About Me

ABOUT ME

I was born in Laredo, Texas and raised in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. After graduating high school, I earned a scholarship to study journalism at the University of Texas at Austin, becoming the first member of my family to attend college in the United States. During college, I learned Portuguese in Brazil, interned at a radio station in Spain, volunteered at an orphanage in India, conducted research in Denmark, and interned at the press department of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington DC – all with scholarships.

After working as a university admissions officer for three years, I won a full scholarship to do my master’s degree in Shanghai, China. I then worked as a college counselor at one of the best international high schools in Asia, where I learned how Chinese students prepare since 8th grade to become strong candidates for the best universities in the U.S. After almost ten years of living in China, I recently became a father. My family and I just moved back to Laredo, where I now work as an independent college counselor, advising young people and their families on navigating the complex process of scholarship and university applications.

My Mission

I named my company «Café con Becas,» which translates to «Coffee with Scholarships» because when I was younger, I would stay up late drinking coffee and applying for scholarships and other exciting opportunities. My mission at Café con Becas is to help families navigate the process of preparing for and applying to scholarships and universities in the United States. I provide college consulting services that include guidance in selecting universities, assistance with scholarship applications, and preparation for standardized tests. My goal is to advise young people to become excellent candidates for scholarships and universities so that they can achieve their academic and professional goals. 

My Philosophy

At Café con Becas, my philosophy is based on teaching young people how to «fish» instead of simply giving them a fish. I firmly believe in the importance of equipping students with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complicated system of scholarships and university admissions in the United States. My goal is to empower students to effectively and compellingly tell their own story, which will allow them to connect with readers on a personal level and achieve success in their pursuit of scholarships and university admissions.

Professional Qualifications

• Master of Education in International School Counseling – Lehigh University
• Master of Arts in Chinese Culture – Fudan University
• Graduate Certificate in College Counseling – University of California Los Angeles
• Bachelor of Journalism – The University of Texas at Austin
• Certified Youth Life Coach – Youth Coaching Institute
• Associate Certified Coach – International Coaching Federation
• Certified Career Advisor– International Association of Career Advisors
• Certified Youth Mental Health Aid – National Council for Mental Wellbeing

My Professional Affiliations