Making a Difference
Fall 2022 - Athan Lejarza has always had widely ranging interests and a passion for learning. Growing up in Houston, he developed a love for nature and the outdoors and became an Eagle Scout. When he began considering where to attend college, he had his heart set on becoming an air traffic controller.
At the time, Baylor University had a partnership with nearby Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in which students could earn a degree in aviation sciences from Baylor with a concentration in air traffic control through classes taught on the TSTC campus and its airport. "After touring Baylor's campus, I instantly fell in love and knew that I had to go to Baylor, even though by then the partnership between Baylor and TSTC was no longer active," Athan said.
A PATH OF SUCCESS
Not long before starting classes at Baylor, Athan decided to switch his major from mechanical engineering to biochemistry, with the goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. "This decision only reassured me that Baylor was the right choice because of Baylor's reputation in producing great medical students," he said.
Today, with his focus narrowed to medicine, Athan believes he has found his calling in life. He is on schedule to earn a Bachelor of Science in 2024 - with PA school on the horizon.
A member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Athan has regularly made the dean's list for his academic success. He also can often be found at the McLane Student Life Center, where he works at The Rock, Baylor's freestanding climbing wall, and serves in the Student Guide Program, for which he has led fellow students on trips to locations such as the Grand Canyon and Paria Canyon in Utah.
For Athan, Baylor's high academic standards and the professor-student relationships have been central components of his undergraduate education. "Baylor has prepared me for success by providing rigorous courses that challenge me to become better," he said. "Having teachers who truly care about my success and are willing to help me get better in and out of the classroom has been extremely beneficial, because through these interactions I've learned key communication skills that will transfer well to any industry."
TRANSFORMATIONAL GIFTS
As a recipient of the Dr. Thomas Jackson Bond Sr. Endowed Academic Scholarship - a portion of which was funded through planned gifts - Athan is quick to credit the support of financial aid with helping him achieve his dreams.
"Without scholarships such as the Dr. Thomas Bond Sr. scholarship, many students like me would not be able to afford the great education that Baylor provides," he said. "I am extremely grateful to everyone who made this scholarship possible, and I am honored to have been one of the recipients."
Athan encouraged Baylor alumni and friends who are considering making a gift to student scholarships to see his story as being representative of the impact their support can have.
"You never know whose life you may change with a gift of any size," he said. "Students from all different backgrounds and financial situations attend Baylor, and gifts from generous alumni are helping make dreams like mine come true every day."