< Previous20 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2023 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: VIDA AGAVE Luis Quiroz, 30 Restaurant owner/operator Why did you go into your particular field? I went into the restaurant business because it gives me great satisfaction to be able to make someone happy with a delicious dish or a refreshing margarita. The feeling of treating every single one of my guests as if they were my best friends that’s what keeps me going. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always knew from an early age that I wanted to be a businessman. When I was in elementary school, I used to sell candies, stickers, pens and toys to my classmates. Later on, when I turned 15, I worked in a restaurant and that is when I fell in love with the service industry. What was your first job? My first paid job was helping my grandparents sell clothes, shoes and tools in our local flea market back in Matehuala, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Always do your best. What you plan now, you will harvest later.” — Og Mandino What’s your favorite thing about your job? Making people happy. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? First impression matters a lot. Is very hard for people to give you a second chance. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I consider my grandparents Ofelia and Antonio my mentors. When I was 9 years old, I started helping them sell in our local flea market where I developed sales skills. They always taught me to never give up and always chase my dreams. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I like to play chess, read or watch my favorite TV show with my girlfriend. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I don’t know how to swim. How do you hope to grow in your career? I would love to open multiple locations once Vida Agave is stable. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? If I wasn’t in the restaurant industry, I think I will be deep into real estate or retail business. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH JOHN SEALY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Christopher Richter, 22 Medical student Why did you go into your particular field? I aspire to be a doctor to explore the boundless field of medicine and to serve humanity at its most vulnerable intersection: life and health. Beyond mending bodies, I hope to heal spirits. I strive to be someone who pushes the boundaries of patient care to bring comfort during disquieting times. This unyielding curiosity, coupled with my empathetic drive, makes medicine not just an attractive career but a personal calling. Becoming a doctor provides me an avenue to leave indelible impacts on individual lives and society’s well-being at large. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, my eyes were filled with stars and my dreams occupied with space. I wanted to be an astronaut. The idea of seeing Earth from a distance, witnessing its beauty on a vast cosmic backdrop always inspired me. This aspiration may have evolved over time, but the spirit of exploration and reaching for the stars continues to inspire my path in medicine and community service each day. What was your first job? My first job came at the tender age of 12, when I launched my mowing business. Armed with a lawnmower and youthful determination, I worked hard to tame unruly yards throughout my neighborhood. This job taught me the value of hard work, persistence and sunscreen. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The most transformative advice I’ve ever received is to acknowledge and own up to my mistakes. Instead of running from failures, this wisdom taught me to face them head-on and to view them as opportunities for growth. To admit a mistake is not a sign of weakness but a testament to courage, resilience and personal strength. This powerful advice encourages me in even the deepest valleys, reminding me that true defeat is not in failure but in the unwillingness to learn from it. What’s your favorite thing about your job? As a second-year medical student, the privilege of being on the path to becoming a doctor is multi- faceted. For me, the most rewarding aspect is the ability to intertwine my love for science with human connection. Every day, I’m challenged to unravel the mysteries of the human body. Simultaneously, the interaction with patients provides a profound understanding of human resilience and strength. This unique blend of knowledge and empathy enables me to impact lives in a significant, tangible way and makes the difficult journey through medical school entirely worthwhile. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish I had understood the importance of balance when I first set off in my career. I initially thought success equated tireless work, often at the expense of personal wellbeing. Over time, I’ve learned that nurturing all aspects of life — including health, relationships and hobbies — actually fuels professional growth and resilience. A balanced life doesn’t dilute ambition; instead, it sustains it. Read full profile at galvnews.com. THE FEELING OF TREATING EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY GUESTS AS IF THEY WERE MY BEST FRIENDS THAT’S WHAT KEEPS ME GOING. 2023 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 21 LIVES: TEXAS CITY WORKS: GALVESTON COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT Brittany Rivers, 34 Director of community engagement and strategic partnership Why did you go into your particular field? I went into public health because I initially wanted to be an epidemiologist and investigate diseases and outbreaks. Soon after realizing my passion for people and relationship building, I knew I wanted to do more and fell in love with community health promotion. