Emily Flores

PSJA T. Jefferson T-STEM Early College High School, Class of 2025

Plans to Attend: UTRGV

Major: Medical Humanities 

Awards/Honors

• South Texas College President's Honor Roll Fall 2023 (4.0 GPA for the semester)
• South Texas College President's Honor Roll Spring 2024 (4.0 GPA for the semester)
• Member of National Honor Society (2023 – Present), which recognizes academic excellence
• Ranked 1/144 in her high school class at Thomas Jefferson T-STEM Early College HS
• Maintained a weighted GPA of 4.9 and a raw GPA of 98.65
• Served as emcee for PSJA ISD's first Sustainability Showcase
• Completed Children and Adult CPR Certification
• Currently acquiring a certification in EKG

Tell us your story! What hardships or challenges have you overcome to get to where you are today? How have these experiences motivated you to pursue your educational dreams?

I always knew my junior year would be the hardest of my high school career, but I didn’t realize just how difficult it would become. It began with my mother’s sudden hospitalization on August 25, 2023, due to heart-related health issues. That day marked a turning point in my life and taught me the importance of cherishing every moment with the people I love. Each night, I said, “I love you, Mommy, see you tomorrow,” but after her health scare, the uncertainty of tomorrow became real. I woke up that morning to a call from my dad telling me they were at the ER. I rushed out of bed, unable to think clearly. An hour later, my father came home to tell me that my mom was being transported to another hospital. We sped to her side, but when I arrived, a team of cardiologists surrounded her bed. As I stood there stroking her hair, with a knot on my throat, fighting back tears; it was like the whole world had stopped. Then, the only sound filling the air was the alarms blaring from the machines right beside her. By the time I got to look around, the whole room was surrounded by a cardiology team. Her nurse held me back while they attached more machines to her. The chills that ran through my body was a feeling that I would never wish upon anybody. All the machines read that her heart pulse dropped below normal. At that moment, all I wanted to do was run into her arms and have her hold me like there was no danger in this world. Smell her amazingly flowered scent. Hear the calming of her voice.

That experience also ignited a passion in me. Watching the medical team fight to save my mother’s life, I knew that I wanted to do the same for others one day. The care and dedication of the nurses and doctors were inspiring, and it deepened my desire to pursue pediatric medicine. I wanted to become part of that world—a world where people’s lives depend on the calm, steady hands of professionals who dedicate their lives to healing. At the same time, I had to face the pressures of junior year. Balancing my coursework with my family responsibilities felt overwhelming, and there were nights when I sat at my desk, unable to focus, knowing my mother was unwell. College classes were demanding, and I struggled to keep up. Still, I reminded myself that my education was essential. I couldn’t afford to let my grades slip, no matter how difficult life became.

Just as I thought I had overcome the hardest part of the year, my family and I lost our house. There wasn’t time to prepare, only time to pack everything into boxes. I remember feeling completely powerless, standing in my room, trying to decide what was important enough to take and what would have to be left behind. The weight of that decision, coupled with the exhaustion of an already trying year, was almost too much to bear. But we managed, as a family, to push through. Through all of this, I discovered a resilience within me that I hadn’t known was there. Losing our home made me realize how quickly everything can change, and that the only constant is my determination to keep moving forward, no matter how uncertain things feel. Our family grew closer during this time, and my mom remained our pillar of strength. Watching her face her own challenges with grace gave me the courage to face mine. We realized that home isn’t just a physical place; it’s the people you share your life with. Losing our house didn’t break us; it reminded us of what we truly had—each other.

Despite everything, I stayed focused on my education. I knew it was the key to a better future, not only for myself but for my family. The difficulties I faced didn’t deter me—they strengthened my path. I am more determined than ever to succeed, knowing that my experiences have prepared me to face any challenge with confidence. The challenges of my junior year shaped me into a stronger, more resilient person. I’ve learned to find stability in myself, to trust in my ability to persevere, and to believe in the power of education to change lives. More than that, my experience with my mother’s hospitalization showed me the impact that compassionate, skilled medical professionals can have. It deepened my passion to pursue pediatric medicine and reinforced my desire to give back to my community in a meaningful way. No matter what challenges lie ahead, I am ready to face them head-on.

What, if anything, would you say to your PSJA Family?

To my PSJA Family,

Thank you for being the foundation of my dreams and the catalyst for my growth. From the moment I entered Thomas Jefferson T-STEM Early College High School, you have provided me with opportunities that have transformed my potential into purpose. Your commitment to education goes far beyond textbooks - you've given me a platform to develop leadership skills, pursue my passion for healthcare, and truly understand the power of community.Through the Early College Program, you've allowed me to not just imagine my future, but actively build it. By supporting my journey to earn an Associate of Science in Biology while still in high school, you've shown me that boundaries are meant to be expanded, not accepted. The leadership roles I've held in Student Council, HOSA, and as Senior Class President have been more than titles - they've been lessons in responsibility, empathy, and service. As I prepare to continue my journey at UTSA, I carry with me the spirit of PSJA - resilient, passionate, and dedicated to making a difference.