My birth name is Andrew G. Cervantes.
I was born
in Austin & raised in El Paso, Texas. As a child growing up in El Paso, the
local environment molded my brain & outlook to seek diversity in life. I
attended the University of Texas in Austin, which culminated with a B.S. in
Plant Biology & a B.A. in English in December 2011. At UT, I worked in a
plant physiology laboratory & focused on stomata aperture, eventually leading
to a publication. In-between semesters at UT, I traveled to Big Bend National Park
multiple times, the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, & any other Texas state
park within reach. Camping and lengthy hikes helped me discover a side of
myself, within the context of nature, something lab experience couldn’t
provide, & something society couldn’t provide. Slightly before this
time, I realized that I wanted to dedicate my life towards the betterment of
life for all beings, especially those of the youth. This remains my life
mission.
During my
last semester at UT, I was an AmeriCorps volunteer working with the 4-H Capital
program in local low-income elementary schools. Elementary students, taught me
very much about truth & innocence. Before I left Austin, I was volunteering
with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, Meals on Wheels, & with the
Austin Animal Center.
Presently, I’m trying to realize my dream road. My dream
road contains a dream job in the nonprofit sector working with needs like
healthy food, water, housing, & mentorship in urban regions, while also
working outside in nature…
I recently
read the Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr., and must fully acknowledge
that he was a man with undeniable & relentless drive for the sake of
humanity. His mind & words inspire me to push myself to do more for others.
During my
free time, I enjoy cleaning my personal space, trying to improve my mental
& physical health, and reflecting on the past while dreaming of the future.