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I always dreamed of becoming an elementary school teacher. What was your first job? My first job was as a cashier at Kelley’s Country Cookin’ in La Marque. They hired me the day I turned 16. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I have ever received was, “Work hard in silence. Let your success be your noise.” What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is engaging with members of the community and local organizations by focusing on building trust between them and my agency. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? I wish someone had told me that sometimes you win and sometimes you learn. Everything will not always go as planned, but if the plan doesn’t work, change it, not the goal you had in mind. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My greatest mentor is my sister Chrystal. She is a passionate community leader who always shows empathy and a positive attitude while serving her community through leadership and community service. She has been my cheerleader, my prayer partner, my motivator and a shoulder to lean on during the ups and downs of my career and personal life. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? For relaxation, I love to go on cruises, take my children to the movies, bowling with my husband and getting relaxation massages. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I love watching “Golden Girls.” How do you hope to grow in your career? I hope to grow in my career by challenging myself to learn new skills that I recognize as weaknesses and using them to advance. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? If I was not doing community engagement right now, I would be a social services worker. I love connecting individuals to resources in the community and helping them overcome barriers that may stall them from achieving greatness or health equity. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: GALVESTON ISLAND SWIM TEAM Sarah Beth Roberts, 37 Registrar Why did you go into your particular field? I enjoy creating an environment where children can develop unselfconsciously and freely. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A mother. What was your first job? The Sunflower Bakery, 1999. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Make the most of your finite time on this lovely planet. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I like the partnership that my husband and I build, continuing to make our lives more efficient and fun for ourselves and our five children. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? The value of time management and keeping a simple schedule. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Like magic, my grandparents always say the exact things I need to hear. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I eat candy and scroll on Zillow. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I once got run over by a Nissan Titan in Austin. How do you hope to grow in your career? When my children get older, I’d like to go to medical school. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I miss working for beach patrol. There was a lot of camaraderie among the guards and I loved being outside all day. EVERYTHING WILL NOT ALWAYS GO AS PLANNED, BUT IF THE PLAN DOESN’T WORK, CHANGE IT, NOT THE GOAL YOU HAD IN MIND. THE NEWS YOU WANT DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX GALVNEWS.COM/ NEWSLETTERS22 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2023 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH Maria San Andrés, 39 Assistant professor in pediatrics Why did you go into your particular field? I wanted to be a doctor since I was 6 years old when I witnessed my baby sister being born. Many years later, I knew I loved working with children and being able to help parents and cure sick children would be perfect for me. It is so rewarding to help guide them into becoming healthy successful adults. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor! What was your first job? Library assistant at the Medical Sciences Library at Texas A&M Health Science Center What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Never give up! Si se puede! This encouraged me to be persistent, patient and determined to help reach my goals! What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love being a part of a child’s life, advising them and watching them grow up. It is a joy to see them become successful young adults! It is a privilege to become a small part of their family! What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? When I started my career, I was not a parent and I have learned many valuable lessons since becoming a parent. Now, I can better relate to parents and their concerns and provide a unique perspective as a parent and a pediatrician. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Dr. J.T.L. McNew is a family medicine physician in College Station. He allowed me to shadow him in undergrad. Watching him with his patients, I knew I wanted to be a hard-working, caring, trustworthy and experienced physician just like him. All of his patients love, trust and admire him very much. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I love spending time with my kids, hanging out at the beach, baking and taking pictures. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I am an adrenaline junky! I love roller coasters, zip lining, white water rafting and many outdoor adventures. I have been skydiving once and hope to do it again! How do you hope to grow in your career? I am excited to be able to see multiple generations of families and be their pediatrician. I also would like to continue teaching medical students and residents in order to mold them into great pediatricians. Also, I hope to become medical director of our clinics one day. