Eduardo Ruiz
Eduardo Ruiz
Eduardo Ruiz graduated as valedictorian from Kaufman High School in 2021 and went to Rice University on a full-ride scholarship as a Questbridge Match Scholarship recipient. Now, he’s set to graduate from Rice University on May 10 with Latin honors and a Bachelor of Arts in biosciences. He will continue his education at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas- Austin with a full-tuition scholarship. Ruiz was also invited to join Phi Beta Kappa, which only invites 10% of graduating undergraduates.
Dell Medical School receives about 5,000 applicants for scholarships each year and only 50 are chosen for each class, Ruiz explained.
“I am incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship because it will allow me to invest all my time and resources into becoming the best possible medical student,” Ruiz said. “Pursuing a career in medicine is incredibly costly, and this scholarship is making sure that I can pursue my dreams despite the financial barriers to attending medical school.”
“I am greatly indebted to my phenomenal high school teachers who poured so much love and knowledge into me,” said Ruiz. “I have a specific message for my most influential teachers.”
Here is what he had to say to each:
Mrs. Hartley
“Thank you for noticing my aptitude for science during my sophomore year,” he said. “Your belief in me motivated me to study biochemistry in college, ace the MCAT (medical college admission test), and pursue independent research at CU Anschutz Medical School and MD Anderson. Even when I have doubted my potential, you have been there to support and uplift me.”
Mrs. Jouett
“Thank you for all the time and energy you put into helping me become a better writer,” Ruiz said. “From studying the SAT with me to reviewing my personal statement for medical school, you have constantly cared about my success. I know that I will be a great communicator with my future patients because of your teaching.”
Mrs. Chandler
“Thank you for always having your door open to me and for accepting all my crazy ideas,” said Ruiz. “By supporting me in the student council, you showed me my potential to lead other individuals. I carried these skills into my roles as a peer academic advisor, academic fellow, and Rice EMT. You taught me that despite the challenge, I can rise to the occasion and excel.”
Mr. McMahon
“Thank you for always challenging me to push myself academically,” he said. “You cared about my development as both a student and human being, constantly reminding me of the values of empathy, compassion, and forgiveness.”
Mrs. Burleson
“Thank you for keeping the AP chemistry program alive in Kaufman High School,” Ruiz said. “Succeeding in AP chemistry gave me the confidence to excel in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physical chemistry at Rice. You are preparing KHS students extremely well to excel in chemistry when they enter college!”
Ruiz also wanted to recognize the Kaufman County Library for letting him study and volunteer there. He thanked the Kaufman Pharmacy for allowing him to volunteer there. He also thanks Children’s Medical Clinics in Kaufman for the chance to shadow Dr. Lewis and his staff members.
“It takes a community to produce a medical student,” said Ruiz. “I am grateful for the many influential members of the Kaufman community who molded me into the person I have become.”
The Rice University graduation ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. on May 10 and the university is located at 6100 Main St. in Houston.
Eduardo Ruiz
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