Alessandra De La Tejera
- University of Texas at Austin
- Rowe High School, McAllen, TX
As a volunteer for the National Hispanic Institute, Alessandra was invited to the Texas Star Great Debate, a week-long debate program for high school students. Appointed as Head of Mock Trial, she was able to assist the various teams and their head coaches. After hearing one team’s complaints of the negative stereotypes against Latinos, Alessandra encouraged the students to rethink their own pleas for instant rewards that they had been promised only after completing their assignments. She successfully led them to see that negative perceptions can be altered by their own actions and dedication to excellence. Alessandra is a church youth leader, a member of the varsity cross country team, and an actress.