Eduardo Avila shares his experiences with Lone Star College, LSC Honors College and using his Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad in Spain and Portugal.

Why is higher education important? 

Education is important to me because it is a path you create to achieve your goals. As a first-generation college student, I have grown my garden without a blueprint or assistance. I’ve learned to manage myself and am proud of what I’ve learned and accomplished along my journey.

I have always compared education to a garden, where you plant the seeds that eventually sprout, blossom and you can trim, harvest or let it grow vigorously to your liking. With proper care, attention and focus, a good education can open the door to countless opportunities that will radically transform your life and provide you with a stable environment.

Tell me about your experience with LSC Honors College.

I joined LSC Honors College because I wanted to join a small community of students who valued education and desired to explore the academic possibilities and opportunities of a community college. I was amazed to see LSC Honors College offered study abroad, internships and other exciting opportunities and the ability to earn college credit and network with other scholars.    

I took honors chemistry, statistics, environmental stewardship and research methods. These courses solidified my love for undergraduate research and writing. I was excited to conduct research on topics that I liked, share my findings with other students and happy to be recognized for my work. Outside the classroom, I formed wonderful, fulfilling friendships, received assistance with resumes and scholarship applications and participated in community projects and events.  

Additionally, I volunteered at the LSC-Montgomery food pantry and Montgomery Lake Creek Preserve and served as an ESOL program mentor. I was also a member of the Ecology Club and took part in the Take Flight Rice program.

How did you get involved in the Gilman Program?

The Honors College at LSC hosted a study abroad Zoom call to discuss the prestigious Gilman International Scholarship program. I was immediately intrigued and diligently began applying for this opportunity. With the help of the Honors College, I became a recipient.

Why did you select Portugal, when did you visit and what learning and cultural activities did you experience?

I selected Spain and Portugal because the ability to visit two historically powerful nations greatly intrigued me. The trip (traveled May 15-29) was incredible, exceeded my expectations and left me in awe with just how much there is to see and experience in life.

Spain:

From a young age, I always wanted to set foot in a Spanish-speaking country thousands of miles away. I wanted to visit the country responsible for my language, religion and who I am today. As a Mexican, I wanted to learn and comprehend the depth of colonization, to see the similarities and differences of my native home, in order to understand why Latin America is the way it is.

My group stayed in Seville and took day trips to cities like Ronda and Cordoba. I was impressed with the beautiful cathedrals that looked like those in Mexico. Additionally, I saw Spain's influence on Mexican and Central American architecture, social customs, music, art and literature.

Portugal:

In choosing Portugal, I wanted to fully understand how such a small country radically altered the course of history, which is why millions of people, languages and cultures exist globally.

We stayed in Lisbon but visited historical and cultural sites related to Portuguese colonization, revolution, industrialization and the golden area of Portuguese art and literature. We also toured the Quinta da Regaleira and saw the Brazilian influence that is newly present in Portugal and Portugal’s influence on Brazilian architecture, music, literature, art and interior design.

How will your experience in the Gilman Program prepare you for your future educational and career paths?

My experience in the Gilman Program changed my perspective on education because I have learned about the many study abroad, research and internship opportunities there are for students. I met new people, lived in a new climate and learned a new culture.

I have grown, learned various aspects of myself, discovered what I like and dislike in life and redirected my plans to become the person I always wanted to be. I will always cherish the memories, friends and knowledge gained through my travels.

Were you involved in other campus programs besides LSC Honors College?

I graduated summa cum laude from LSC-Montgomery with an Associate of Science degree with honors distinction in May 2023. I am also an honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa.

What are your current academic or career plans?

I attend Texas State University (TXST) and major in fashion merchandising with a minor in business administration.

I am a member of the Honors College at Texas State University and plan to participate in the TXST London and Paris study abroad program in summer 2024. I will use this opportunity to pursue research in fashion and consumer science concentrating on fashion sustainability, marketing and textile science.

Why did you choose fashion merchandising and what do you hope to accomplish?

I chose this career field because I enjoy learning about the development of ‘vegan’ leathers using cacti, mushrooms and pineapple, which are advertised and marketed to consumers within the luxury fashion industry.

I intend to become one of the professionals in the fashion sustainability and marketing field that develop, produce and market sustainable fabrics to help facilitate a cleaner and more eco-conscious world.

*Note: Eduardo encourages anyone interested in learning more or applying to the Gilman International Scholarship to email him at EAVILACAZARES@my.lonestar.edu.