Spring 2023 Graduate
Health Psychology

My Name is Madison Flores. I am from a small town in Texas, just south of Waco that goes by the name of Chilton. I attended Chilton Independent School District, a small 2A school. My experience there made the transition to RELLIS that much more doable due to its welcoming energy and smaller classroom sizes.

With the dream of becoming a nurse, I started my journey at Blinn College in Bryan. I was just a few classes short of getting to the point of applying to Blinn’s Nursing program as I got an inkling about the psychology program the day before the spring semester of 2020 began.

At that moment, I emailed my advisor and asked about my options for pursuing a degree in psychology instead. My advisor told me that the RELLIS Academic Alliance had a psychology option. That was by far my best decision yet! I have gained so much from my courses, as psychology is everywhere and can be applied to many aspects of not only my life but to others around me.

While a student at RELLIS, I was able to serve in leadership roles and create strong bonds with my peers and professors. I served as president of the Student Council Board and as treasurer for the Psychology Club.

I am most thankful for all of the lifelong friends I have made during my time at RELLIS. Friends and some faculty have helped me immensely on this journey by providing me with advice and information about opportunities that will positively influence me and the future goals I have set. I have grown both academically and emotionally, due to the courses and my amazing professors challenging me to think critically. Through the connections I have made at RELLIS, I have been able to extend myself outside of the campus and provide volunteer work for the community.

I plan to spend the next year volunteering locally to gain hours for my resume to apply for graduate school. I plan on staying in the field of psychology-this is my passion and calling. I will forever respect the field of psychology because it is a field that will allow me to never stop learning about myself and others, which will ultimately help me become the best version of myself and eventually help others become the best versions of themselves.

I graduated from Texas A&M University-Kingsville with honors, something I would not have had the chance to do without that seamless transfer from Blinn to RELLIS. The RELLIS Academic Alliance has given me a place to always look back on as one of a kind. This is truly a campus where all walks of life are welcome and no matter the major or institution, everyone is treated like family.