Valentina Guzmán César

Tell us your story and what led you to Dallas College

“I moved to Dallas when I was 14, not knowing the language and trying to navigate a school system that felt completely unfamiliar. Learning English while keeping up in class wasn’t easy, and for a long time, I felt like I was always catching up. By the time I graduated high school, I had applied to 14 universities and was accepted to all of them, including Baylor University and UT Austin. Even so, I knew I had to be realistic about my family’s situation. Choosing Dallas College felt like the smartest decision, one that allowed me to start strong without placing extra financial pressure on the people who have already sacrificed so much for me. Since being at Dallas College, I’ve found opportunities that helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I joined the orchestra, reconnecting with a part of myself since I’ve played violin since I was four. I also became president of the Honors Student Organization, where I learned how to lead, listen and show up for others. Dallas College has helped me grow not just academically, but as a person who is still learning who she is and who she wants to become.”

You recently earned the Myers–LeCroy Scholarship. What did that mean to you?

“My family and I work hard, but we also support extended family, which means finances are always something we have to be mindful of. I applied for every scholarship I could find, no matter the amount, because every opportunity mattered. When I came across the Myers–LeCroy Scholarship, I decided to try, even knowing how competitive it was.

“When I was selected as a semifinalist and invited to an interview, I prepared every day. I researched the people behind the scholarship and practiced my answers repeatedly. But once the interview started, I was so nervous that I forgot most of what I had prepared and ended up just being myself. Looking back, honesty mattered more than anything I rehearsed.

“After receiving the scholarship, I attended the Myers–LeCroy Christmas dinner, and that experience stayed with me. I was surrounded by people who are now professionals, people who have built meaningful careers, but who once stood exactly where I am now. Seeing that full circle showed me that this is the right path, that choosing patience, discipline and community is a real way to build something lasting. When I received the email saying I had been awarded full tuition for six semesters along with mentorship, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, not just for myself, but for my family. My mom saw my reaction and got scared at first, thinking something was wrong. In that moment, it finally felt like all the long nights, stress and effort were leading somewhere real.”

You’ve played violin almost your whole life. What does music mean to you?

“My parents always believed I needed something beyond school, something that would keep my mind growing. At the time, I dreamed of playing the saxophone or the flute, but we couldn’t afford it. So, my dad told me, ‘You’re going to play violin.’ I was four years old, and I simply said, ‘Okay.’

“At first, I thought I would switch instruments eventually, but the violin slowly became part of my life. It shaped the way I think and even helped me learn English. Reading music while listening and playing at the same time taught me how to connect sound and meaning. Now, when I’m not playing, I feel like something is missing. Music isn’t just something I do; it’s part of who I am.”

Your parents have clearly sacrificed a lot. How has that shaped your motivation?

“My parents worked incredibly hard, often in exhausting jobs, and there were times when I barely saw them because they were always working. Watching how tired they were made me understand early on that I couldn’t take any opportunity lightly.

“While preparing for an interview, my godfather Luis once told me that success isn’t just about being smart or talented; it’s about responsibility. Responsibility to yourself, to your family and to the sacrifices that made your path possible. Those words stayed with me and reshaped how I understand success.

“I didn’t always tell my parents how hard things were for me because I saw how much they were already carrying and didn’t want to add to that weight. Instead, I let their sacrifices push me forward. Everything they’ve done has been so that my sister and I could have a better future. My family has been essential to everything I’ve accomplished so far, and they continue to be the reason I keep going and the reason I believe in what I’m building for the future.”

You want to work in emergency medicine. Where did that calling come from?

“There have been moments in my life when I saw how much of a difference one person can make simply by showing up. Experiencing care, guidance and reassurance at the right time changed the way I understand service and responsibility. Those experiences drew me toward emergency medicine. For me, it isn’t just about health care, it’s about presence. It’s about being there for people in moments of fear, uncertainty or pain, and offering calm and clarity when everything feels overwhelming. Emergency medicine requires both technical skill and empathy, and I’m drawn to the balance between the two. I want to be a steady presence for people when they need it most, just as others once were for me. So, I can become more present, more empathetic, more human.”

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