggest source of stress during college has been my financials. I live with my grandparents and my parents currently live in Mexico making great efforts to support me.

AN Dinh, BP undergraduate award 2020, civil engineering at University of Houston

Colby Lindsey, enterprise products partners undergraduate award 2020, business administration at university of north texas

This is the first step towards my future so I'm very thankful for your investment in my education.

Cody bagwell, Kristina Kazarian & Daniel Dunay undergraduate award 2020, environmental science, Texas a&M

casey freeman, conocophillips UNDERGRADUATE award 2020, chemical engineering, university of Houston

After graduation, I hope to use my chemical engineering degree and minor in energy and sustainability to work in the energy sector, preferably refining or petrochemical setting. I couldn't accomplish this without the generous support of sponsors like yourself.

alissandra torres, Ducatus partners associate scholar 2020, nursing, lone star college

This scholarship will help me in reaching and and achieving my career goals.

Alessandra O’Kaitland, Amy and Rob Pierce undergraduate scholar 2020, nursing, houston baptist university

chelsea wilkerson, The maren and gary brauchle charitable foundation undergraduate scholar 2020, neuroscience, lone star college

jocelyn nguyen, hunton andrews kurth undergraduate scholar 2020, nursing, houston baptist university

This award is a huge help to me financially and emotionally, as well as allowing me to focus on the more important aspects of school.

raquel pasillas, mark and sally sooby undergraduate scholar 2020, neuroscience, university of texas

My family makes very little and is unable to afford any of my college expenses. We are extremely thankful for the scholarship that will allow me the ability to afford my fall semester of college.

Tyree “Equiano” Jackson, Vantage Drilling Undergraduate scholar 2020, Computer Science, University of Texas

Sarah Gifford, Susan Howard Community Service Award 2020

I'm so grateful that you guys have invested in this future.

Turab Abbas, Associate scholar 2020, Business Management, Lone Star College

Alejandra Lopez, Undergraduate Scholar 2020, Natural Science, university of texas

Due to my parents earning low minimum wage, they are unable to help me monetarily with my studies. So I signed up to the scholarship and hopes that I could get financial assistance. And when I did, it brought tears to my eyes because I felt like someone cared and saw my needs. And for that, I am forever thankful.

Onyekachi Ohuakanwa, Undergraduate scholar 2020, Business Accounting, University of Texas

Thank you very much for providing me with this scholarship. I'm very grateful for it. It helps my parents. And I'm very thankful for this scholarship because I don't come from a very rich household where really we struggle. I have two other siblings already in college. So my going to college next year, that's more financial burden for them.

Hadley Pearce Ratliff, undergraduate scholar 2020, Biology, University of Texas

Thanh Nhan Nguyen, Undergraduate scholar 2020, Mechanical Engineering, Lone Star College

Esther Akinwande, BP Women in STEM scholar 2020, Chemical Engineering, University of Houston

Rolando Calderon-oliver, Nancy & Lamar McKay Undergraduate Scholar 2020, Chemistry, Texas A&M university

EMILY NAR, SEMESTER ABROAD 2019, aerospace engineering, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

I chose to study abroad because I wanted to gain experience of studying in a different environment, surrounded by a different culture. It was easy to meet new people at Texas A&M because everyone was so friendly. 

The best thing about the exchange was the amount of knowledge I learnt, both academically and socially. It was definitely an experience to look back on and be proud of.

The experience definitely changed me as a person: It made me a lot more independent, taught me to be resilient and made me more mature and aware in new situations.

Edna Gutierrez, Junior Achiever 2019

Christine Cao, Junior Achiever 2019

After going to London, I could describe the way I felt afterwards in one word: empowered. I feel that there is a whole other side of the world that I have never been to and if I work hard enough and put forth the effort to do so, I have the ability to explore those parts of the world and really make an impact wherever I end up. England was beautiful and I was surrounded by people who had the same ambition and drive as I do even though we all came from such different parts of the world and different backgrounds. It was nice to hear that I wasn't the only one who was anxious about the next step after high school. It was also very refreshing to gain a sense of the "real world" outside of my hometown. I feel that it helped me find myself and the setting I would like to be a part of in college. I also feel more confident as I begin my college application process. Overall, I am grateful and I now know that I have the ability to go wherever and be whatever I would like, the possibilities are limitless!