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I would not change it for anything! I will always be involved with children in some way! LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: COASTAL COMMUNITY CHURCH Holly Sanders, 38 Director of student ministries Why did you go into your particular field? I struggled through some particularly rebellious teenage years. Since God changed my life, I have always wanted to be who I needed in high school: someone to show me that I mattered, that I was accepted, that I belonged, and that God had a plan for me — even though I had made poor choices. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? From the time I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I used to set my stuffed animals up on my bed like they were my students and play school. What was your first job? Admissions at Blue Bayou Water Park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Your greatest contribution to the Kingdom of God may not be something you do but someone you raise. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I get the privilege of having a front- row seat to watching God transform the hearts and lives of students. I get to see what happens in a kid when they find their identity, their hope, their joy and their peace in their Creator. I get to see them leverage their influence to tell the next generation about the hope they now have in Christ! What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? You will fail. How you respond to failure will be character defining. Own your failure, take responsibility and refuse to do it the same way again. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? This sounds cheesy, but it is my husband, Aaron. He is founding and lead pastor of Coastal Community Church, sits on countless boards of service organizations and constantly leverages his resources to help others. People are drawn to his leadership, authenticity, sense of humor and ability to teach the Bible practically. He previously led a large student ministry and tirelessly offers a listening ear and wisdom when I need direction — or even just to vent. Aaron also balances his role as pastor with his role as a husband and dad remarkably well. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy exercising, taking our two very spoiled dogs on walks with my husband, playing games with my kids and laying in the sun. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I have this weird eye twitch when I eat something I really like. Chocolate gets it going every time. How do you hope to grow in your career? I hope to develop a better system for partnering with parents to help equip them to be the primary disciple-makers in their kid’s life. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Full- time fitness instructor! I love creating workouts that are fun and challenging! I enjoy coaching someone through something that they think there’s no way they can do and then watching them do it! I previously taught cycling, barre, strength and Pilates. My current role doesn’t allow much extra time, but when I can, I pop in to sub at Bent on Healthy Living or Island Boot Camp! I LOVE BEING A PART OF A CHILD’S LIFE, ADVISING THEM AND WATCHING THEM GROW UP. CONGRATULATIONS HOLLY SANDERS 2023 40 UNDER 40 RECIPIENT THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO COASTAL AND GALVESTON Have you noticed it, too? We applaud the “youth movement” going on in our local businesses, organizations, government agencies and professions. Young families are emerging in our HomeTowns and contributing in new and exciting ways. HomeTown Bank Advisory Board Member Nick Gaido is among the recipients of the 2023 “40 Under 40” Awards, for example. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients, and thanks for pitching in for your HomeTown. OOOOO Five-Star “Superior” rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., awarded June, 2023 OOOOO Galveston • Pearland • League City • Friendswood • Alvin • HomeTown.Bank You make your family PROUD! Dad & Connie, Mom, Alan & Myra, Jeremy, Blake & Candace, Robby & Amanda, Matt & Katie, and David & Myranda She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Keep Dreaming. Keep Achieving. CONGRATULATIONS HOLLY SANDERS! 2023 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 2324 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2023 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: MAISON DE CAMPAGNE (MDC) Luis Santiago, 39 Co-owner/managing director Why did you go into your particular field? Starting my own business was a drastic shift from my successful career as a chemical engineer. It began unexpectedly when a friend asked my husband, Mitchell, to stage homes for their flipping projects. Researching the concept, I realized it was our chance to excel. With Mitchell’s talent and our shared love for real estate, we fused our passions into a home-staging business. I conducted thorough research and found a reputable certification program, which propelled us to register our business and commence marketing efforts. We’ve worked tirelessly since the beginning to make our dream of entrepreneurship a success. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I wanted to study history and work in museums or art galleries. Unfortunately, I wasn’t encouraged to pursue this and opted for a more reliable career. Though I understand the concerns, I often wonder how my life would’ve unfolded. Despite taking a different path, my childhood dream remains cherished. I still find ways to indulge in my passion, visiting museums, reading history books and volunteering. This experience taught me the importance of pursuing passions, and I strive to support others in following their unique paths to joy and fulfillment. What was your first job? My first job didn’t come until after I graduated, as my parents were concerned that working during my studies would distract me. However, I did make a few attempts at jobs during college without their knowledge. One such attempt was working as a waiter at Chili’s, but I soon realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. Despite these early experiences, I believe that every attempt and exploration contributes to finding the right career path, and I am grateful for the lessons learned along the way. