Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Two scholarship recipients shared personal stories of perseverance, growth, and ambition during the 2026 McAllen Housing Commission Scholarship Banquet, offering fellow students and community members a glimpse into the experiences that shaped their educational journeys.
Mayeli Hernandez, a graduate of McAllen High School and the UTRGV McAllen Collegiate Academy, spoke about overcoming self-doubt while pursuing her interests in both healthcare and music. Hernandez told attendees that she often questioned whether she belonged in certain environments and struggled with concerns about fitting into spaces where she felt underestimated.
“One of life’s greatest challenges that I have overcome is self-doubt,” Hernandez said. “I always worried about whether I was going to fit in to certain spaces or if I even belonged there.”
Hernandez explained that she eventually changed her perspective and stopped searching for a place to fit in. “I stopped asking myself, ‘Where do I fit?’ and started asking, ‘What can I build?’” she said. “Instead of shrinking myself to fit into spaces that were never meant for me, I learned to embrace who I am and create my own place.”
A certified clinical medical assistant, Hernandez plans to attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley this fall, where she will major in Integrated Health Sciences and minor in Music. She said the scholarship will help support her education and provide resources needed to continue working toward a career in healthcare while pursuing her passion for music.
“Sometimes the place where you belong does not already exist, but that place depends on you to create it,” Hernandez told the audience. “And that is what I choose to do.”
Following Hernandez’s remarks, Aimee Guerrero, a graduate of PSJA North Early College High School, reflected on the demands of balancing academics, dual-credit coursework, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and personal expectations throughout high school.
Guerrero described herself as a “busy bee” who participated in multiple organizations while managing college-level coursework and Advanced Placement classes. She said the pressure to excel eventually affected her mental health and forced her to reevaluate her expectations of perfection.
“I did eventually learn that no one’s perfect and it’s more than okay to make mistakes,” Guerrero said.
During her remarks, Guerrero credited her mother as her greatest source of motivation and support. Speaking directly to her, Guerrero thanked her for the sacrifices she made on behalf of her family.
“Thank you, Mom,” she said. “You raised me into the individual I am today and I’m forever blessed to have you by my side and call you my mom.”
Guerrero also reflected on the meaning of graduation and the sense of accomplishment that followed years of academic work. Looking ahead, she plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
“I’m truly excited for what the future is going to hold for me,” Guerrero said as she concluded her remarks.
The student presentations provided a personal perspective on the challenges and achievements behind the scholarship recipients’ accomplishments. Their stories reflected themes that were echoed throughout the evening by community leaders and educators: perseverance, education, family support, and the pursuit of opportunity.
The McAllen Housing Commission recognized 19 scholarship recipients during the banquet, which was held June 18 at the Verta Hotel in McAllen. Scholarships were funded through the annual Robert “Bobby” Calvillo Home Is Where the Heart Is 5K fundraiser, which supports graduating seniors as they pursue higher education.
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