Yulissa Rangel

Yulissa Rangel
PSJA Memorial Early College High School, Class of 2016

Associate Degree in Interdisciplinary from South Texas College

Plans to Attend: University of Texas at Austin
Major: Biomedical Sciences

Theatre Arts / National Honor Society /Rotary Club

What are your goals and aspirations?
I plan to attend the University of Texas at Austin or the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley where I intend to major in Biomedical Sciences. After graduating with my bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences, I aspire to attend medical school in order to become a pediatrician and open up my own children's clinic. I believe assisting children as a pediatrician would be the perfect way for me to give back to my community.

Awards/Honors
One Act Play State Qualifier 2015; One Act Play Regional Qualifier 2014; Honorable Mention at District One Act Play 2014; October’s Rotary Student of the Month; Monitor Student of the Week; PSJA Memorial March Student of the Month.

How was your Early College experience?
PSJA has grown since I was in pre-k in 2002. Bigger and better things have become of our district and I am sure the education received here by students will continue increasing. I am extremely thankful for the years I have spent in PSJA because I have blossomed as a learner and innovator.

What has Early College done for you?
The Early College program has given me the opportunity to challenge myself by allowing me to take more rigorous courses while still in high school. At first the idea of completing my first two years of college during high school seemed like an impossible task, but with the ongoing support from my teachers and professors, what once seemed impossible became a reality for me.

What would you say to your PSJA Family and loved ones?
I can honestly say that I’ve been extremely lucky to have so many teachers also serve as my mentors. I'd like to thank Mrs. Luz Alicia Garcia, Mr. Jay Juarez, Mr. Gabriel Ramirez, Ms. Christina Vela, Ms. Julissa Rodriguez, Mr. Aaron Lozano, Mr. Carlos Garcia, Mr. Luis Garcia, Ms. Erica Ramos, and Ms. Khrystyane Lopez for all the unconditional support and guidance they have provided for me and so many other students.

What would be your message for underclassmen?
I would advise underclassmen to take advantage of the opportunities given to us at PSJA. Not all students are as fortunate as we are to have such a strong foundation basically handed to us on a silver platter. As students of PSJA, one should purse an associate's degree in order to carry those two years of tuition from our parents' shoulders.