Rafael Perez Wins the Star Scholarship

We are excited to announce that that Rafael Perez has been awarded the Stars Scholarship! The Stars Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to academically talented and highly motivated students who intend to pursue full-time undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degrees the accredited college or university of their choosing.

Rafael, a first-generation college student from the Rio Grande Valley, is currently finishing up his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science at Texas State and will be continuing on with the doctor of physical therapy program in June. As an undergrad, he was awarded the Henrietta Avent Endowment and worked as a supplemental instructor with SLAC (Student Leaning Assistance Center) and as instructor assistant (IA) position in a lab. He has also been actively involved in the physical therapy community as Vice President and Secretary of the Pre-Physical Therapy Organization, a student worker position for the Texas State PT Clinic, and a volunteer at numerous clinics in central Texas and in the Rio Grande Valley. Eventually, Rafael would like to open his own clinic where he plans on doing pro bono work with patients who are not able to afford physical therapy treatments.

After having applied for this award every year since high school, Rafael is thrilled to have received it because it lessens the financial burden on his parents and keeps his educational and professional dreams alive. Rafael also has a few tips for future applicants: be timely with your paperwork, take the time to stand out with your professors by getting to know them, and make connections whenever possible!