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I ever received was to always stay true to myself. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder to prioritize my own values, passions and beliefs in everything I do. This advice has guided me through various challenges and decisions, reminding me to trust my instincts, embrace my uniqueness, and not compromise on what truly matters to me. By staying true to myself, I have been able to find authenticity, fulfillment and genuine happiness in both personal and professional aspects of life. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite part of my job is the freedom to make independent decisions regarding the path I want to pursue. I appreciate the autonomy to explore new ideas, strategies and solutions. Additionally, the opportunity to provide measurable value to our clients is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that my contributions have a tangible impact and positively affect their outcomes brings a deep sense of fulfillment and motivation. Read full profile at galvnews.com. LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: COLDWELL BANKER TGRE Brian Schwenk, 29 Director of property and project management; Realtor Why did you go into your particular field? I feel that I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. When I was younger, I was a caretaker for a neighbor’s property, I pet sat, did landscaping, tutored middle school students, and I was a “manny” for a family of four kids — all while in high school! My college training landed me working as a construction project engineer and later a project manager. Transitioning in 2021 into real estate allowed me to marry my entrepreneurship with my love of building construction, design and customer service. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was child, I wanted to be an architect. I was constantly drawing floorplans and buildings, and building structures with blocks and Legos. What was your first job? My first job I was a home caretaker for a neighbor who moved out of the country for several years for work. I mowed the lawn, raked the leaves, shoveled the snow (I grew up in New York), ran the water, painted, landscaped, you name it! My first “real job” I was a project engineer for a large commercial general contractor. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? If you have a passion for something you want to pursue, find and focus on the reasons why you should do it, not the reasons why you shouldn’t. Make a plan with actionable steps to achieve it and don’t look back. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite things about my job are being able to see and become intimately familiar with the wide variety of architecture found in Galveston, educating folks on what our little island offers, and making what can be a very stressful experience of buying, selling or leasing property as smooth and pleasant as possible. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Careers are not linear and can take you many different directions. Nurturing professional relationships with folks in other industries is important even if they do not directly affect your job. They can provide valuable insight and mentorship from a different perspective, helping eliminate “blind spots” that you may have. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My greatest mentor is my uncle, Tom Schwenk. He has played an important role in my life from day one as he is my godfather. Growing up, he was always the fun, “cool” uncle who visited from out of town. As I grew older, we became closer and he is someone who has always showed up for me as a pillar of support and encouragement in good times and bad, both personally and professionally. I am fortunate that I now get to work with him every day since I transitioned into real estate as he is my broker. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Playing with my two dogs Gamgee and Dobby, walking around my neighborhood at sunset admiring the historic homes, meeting friends and family for dinner at one of the countless local restaurants in Galveston. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I lived in Spain for a year after high school before starting college. In college, I studied abroad in Shanghai, China. I love to travel and experience our global history, culture and cuisine. I’ve visited 19 countries and counting! Read full profile at galvnews.com. BY STAYING TRUE TO MYSELF, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND AUTHENTICITY, FULFILLMENT AND GENUINE HAPPINESS ... 2023 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 25 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: THE SAN LUIS RESORT/ LANDRY’S INC. Melonee Scurlock Townsend, 35 Regional corporate sales manager Why did you go into your particular field? I love working with people and getting to build relationships. Hospitality has always come very natural to me. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Chiropractor. What was your first job? Lifeguard. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Dress for the job you want not the job you have. What’s your favorite thing about your job? That I get to see the beach every day. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? That it is OK to ask questions. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? Michelle Beckwith professionally; she always tells you the truth and will help you with anything you need. When she gives you advice, you can take it to the bank. Personally, my granny. She has always pushed me in the right direction. