Meet Kevin: From a Texas Border Town to Tech Success

Kevin grew up in a tight-knit border town, where his parents’ sacrifices shaped his drive to succeed.
Feeling a deep sense of responsibility to his family, he realized that a college degree could empower him to provide an even greater level of support.
He has set a powerful example in his community and accelerated his career in cybersecurity.

Current Role

Partnership Business Development

Career Field

Technology

Degree

B.A., Economics/Human Dimensions of Organizations

School

University of Texas at Austin, 2021

Kevin grew up in a tight-knit border town, where his parents’ sacrifices shaped his drive to succeed.
Feeling a deep sense of responsibility to his family, he realized that a college degree could empower him to provide an even greater level of support.
He has set a powerful example in his community and accelerated his career in cybersecurity.

Current Role

Partnership Business Development

Career Field

Technology

Degree

B.A., Economics/Human Dimensions of Organizations

School

University of Texas at Austin, 2021

The Power of Sacrifice

Kevin’s biggest inspiration has always been his parents. Their journey was one of immense sacrifice—leaving their home country to build a better life for their children. He saw their determination firsthand as they woke up before dawn to work long hours, all to provide for their family.

“I admire them because they put their lives on hold to give me and my sister opportunities they never had,” Kevin shares. “They never said it outright, but I saw it in their actions. They’re my superheroes.”

Leap of Faith

Despite his parents’ unwavering support, college never felt like an option for Kevin. As the oldest child, he felt a responsibility to help his family financially, and the thought of affording tuition seemed out of reach. It was not until his high school teachers and counselor encouraged him to apply for scholarships that he began to see a different path.

“They told me, ‘College isn’t about having all the answers right away. It’s about putting yourself in a position for a better future.’ That changed my perspective,” he says. With their guidance, Kevin applied for and was awarded a spot in the Dell Scholars program, an opportunity that not only covered his expenses but provided a support system to help him navigate college life.

I realized I had to step out of my comfort zone. Back home, everything was familiar. In college, I had to build my own community.

A New World on Campus

Leaving home for the first time was a shock. Kevin describes the experience as “being thrown into the ocean and told to swim.” Alone on campus, he faced an entirely new world, one without the familiar comfort of family and friends. At first, he struggled to find his place. The cultural shift, the imposter syndrome, the lack of structure—it all felt overwhelming. But over time, he found lifeboats: study groups, extracurricular clubs, and a network of fellow Dell Scholars who provided guidance and reassurance.

“I realized I had to step out of my comfort zone,” Kevin says. “Back home, everything was familiar. In college, I had to build my own community.” Through trial and error, he learned how to advocate for himself, seeking help from professors, utilizing office hours, and leaning on the resources available to him. The Dell Scholars program became a crucial support system, offering not just financial assistance but mentorship and mental health services that helped him stay on track.

Legacy in the Making

By the time Kevin graduated in 2021, he had not only earned his degree—he had exceeded his own expectations. He double majored in economics and human resource development, with minors in business and Spanish. But more than the diplomas, what he gained was confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of pride. On graduation day, as he walked on the stage, his family cheered from the stands, and his mother Face Timed relatives overseas so they could share in the moment. It was more than just a personal victory; it was a milestone for his entire family.

“This wasn’t just my accomplishment—it was my parents’ too,” Kevin says. “Their sacrifices led me here. And now, I get to set an example for my younger sister and for future generations.” Now working as a cybersecurity consultant, Kevin continues his mission of helping others, solving complex problems, and paving the way for those who come after him.

From Ambition to Achievement

Dell Scholars’ stories show how the right support fuels success. See how they’re building careers that empower them to give back to their families and communities.