14 year old Andrez Velasquez was the first recipient of our inaugural YMCA of the Coastal Bend Scholarship! Velasquez is already a student at Texas A&M – Kingsville. Here’s what he had to say just before receiving his scholarship.
Hello. My Name is Andrez Velasquez. I am a 14 year old Texas A&M University – Kingsville student currently enrolled full time and pursuing my pre-requisites with Texas A&M. I will pursue my bachelor’s in computer science and then further education to obtain my law degree. School has not always been easy for me. I have a learning disability and I can’t have any distractions. I have to test alone in a quiet environment.
I am an active boxer and have had 19 amateur bouts. I aspire to eventually be a professional boxer after I finish my education. Boxing has helped me overcome so much. I have learned that everything we do in life is a fight. I fight to overcome my disability. I fight to face my fears. I fight the urge to run from speaking to you right now. I have learned that boxing is a community and certain people gravitate toward it.
Community is a term that holds a special place in my heart. A community is a group of individuals who support and uplift one another. It is a sense of belonging and connection beyond physical location or shared interest. Community is about building relationships, sharing experience and creating a safe space for everyone to be heard. I have also found that the YMCA is a community, and boxing has led me here. Boing has led me here because I needed some help.
I was lucky enough to meet Captain Albert Zertuche, owner of Hardlife Bait and Tackle. He, in turn, introduced me to Pete Trevino and Ryan Ruiz. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from people within your community because they might be the hand that helps pull you out of a challenging situation.
For me, community is more comprehensive than one group or location. It can be found in various forms and places. Whether it is my family, school or neighborhood, I always strive to be an active and engaged community member. I volunteer my time, lend a listening ear and support those in need.
In today’s world, where division and hatred seem more prevalent than ever, community has become even more critical. It reminds us that we are not alone and can accomplish great things together. It is a source of hope, inspiration and strength.
In conclusion, community is a powerful force that brings people together and creates positive change. It means a sense of belonging, connection and responsibility. I am grateful for the communities that have shaped me into who I am today and I will continue to strive to be a valuable member of every community I am a part of.
The YMCA of the Coastal Bend College Scholarship is a new initiative designed to foster the growth and potential of promising, hard working students.