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Hang out with my kids, run, read and go to church. What is something about you that most people don’t know? I have over 100 items in my Amazon cart. How do you hope to grow in your career? I hope to one day be a wonderful leader and mentor. If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Party planner. LIVES: DICKINSON WORKS: SAN LEON ELEMENTARY, DICKINSON ISD Jacqwelin N. ‘Nici’ Snyder, 39 Principal As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was a child, I wanted to be a teacher, plain and simple. I had an old high school science book that I kept for years as I pretended to teach from it and grade papers. I even created spelling tests from the academic vocabulary in the book, much of which I couldn’t read until I was older. I also wanted to be an art teacher since I spent much of my time working with clay as a hobby. Art was always my favorite class. What was your first job? My first job after college was in professional sports. I was in sales for the Cleveland Cavaliers. My first job in education was teaching third grade. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Do the next right thing.” This is something my dad drilled into us, especially as teenagers and young adults. There will always be mistakes and accidents, but if we just do the next right thing, we will grow, improve and do better next time. What’s your favorite thing about your job? My absolute favorite part of my job is seeing children grow because of the positive influence of our staff. I am blessed to work with amazing educators of all titles in my school who influence our students every day to grow in so many ways. Our students love coming to school, and it brings joy to my heart. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? It would have been life-changing at the start of my career to know how crucial self-care is to professional success. One’s social and emotional well-being is foundational in growing yourself professionally without burning out. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My greatest mentor in the field of education is my friend Jennifer Folse. She was the very first teacher I observed, and from that moment on, I continued to learn and grow because of her. She has an innate ability to articulately deliver captivating instruction to children and adults. When I started my teaching career, we were on the same team, and it was her who reminded me that “iron sharpens iron.” I attribute much of what I have learned to her leadership and expertise. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? When I am not at work, I spend time with my family. The majority of my time is spent in a school, so soaking up all of the time I can get with my two girls and my husband is vital to my well-being. What is something about you that most people don’t know? Most people do not know how hard I am on myself as I reflect on every decision I make. As an introvert at my core, it is easy to keep that part hidden. However, I spend a significant amount of time reflecting on what I could have done or said better, how I could have made a different, better impact, or what I need to do next time to better serve those I lead. How do you hope to grow in your career? For now, I am right where I want to be. Being the principal of a school where I could serve the staff and students in a way that creates improved student achievement, teacher collective efficacy and positivity in the campus culture has been my goal. As for growth in my career, I want to be a better school leader than I was the day before. Read full profile at galvnews.com.26 | The Daily News | 40 Under 40 | 2023 LIVES: GALVESTON WORKS: THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH JOHN SEALY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Tracy Tang, 32 Third-year medical student Why did you go into your particular field? I worked as an occupational therapist before going back to medical school, and while I loved OT, I felt like I wanted a deeper understanding of pathophysiology and why things work the way they do. Medicine fulfills that desire. I also come from an under-resourced area and saw that my community faced steep inequities when accessing health care. This inspired me to go into medicine, so I can help my family and community navigate these barriers. I’m grateful to be at The University of Texas Medical Branch John Sealy School of Medicine. I’ve loved it here. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? My mom tells me when I was around 6 I came home after a field trip and announced I wanted to be a bus driver because our bus driver was a nice, friendly lady. A while after that, I went on a plane and changed my career aspirations to becoming a flight attendant because I thought it was so cool they got to travel and fly all day! Unfortunately, none of those dreams came to fruition. I guess the underlying theme is that I like adventure and exploring different places. What was your first job? When I was 9, my neighbor and I started a jewelry “business.” We would make bracelets and rings from twigs from a tree and glue them together with Play-Doh. We sold the rings for a nickel and bracelets for a dime. Unfortunately, our customers kept coming back for repairs because their jewelry would fall apart, so we didn’t have much of a profit margin and had to shut down our “business” soon after. In high school, I worked at a medical office and helped with insurance claims, so that was my first real job. