For Catherin Guerra, a Forty Acres Scholar, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Honors Student at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, the spark for a future in nursing began at a young age.
“My interest in nursing began when I was eight years old, during my second visit to DHR Women’s Hospital in Edinburg, Texas, for the birth of my younger sibling,” Guerra recalled. “Until then, career fairs at school always felt boring and draining, but seeing the nurses feed and nurture the newborns in the nursery changed everything. For the first time, I found something that not only caught my attention but also filled me with happiness.”
As her family grew—eventually to eight siblings—her fascination with nursing only deepened.
“Each hospital visit became less about meeting my new brother or sister and more about watching the nurses work through the nursery window,” she added. “As I grew older, I came to understand the deeper meaning of nursing: being selfless, saving lives and making a difference. What started as a childhood dream became a real goal, and I’ve challenged myself ever since to turn that dream into reality.”
Finding a Home at UT Austin
As a first-generation college student, Guerra was determined to find a nursing program that was both academically strong and personally supportive. She found that—and more—at UT Austin.
“Even my family, who was nervous about me going away to college, felt reassured when they visited and saw how comfortable and happy I would be here,” Guerra shared. “They weren’t wrong—moving to Austin has been one of the best decisions of my life.”
A Scholar and a Leader
Guerra is also a proud recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Lana Jones O'Hara and Will O'Hara through the Forty Acres Scholars Program, which has provided her with not only financial support but also a strong community.
The Forty Acres Scholars Program is the premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship for The University of Texas at Austin. Administered by the Texas Exes, this scholarship program offers a rich college experience that provides academic, leadership, professional and cultural opportunities within an intimate cohort of fellow scholars.
“The Forty Acres Scholars Program is what truly makes UT feel like home,” she said. “From the very beginning, I could see how invested the older scholars were in helping us succeed, and hearing their stories gave me a sense of belonging and security. The administrators also go out of their way to make every scholar feel heard and cared for in meaningful ways. To me, the program is less like an organization and more like a family. It’s my home away from home, and I feel incredibly grateful and proud to be a part of something so special.”
Receiving the scholarship, she said, is about more than just financial support.
“To me, it represents the reward for years of hard work and perseverance just to get to college,” she added. “It also sets a powerful example for my siblings—proof that no matter the circumstances, opportunities exist, and it’s up to us to pursue them. Receiving this scholarship isn’t just about me; it’s about raising the bar for my family and showing them what’s possible.”
Guerra hopes to continue her education after graduation by pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing and becoming a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics or women’s health.
“I am deeply thankful for the opportunities UT Austin and the Forty Acres Scholars Program have given me,” Guerra concluded. “They have shaped not only my academic journey but also the kind of nurse and leader I hope to become.”