HOLT CAT posted on October 20, 2026 18:49
Texas A&M University–San Antonio student Kathryn Cornwell is pursuing her passion for bilingual education with support from the HOLT Group Scholarship, an opportunity that has accelerated her academic progress and encouraged her to consider possibilities beyond the classroom.
For Kathryn, becoming a teacher has been a lifelong ambition. As a young girl, she loved playing school, but it was a high school education program that confirmed her career choice. Through classroom observations and hands-on experience assisting teachers, she discovered the difference an educator can make in a student’s life. One experience in particular stayed with her. After working individually with a student throughout a semester and helping him reach grade level, he told her, “I wouldn’t have done this without you.” That moment helped Kathryn understand the lasting influence teachers can have on their students.
Today, Kathryn is pursuing a degree in Bilingual Education EC–6 with a minor in Business Administration at Texas A&M University–San Antonio. As a bilingual student herself, she hopes to help children recognize the value of speaking more than one language and develop confidence in their abilities. “I want to be an example for bilingual students and show them that speaking more than one language is something they should be proud of,” she said. “I want to help my students develop their bilingualism while also becoming confident in themselves.”
A Scholarship That Opens Doors
Receiving the HOLT Group Scholarship has made a meaningful difference in Kathryn’s educational journey. The financial support allowed her to enroll in summer classes for the first time, completing nine credit hours and accelerating her progress toward graduation in 2028. She is now preparing for her field residency and expects to begin her clinical teaching experience in fall 2027. The scholarship has also made it possible for her to continue pursuing her business administration minor alongside her education degree.
The support has been especially meaningful because Kathryn has faced discouragement about her choice of profession. Some people close to her have suggested pursuing a more financially lucrative career in law, medicine, or finance. Kathryn, however, measures success differently. “While education may not always be the most financially rewarding career, to me it is one of the most rewarding jobs because we are changing people’s lives and helping shape future generations,” she said. “Every career begins with a teacher.”
Encouragement from her university, family members, and organizations such as HOLT has reinforced her commitment to teaching while inspiring her to think more broadly about her future. Before receiving the scholarship, Kathryn had not seriously considered graduate school. Now, she is exploring the possibility of earning an International MBA and perhaps eventually a Ph.D. Her interests include international education, working with students at the university level, and exploring opportunities in international business.
“I do not see education and business as having to be two separate paths,” she explained. “I hope I can use both throughout different stages of my life.” Kathryn is particularly interested in learning how international organizations operate across cultures and believes her background in bilingual education could complement a career that combines education and business.
Investing in the Next Generation
Although Kathryn’s ambitions have expanded, her immediate goal remains the same: becoming a bilingual elementary school teacher who helps students recognize their potential. She hopes to serve as a role model, particularly for children who may face discouragement about their abilities or aspirations. Looking further ahead, she wants to provide others with the same kind of encouragement and opportunity she has received.
In a letter of appreciation to HOLT Group, Kathryn expressed how much the scholarship has meant to her, not only financially but also personally. “Your support has shown me that there are people and organizations out there who believe in students and are willing to help us achieve dreams that may have once felt out of reach,” she wrote.
For Kathryn, the scholarship represents more than assistance with tuition. It is an investment in her potential and, ultimately, in the students and communities she hopes to serve. “One day, I hope I am in a position where I can give someone else the same feeling: to know that someone believes in them and wants to help make their goals possible.”