Allison Azuara, Junior Achiever 2019

This experience has changed my life because it has opened my eyes to all that the world and that life has to offer. I feel as if before I was so limited to just my surroundings, but after visiting England, I was able to see first hand all the beauty and rich history, this which only pushed me and inspired me to do more and to not underestimate my abilities. The future has so much to offer and I can’t allow my insecurities prevent me from being able to explore new places and learn new things .

Nathan Tutop, Junior Achiever 2019

Ethan Pham, Undergraduate scholar 2019, Electrical Engineering, University of Texas

BAFTX has granted me the opportunity to go to my dream school by providing me with funding for my tuition. Receiving the scholarship will also motivate me to continue working towards my dreams of changing the world through engineering.

Valeria Gonzalez Romero, Associate Scholar 2019, Mechanical Engineering, Lone Star College

I plan to become a mechanical engineer and am on the right track by involving myself with NASA sponsored programs. I had the chance to participate with these programs because BAFTX helped me, and for that I say thank you BAFTX.

Hudson Nash, Undergraduate Scholar 2019, Chemical Engineering & Economics, University of Texas

As an upcoming freshman in university, funding for tuition comes in opportunities that are few and far between. Being awarded the BAFTX undergraduate scholarship supplied me not only the financial opportunity to excel in college but also the motivation and inspiration to achieve my aspirations.

Stephanie Zuniga, Undergraduate scholar 2019, Software Engineering, University of Houston

This award means that I can continue my academics without having to worry about the financial side. This award will impact my future by helping me be the first in my family to attend college and by inspiring me to graduate and give back to my community.

Austin Baty, Undergraduate scholar 2019, Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M

To which no words could ever truly describe what impact and emotional tribute the scholarship will hold in my life and future. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. This award means everything.

Ashley Sessums, Undergraduate scholar 2019, Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston

This scholarship motivates and enables me to be the best student I can be as I continue my college education and prepare to begin a career in the energy industry. I am so grateful to organizations like BAFTX that support students like me and encourage us to dream big. Thanks to the scholarship, I will be able to focus on dedicating my time to my studies and increasing my involvement on campus and in my community. One day I hope to give back to, and support and inspire students with scholarships and mentorship.

Elizabeth Lara, Undergraduate Scholar 2019, Industrial Engineering, University of Houston

The impact the scholarship will have on my life is indescribable. I will have the opportunity to pursue my education in engineering. I will be the first one in my family to pursue an education and I'm more than grateful for this opportunity. I also want to continue my education (Masters in Engineering or MBA). I hope to continue to give back in the future. Thank you!

Chelsea Parada, Undergraduate scholar 2019, Environmental Geoscience, Texas A&M

The honor of receiving this award from BAFTX has allowed me to continue my education and pursue my dream of studying hydrology. I am ever grateful to the sponsors for this opportunity and cannot thank them enough for their generosity.

Romelia Sanchez, Graduate Scholar 2019, Finance, University of Houston

I am eternally grateful for the scholarship. At the beginning of this year I wasn't sure if I would be able to continue grad school, and I told myself that if I didn't receive any of the awards I applied for, it meant I would need to pause my education and go into the workforce. When I received the news about the BAFTX scholarship, I called all my family members because I was so excited. They all know what education means to me and they are all proud that I'm able to continue my education, since I will be the first of my family to receive a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.

Vanessa Hernandez, Associate Scholar 2019, Computer Science, Lone Star College

This award means the opportunity to take the next step in my college career. It will allow me to expand my horizon with what I want to pursue by funding for my transfer to the University of Texas at Dallas as a computer science major. Ultimately this award will aid me in inspiring young women to step out of their own comfort zone through the work I will do.

