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Avalos Pathways in Technology Early College High (P-TECH) School senior Daniel Garner has been named a 2025 Gates Scholar, earning one of the nation’s most prestigious and competitive scholarships. For Daniel, the award is more than financial relief — it validates a journey defined by culture, community, and quiet determination.

Daniel, a mix of Black and Filipino heritage, was raised in a Hispanic neighborhood in Aldine. He credits this multicultural environment for shaping his resilience and instilling a strong sense of pride in his diverse identity. “Growing up between two rich cultures taught me adaptability and pride in where I come from,’ he said. ‘I’m motivated by the responsibility to build a life that honors my roots while paving the way for others like me.”

Daniel’s passion for education was ignited in elementary school. He always saw it as the path to creating a better future. “It felt like the first real step toward doing something meaningful with my life and giving back to people and humanity,” he shared.

His path led him to Avalos P-TECH School, where he enrolled without fully understanding the opportunity. “It quickly became one of the best things that happened to me,” Daniel said. “It challenged me academically and personally, gave me a head start in cybersecurity, and thanks to my mentors, teachers, and friends, the experience helped me grow into a more confident, capable leader.”

Daniel’s leadership is evident in his roles mentoring younger students in the Chick-fil-A Academy and organizing volunteers for events like the East Aldine Tree Lighting. “Those experiences taught me that leadership isn’t about being in charge — it’s about helping others step into their strengths,” he said.

His journey to the Gates Scholarship began with a conversation with Briseda Sanches, a 2024 Avalos graduate and Gates Scholar. She encouraged him to apply, and Daniel soon found himself reflecting deeply as part of the application’s essay process. After advancing to the semifinal round, he completed an interview that challenged him to “speak confidently and stay true” to himself.

When he received the award notification, disbelief turned to relief. “Knowing my family wouldn’t have to worry about how to pay for college lifted a huge weight off my shoulders,” he said. “After everything we’ve been through, all the sacrifice and hard work has finally paid off.”

Daniel will attend Texas A&M University as a general engineering major and plans to explore fields such as robotics, electronics, or mechanical engineering. “I want to build and design solutions that make everyday life better for real people,” he said. “Whether it’s affordable robotic limbs or tools for students with learning differences, I want my work to have purpose.”

But the road hasn’t been without obstacles. Daniel has faced self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the challenge of balancing school with family responsibilities. “There were times I questioned if I belonged in certain spaces,” he said. “But I kept showing up and reminded myself that progress is still progress, even when it’s not perfect.” His story shows what is possible when perseverance and self-belief can overcome any obstacle in the path of education.

Daniel said he draws strength from those who believed in him before he believed in himself — especially his parents, mentors, teachers, and friends. “Their belief helped shape mine, which has made all the difference,” Daniel said.

His advice to younger students hoping to follow a similar path is simple and powerful: “Start before you feel ready. No one is going to hand you a moment. You have to create it. Be kind, but protect your peace. Your background is not a weakness. It’s your power.”

Outside the classroom, Daniel is an avid writer and coder. His journals are full of reflections and poems, and he volunteers his technical skills with COSMO, a nonprofit startup supporting animal rescue shelters. “I work with a small team to build tools that help shelters run smoothly and reach more people,” he said.

Whether programming, writing, or sketching new ideas, Daniel is driven by curiosity and creativity. “I’m always learning — through code, creativity, or simply paying attention to the world around me.”

As a Gates Scholar, Daniel looks forward to giving back and paying it forward. “This isn’t just my win,” he said. “It’s ours.”