Tessa de la Garza '29

Biography

Tessa de la Garza is a freshman from Edinburg, Texas. Her family, a very important part of her life, has instilled strong ethical and moral values in her that shaped who she is, influencing her to work hard and live by the “golden rule.” Those values pushed her to strive for academic excellence, which is why she chose to study agricultural leadership and development after realizing Texas A&M’s core values align with hers. Tessa hopes to pursue a graduate degree in law focusing on agricultural policy. Her goal is to assist individuals in the agriculture sector with licensing and permits, ultimately establishing a consulting firm in South Texas.

While balancing her studies, she is dedicated to various organizations and clubs that encourage her passion for agriculture, community service and lifelong skills. Her nine-year journey in 4-H has been an amazing experience with many learning lessons and tremendous leadership growth. She was the first female from Hidalgo County to serve as a state STEM 4-H Ambassador and the first female to serve as a state 4-H Shotgun Ambassador. She was also the first from her hometown to be awarded one of the highest 4-H scholarship awards from State 4-H Foundation and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, making her a lifetime rodeo member.

Some of her favorite pastimes are riding around at the deer lease, fishing and relaxing on the beach at South Padre Island. She feels incredibly proud of her heritage and grateful for this scholarship opportunity to work towards her goals and help her family financially with her education.