Ariana Morris, Undergraduate Scholar 2019, Mathematics, Texas A&M

I am very grateful for this opportunity. It means a lot to me that others are willing to invest in my education. It is my full intent to pass on this act. While I may not become financially able to support future students, I will be doing everything I can to build their lives in the classroom. I will be an inspirational teacher, not only of math but also of connections to the real world, applications, and how to truly learn. I intend to inspire students to look beyond the routine and seek greatness. For me, this will be true success.

Diana Olmos, Junior Achiever 2018

Thanks to this wonderful opportunity, I have learned that I have the ability to conquer and achieve anything I want. I learned that limitations are figments of our own insecurities, that I can go above and beyond to achieve the impossible. I found out how incredible it feels to learn from collaboration and shared experiences. I made friends that have widened my perspective. I have experienced the fulfillment that independence gives you. During my time in London, I realized that my love for learning and love for education brought me there. The experience really revitalized my desire to continue my education and share my passions with the world. I am now ready to begin the next chapter of my life at a college/university, and share what I have learned with my community.

Ruth Beaubrun, Junior Achiever 2018

I gained knowledge about British culture that I could never discover in school, and because of this, my desire to major in international relations has increased tenfold.

Ahmad Elhajj, Junior Achiever 2018

This scholarship benefited me by motivating me to do better in school, so I can attend more trips, or to just be a successful individual who can travel the world and experience foreign cultures. Therefore, I can’t thank you all enough for this life changing experience.

Sarah Syed, undergraduate scholar 2018, University of Houston

I received the prestigious BAFTX scholarship in 2018 and I am extremely grateful for being selected me as a recipient. Because of this scholarship, I can finish college in a timely manner with a double major in Computer Science and Mathematics. And now I am planning to pursue a PhD in pure mathematics after graduation to dedicate myself to research in inverse problems. I am able to fulfil all my dreams due to the BAFTX scholarship.

Heriberto Triana, Undergraduate Scholar 2018, Houston Community College

Your contribution to my college education has made a tremendous impact on my life. You have helped my financial situation in college and relieved me of stress in my life. Thanks to the award I was given, I have been motivated to do even better in both in school and in my personal life.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Jaimie Crane, Graduate Scholar 2018, Texas Women's University

This award means I am able to further my future and have an educated base of support to give back to my community. While this award relieves some of the monetary burden, this award is an investment in my future, an investment in your future, an investment in the world

Aida Zamani, Undergraduate scholar 2018, Texas A&M University

I want to thank you again for this great opportunity. This award means a lot to me. I believe any scholarship has a great effect on supporting and motivating the winner to pursue her goal with much more power

Anthony Pham, Undergraduate Scholar 2018, University of Houston

I am extremely blessed to be awarded this scholarship award.  Thank you for believing in me and supporting my dreams.  You have inspired me to do philanthropic deeds in the future and be an active member in my community. Your support will help alleviate my financial worries as I take on this next chapter in my life

Isaac Buitrago, Undergraduate Scholar 2017, University of Texas

Since my BAFTX scholarship, I have gained an intern position at Southwest Research Institute and have maintained a 4.0 GPA. I am going into my senior year and look forward to the challenges that await me while also preparing myself for the next step in my life. I plan to enroll in a Masters program while starting my career. Thanks again BAFTX for supporting my education.

Magy Avedissian, Undergraduate Scholar 2017, Texas A&M

I am now a rising senior and have recently been elected as president of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Student Chapter at Texas A&M University. This summer, I will be interning with Schlumberger in Houston. Next steps include finding what part of the energy industry I would like to further study. I have found interest in an international scope of oil and gas, and am considering possible graduate school options outside of the United States after gaining some work experience. But, I do not feel that I am necessarily tied down to any certain experience. I am open to learning as much as I can about this exciting industry.

Madelaine Heaven, Junior Achiever 2014

The BAFTX trip was an immensely formative experience for me, and came right at a time when I was still figuring out how to navigate the world on my own. The program opened my eyes to cultures and opinions that sometimes directly contrasted my own worldview up to that point, and as a result, made me a much more open-minded and considerate adult. My father was English and did a great deal of travelling when he was younger, so I grew up hearing all of his stories, but I would never have been able to experience any of it for myself had I not been sponsored by BAFTX. That experience has resulted in my returning to the UK (travelling up and down the island) for at least a month every year since the trip, and pushed me to apply for a whole host of scholarships and programs I never would have dreamed of beforehand. I am now a Terry Scholar at Texas A&M Galveston, with a full ride all four years of university-- including a stipend for a semester abroad that I will be taking next year. I am a Community Leader (a university job), an officer in the Terry Organisation, and a leader on campus.