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Always negotiate. But, remember that negotiating isn’t about winning or losing; it’s about building a relationship and working together to find a solution that works for both parties. The word “negotiate” is used in a broader sense here — it can mean to advocate for yourself or go after something you want. This advice has helped me many times when I’m requesting something because it makes me think about the perspective of the person I’m working with and what they might need. There’s a lot of value to gain in putting the relationship first. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Medicine is fascinating, and every day, I’m amazed by the complexity of our bodies and how all our organ systems function together. I love learning, and in medicine, you’re constantly absorbing new information and challenging your mind. My favorite aspect, though, is being able to use this knowledge to make an impact at both an individual patient and population level. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Everyone is on their own unique journey, and it’s okay if you’re not doing the same thing as everyone else. You’re exactly where you should be. Things will work themselves out if you keep putting one foot in front of the other. I used to be someone who wanted to fit everything into a timeline, but I’ve learned to embrace my own unique journey and appreciate the gems that I’ve gleaned along the way. You wouldn’t be who you are without the experiences that you’ve had, so be confident in yourself and what you bring to the table. Read full profile at galvnews.com. LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: KBR IN NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER Nathan Tat, 27 Science and space financial analyst Why did you go into your particular field? With my interdisciplinary interests, I find it fascinating to bridge and meld different fields together. Ever since I was young, I was curious about the next frontier: space. My family and I often drove past the Johnson Space Center and its boundless herds of deer. Living in Galveston County, I can feel the sea breeze, hear the seagulls caw, and smell the salt water where I am based. I am thrilled to have commenced my career here and contribute to the economy of the area. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Growing up, I was excited about becoming a scientist! Therefore, I read on a wide variety of topics, ranging from dinosaurs to history. My parents would bring us to Rosenberg, Harris County and other regional libraries, and I would eagerly browse the shelves. As an avid reader, I borrowed non-fiction and fiction books and participated in summer reading adventures. This love for science motivated me to take STEM courses. My dedicated teachers tirelessly nurtured students’ interests, and I always walked into science classrooms ready to dive into subjects such as environmental science and physics. What was your first job? My first job was here on the island at The University of Texas Medical Branch! In this role, I worked in a biomedical laboratory that studied immunological responses as potential burn treatments. Being with amazing scientists and researchers who were willing to take me under their wings was a privilege, and my peers and I combined work with unique Galveston experiences. Some of my favorite memories include movie night with fellow UTMB students at the theater, riding on a boat to watch dolphins (my spirit animal!), wandering through The Strand, swimming at the campus pool and celebrating with lab lunches. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Follow your dreams! What’s your favorite thing about your job? Learning about and being involved in space! In third grade, I became fascinated with space and even presented about black holes to my class. When my family visited Space Center Houston, I was excited by all the space activities going on (and the playground and freeze-dried ice cream). My class even had a field trip to visit it. When I am with friends from outside the area, I bring them to the Space Center as well. It is fun exploring and seeing space artifacts and astronauts. Ad astra! What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? It would have been fantastic to know about online courses! I am fortunate that my mentors introduced them to me. Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My parents, Andy and Donna Tat, are incredible, and I am so grateful for them and all of my mentors. In particular, Ms. Joreen Lee and Ms. Amy Kennedy-Reynolds always inspire me! In turn, I believe in the power of mentorship and giving back to the community. Many thanks to all of my mentors who are so gracious with their time and advice! They lead by example, demonstrating that it is always possible to be kind. Read full profile at galvnews.com. 2023 | 40 Under 40 | The Daily News | 27 LIVES: LEAGUE CITY WORKS: THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH; TAKING OUR BEST SHOT (TOBS) Vivian Tat, 25 Pre-doctoral research fellow; co-lead Why did you go into your particular field? I enjoy both public health and biomedical sciences. When I was a senior at Friendswood High School (Go Mustangs!), I was selecting a major to pursue. While browsing the list of available degrees, the words “public health” caught my eye. It was described as integrating multiple components of health, and I delved into this discipline. Furthermore, I strive to find answers and discover treatments for diseases, so I entered the biomedical sciences. Both fields are integral components of who I am, and I seek to fuse the public health and the biomedical sciences to better our shared world. