Luis Velazquez is one of the 17 UA Little Rock students who was awarded a scholarship from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and is being honored during Hispanic Heritage Month.

What is your major and classification?

My major is civil engineering, and I am a sophomore.

What is your hometown?

I am from Mexico City, Mexico.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am working two jobs to pay off college and focused on finishing my bachelor’s degree so I can begin working as a civil engineer. I want to better myself personally and economically. I live in a household of five including two younger siblings that I hope to set a good example for.

What motivated you to apply for this scholarship?

My girlfriend, Kassandra Torres, referred it to me before we went to the Trio program where others helped me apply.

How much did you receive?

I received about $800.

What is your plan for the scholarship?

I will use it to pay off some tuition fees and personal expenses such as books.

What makes this scholarship so special to you?

It’s special because it helps not only Latino people like me but people who are also in the same situation who can’t receive government funding. This also helps to connect with people who I relate to, volunteering, and it makes me feel included in the community.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

I am not sure, but I certainly want to work for an engineering firm and build my way up. I want to be a project manager one day.

Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important? What do you do to celebrate?

It is important because it represents a little bit of the history of where I come from and other influential Latinos. We can learn a lot from people in the past who have affected the world today, and it’s inspiring because we are all Hispanic.

My girlfriend and I have accomplished a lot, along with our friends so we take time to reflect. We gather with friends and spend time together celebrating how we make our families proud. It makes us proud being Latino.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you to LULAC for giving me this funding. It has helped me so much. It takes away some financial stress with paying for school and helps me achieve my goal of getting my bachelor’s degree.