BAFTX allowed me to dream, then gave me the tools to make those dreams a reality.

David Rochelle, Undergraduate Scholar 2013, Swansea University

I did my study abroad, funded by BAFTX, from August to December 2013. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to study abroad and I feel it has added to my skill set in various ways. In 2015 I graduated from Swansea University with a first class degree (hons). The same year I started my current course, an integrated PhD (Master's degree and PhD) at the University of Leeds. My course title is: Centre of Doctoral Training in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine - innovation in medical and biological engineering. I am in the third year of four currently and in an integral part of my research. The study abroad programme demonstrated to me the dedication and determination needed to achieve your goals, something that I need to complete my PhD.

R. Resendiz, Junior Achiever 2008

Thank you for allowing me the pleasure to visit the United Kingdom. I feel I learned an abundance of information about the British culture and got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This experience definitely changed my life by giving me a glance to what I might want to become in the future."

Joo Schmidt, Undergraduate Scholar, Houston Baptist University

I am very honored to be the recipient of this award and enjoyed the chance to meet people in the banquet. Receiving this scholarship motivates me to maintain my GPA and complete my degree. I look forward to being able to give back to the community. I thank you for your confidence and willingness to help me achieve goals.

Yarid Hassad Puentes, Undergraduate Scholar

I want to take a moment to personally thank you once again for all of your support. Attending the BAFTX gala was an amazing experience for my parents and I, one that allowed us to more comprehensively understand what you and the team of directors do independently and collectively to make a difference in the community. As a beneficiary, I greatly appreciate the investment in my education and in me as an individual. I offer you my heartfelt appreciation and my commitment to continue in my educational goals so that one day I too can financially support the next generation of students who receive from you a new opportunity to succeed.

Nishita Soneji, Undergraduate Scholar 2012, university of texas

Just to let BAFTX know how much I appreciated the award ceremony held last week for us. It was fun and the food was great. I took a lot of things back home from the guest speakers and sponsors; they were truly people that I admire. I also appreciate my sponsor, HESS, for the scholarship.

Ann Wu, undergraduate scholar, University of Texas to Bristol University

Thank you so much for selecting me as a recipient of the exchange program. I am more than honored and thankful to be representing my school and country in learning and exchanging lifelong experiences with other students abroad

Yuribia munoz, undergraduate scholar, university of houston

"I am a fifth year geology PhD student in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston. I was awarded a BAFTX award during my junior year in this same department. It was the first award for which I was nominated and I was so happy to have won the award. Shortly after this, I started working with my current PhD advisor. I would describe myself as a marine geologist, with a specialty in sedimentology. My dissertation research focuses on the study of sedimentary processes and sediment distribution in fjords of the Antarctic Peninsula. In the future, I want to continue working on similar research, not only in Antarctica but also in the Texas Gulf Coast. I also want to teach earth science and environmental geology at college level. What brought me into geology was the curiosity to understand the processes that shape this planet, and during all this time I have never ceased to be amazed by the natural world. I hope one day I can transmit this sentiment to others." 

Joi Bartholomew, Junior Achiever 2002

My life was completely and utterly transformed courtesy of the scholarship that I received that summer from BABC [who awarded Junior Achiever scholarships prior to the launch of BAFTX in 2006]. I graduated from Lamar High School in 2003 with the International Baccalaureate diploma, went on to graduate from Occidental College (where I participated on a couple of study abroad programs) with a BA in Diplomacy and World Affairs, and then graduated with an MA in International Studies from Goldsmiths College, University of London in 2010. I now serve as an Academic Advisor in the Bauer College of Business, University of Houston where I advise undergraduate business students on learning abroad opportunities. My entire personal and professional trajectory has been courtesy of the kindness and generosity of BABC and the scholarship donors.