FRESHMAN COHORT

Victoria Kayode

Liberal Arts Honors/Psychology
Hanover High School in Mechanicsville, Virginia

I am a recent graduate of Hanover High School in Mechanicsville, Virginia. During those years, I was constantly on the stage. Leading our show choir, I was a Dance Captain for two years. Through the Tri-M Music Honor Society, I developed a passion for using art as a service to others. Consequently, I spent hours planning, leading, and producing a benefit concert for Fox Elementary School when it burned down. I also got to represent my school as a featured soloist in both All-District Chorus and All-Virginia Chorus, and earned the National School Choral Award as well. As Vice President, then secretary, of my Theatre Company’s ITS troupe, I co-led community engagement events like: Coffeehouses, truncated sensory-friendly performances, and shadow nights. Offstage, being with loved ones, writing, dancing, and listening to music are some of my favorite pastimes. As a Psychology major trekking down the Pre-Med track in the Liberal Arts Honors Program, I hope to feed my curiosity through scientific exploration alongside my artistic pursuits. I can’t wait to be a part of this beautiful Dedman community and to nurture old passions while making new discoveries at UT in the fall!

Aruna Muthupillai

Plan II/International Relations/Global Studies
Glenda Dawson Highschool in Pearland, TX

I am a recent graduate of Glenda Dawson Highschool in Pearland, TX. During high school, I spent much of my time pursuing my interest in politics and international affairs. Last year, I served as President of Dawson’s Model United Nations Club and the Founder/President of Girl Up Pearland. In addition, as the Co-President of Asian Culture Club, I explored my cultural heritage (I’m “Chindian”) and worked to empower Asian-American youth. I also competed actively in Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS) as part of the Future Problem Solving (FPS) program. Working with my team of 4, I advanced to the International Competition twice and served as a Certified TX Evaluator. Additionally, as the Co-Captain of my Community Issues Problem Solving (CMPS) team, and the CMPS Officer of my school, I led my team to win Grand Champion at the FPS TX Competition two years in a row, and just recently, to win Grand Champion at the International Competition. On weekends, I also competed actively in LD Debate. Outside of school, I was a member of the Pearland Youth Environmental Council, organized community service initiatives as the Vice President of National Honor Society, and investigated muscle degradation within sarcopenia patients using CT/MR scans at Baylor St. Luke’s. I also worked on political campaigns such as Charles Thompson for TX-18 and Sri Kulkarni for TX-22. In my free time, I was (and am) an artist. Although I mainly focus on painting, this past year, I was recently awarded Best of Show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and medaled at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event State Competition for sculpture. At UT, I plan to follow a pre-law track and double major in Plan II and International Relations/Global Studies. I am so excited and honored to be joining the Dedman Community this fall!

Milan Narayan

Plan II/Statistics and Data Science
Bellaire High School in Houston, TX

I am a recent graduate of Bellaire High School in Houston, where I was born and raised. I competed in several Debate events in high school, where I was exposed to domestic and international conflicts, disputes, and policy proposals. Through debate, I developed a love for writing, synthesizing, and analyzing ideas. I also am a leader in Students Demand Action, an organization dedicated to tackling gun violence in the US. In my free time, I love doing anything athletic, such as playing basketball, but my true love is baseball. I also thoroughly enjoy cooking and baking, and the science behind why ingredients interact the way that they do fascinates me. I will be majoring in Plan II and plan to pursue further studies into statistics and data science. Ever since I was little, I have been a Longhorn fan, so I eagerly look forward to attending my dream school, living in Austin, and becoming part of the Dedman community. Hook ‘em! 

Trinity Ngo

Liberal Arts Honors Program/English

Ridge Point High School in Houston, TX

I am from Houston, Texas, and I recently graduated from Ridge Point High School. During my high school career, I competed on my school’s golf team, medaled for UIL Academic Ready Writing, and dedicated much of my time to the varsity orchestra, playing the violin and serving as co-president of the organization. Alongside these involvements, I was a founding member, and the vice-president, of my school’s National Science Bowl chapter, and I found great joy in serving my community through Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica and the National Honor Society. Outside of school, I have a deep love for reading and can often be found with a book in hand or Apple Books open on my phone. I have played the piano since second grade, moving from a traditional repertoire to pop covers rehearsed with friends. With amazing opportunities, I have had the chance to hike and camp in national parks across the country and the mountains of Taiwan: a country that inspired me to re-explore my connection with my heritage and the ties I have to my culture. At UT, in the Liberal Arts Honors Program, I will be majoring in English with the hopes of fostering my love for language and writing, potentially advancing my learning in the field of Asian American studies. Overall, I cannot wait to experience all that UT offers: making friends, meeting professors, and building connections. I am so excited for life as a Dedman Distinguished Scholar and look forward to four years on The Forty Acres.

Tommy Wan

Plan II/Aerospace Engineering
The Village School in Houston, TX

I graduated from The Village School in Houston, Texas. I am majoring in Aerospace Engineering and Plan II, and I like to work in civic engagement, political advocacy, and music. I’m currently an intern at Houston City Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas’ Office, OCA-Greater Houston, and served as part-time staff for campaigns. Usually, these opportunities lead to workshops, voter-registration drives, and policy drafts—my ultimate goal is to be able to aid and represent communities historically underserved in Houston. During high school, I was on the Mayor’s Youth Council, Youth Police Advisory Board Council, Mi Familia Vota’s environmental justice committee, and served as an election judge. For music, I play the Alto Saxophone. Some of the greatest times from that were All-State, Houston Symphonic Band, and the Carnegie Hall Band performances. During my free time, I like to fly planes, compose, or run. I’m also very passionate about naps. I always love to meet people, especially those with new thoughts, perspectives, and stories to tell. I’m really excited to be a part of the Humility cohort and for the adventures ahead. Hook ‘Em!