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Growing up in Pearland and Friendswood, I wanted to be a doctor. My mom even lovingly sewed a little white coat for my elementary school’s Career Day. What was your first job? Both my first and second paid jobs were at The University of Texas Medical Branch, and they introduced me to research in the biomedical sciences and public health! Initially, I participated in UTMB’s STEM Quest Camps and Summer Biomedical Careers Academy, and my parents would sacrifice hours each day driving my siblings and me to and from Galveston. I then learned about UTMB’s High School Summer Research Program, and this experience taught me about infectious diseases and immunology. In my second position, I was introduced to the joys of public health. It is incredibly humbling to return to where my passion for research began. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? My family has shared many wise words and lessons, and some include: Persevere. Believe. Hope. Be Grateful. What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love exploring different aspects of science and health. On one hand, I create meaning from data and discover the truth through experiments. I am thankful to be a part of Dr. Chien- Te Kent Tseng’s team, and as a bonus, the view of the beach from our lab is gorgeous! On the other, I connect with our community members and promote health and well-being. Special thanks to the Taking Our Best Shot team, friends and supporters! All of this work is highly fulfilling. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Science is an ever-evolving field, and if results turn out differently, we may be on the brink of new discoveries! Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? First of all, I would like to thank every single one of my mentors! Your support and guidance, both professionally and personally, are truly appreciated. I am forever grateful for my parents, Andy and Donna Tat. From driving everywhere to giving us advice, they have shaped me into the person I am today. My older brother, Nathan, led the way for my younger sister, Candise, and me. When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? In my spare time, I enjoy being with my friends and family. Having started on the piano when I was 5 years old, I still play to this day. Read full profile at galvnews.com. LIVES: IOWA COLONY WORKS: LA MARQUE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Mandy Woodburn, 36 Public relations specialist Why did you go into your particular field? I’ve always had a deep love for films and visual media. The thrill of capturing important moments and raising awareness about social events has always inspired me to keep trying to perfect my craft. After working in broadcast journalism, I was given the opportunity to expand my marketing and public relations skills at San Antonio Zoo as their marketing manager. Blending my love for animals by spreading conservation awareness through visual storytelling was a dream. After relocating to Houston, I joined the Economic Development Corporation, where I can use my skills to promote the City of La Marque. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be many different things when I was a child. I remember playing the Game of Life with my two sisters and always hoping to get the artist career card. I was always coloring, painting or thinking of new imaginative games to play. When I was young, my parents noticed I wanted to take pictures and play with their video camera all the time. I would follow our dogs around the house and produce my own music videos. When I was in high school, they bought me my very own DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera and it all spurred from there. What was your first job? My first job was at a nickel arcade in San Antonio called Larzland. My dad would always take my sisters and me there on the weekends, and when I turned 15, my two friends and I got jobs as party room attendants, serving pizza and decorating for birthday parties. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I’ve ever received was from my mom in high school. I tried to be like everyone else to fit in. I wanted to be like the popular girls and follow the crowd. My mom told me to embrace being myself and being a kid as long as possible. You don’t need “fake friends,” and you don’t need to be a lemming. I needed to be true to myself, and I’ll build more genuine friendships from that. “Being different isn’t a bad thing. It just means you’re brave enough to be yourself.” – Luna Lovegood What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love being creative, and being the public relations specialist for the La Marque Economic Development Corporation gives me that opportunity in ways I never had before. I love highlighting small businesses with our “Shine On” video series and creating our quarterly magazine, Inside La Marque. It allows me to try new things and step outside my comfort zone. I feel very accomplished after posting a new video or receiving the latest magazine in the mail. I can say I did that and be proud of it. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Something I would tell my younger self is not to procrastinate. I used to do that often, which would put unnecessary stress on me. It is better to get it out of the way and be done with whatever you need to do rather than putting it off last minute. Also, to embrace change. Things change daily, at work and at home, and I shouldn’t be afraid of it. Find the positives in these changes and run with them, not away from them. Read full profile at galvnews.com.HeyYoung Professionals ! Learnmoreaboutourgroup! TheTexasCity-LaMarqueChamberofCommerceYoungProfessionalsNetworkwas createdtoengageyoungprofessionalsinthecommunitybyprovidinganopportunity tomakebusinessconnectionsandbecomebetteracquaintedwiththe TexasCity–LaMarqueChamberandthevalueofinvolvement. Opentopeoplewhoworkintheareaages21to45 Monthlyeventsincludeluncheonswithmentors/speakers After-HoursSocialEvents VolunteerServiceOpportunities Tolearnmoreandgetinvolvedemailmarielle@TCLMchamber.com. JointhegrouponThursday,July13fora SpeedNetworkHappyHouratDelPapa Distributingfrom5:30pm-7:00pm! 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