- Sand Castle Days Continued Despite Unexpected Weather
- Ready for District
- Discussion of Garbage Dumpster Rates, Agreements Between State & City on Highway Regulations, and More
- 31st Annual Shrimp Cook-Off is Right Around the Corner
- LFHS Cross Country
- Local Company is Helping People With a Mission in Mind
- Valley Native Bringing Advanced Oncology Services To UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center
- Los Fresnos Annual Cook-Off Is Right Around The Corner
- Los Fresnos Falcons Hold Meet and Greet for the Community
- Los Fresnos Locals Open Up a New Business in Town
Top 10 Senior Spotlight: Q&A with Norma Perales
- Updated: April 27, 2018
by Ronnie Zamora/LFCISD
Parents: Esperanza and Rafael Perales
Siblings: Karen 14, Rafael Jr. 12, Leonel 2.
Previous schools: Los Fresnos Elementary and Liberty Memorial Middle School
College: The University of Texas at Austin
Major: Nursing
Inspiration for academic success: My parents greatly inspired me to do my best. They are supportive of decisions I made, and were always by my side in everything. As a first-generation college student, I strive to be the best possible person, encouraging myself to work even harder in college. They always tell me, “Everything we do is for you,” and one day I will tell them, “Everything I did was because of you.”
Study habits: Usually when there is an upcoming test I have to study for, I would take breaks between study sessions and fall asleep for only 10 minutes. Then I would return to study. However, that was sophomore and junior year. Beginning my senior year, my focus shifted to balancing college applications and scholarships. Now, as I have my next four years planned, I am taking this short break and relaxing before college arrives.
Plans after college: The University of Texas at Austin ranks number one as the best nursing program in Texas, so I plan to stay there for my master’s degree. The process will only take me five years because of the Dual Academy credits that I earned at Los Fresnos High School.
Career plans: A Master of Science in Nursing degree will allow me to pursue a career as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pediatrics. I have always and will always love children, and I look forward to contributing to their wellness.
Advice to younger student to succeed academically: Academic success is the ability to accomplish your ultimate goal in high school. My goal through the four years was to get a full scholarship, and I did. If you want to experience the same thing, you must join extracurricular activities and participate in community service. Being successful in high school is not all about grades and numbers. You must go beyond and become a leader who balances extracurricular activities and classes. At the end of the day, most colleges look for that well-rounded student.