You can’t expect to reap the rewards of opportunities you’ve never pursued.”
UT Permian Basin student, Valeria Delgado Morales, has earned national recognition for her dedication to academics, leadership, and perseverance. The sophomore Marketing major from Costa Rica was recently awarded a scholarship by The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), an honor that not only highlights her hard work but also her inspiring journey as an international student-athlete.
Delgado Morales, who will enter her junior year this fall, first got involved with NSLS after receiving an invitation to join due to her academic achievements. Intrigued, she explored the organization further and quickly recognized the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
“After some due research, I knew that joining the NSLS would be of significant value to my integral development,” she shared.
The NSLS is the nation’s largest leadership honor society, supporting personal growth, goal setting, and leadership skills in students who demonstrate high academic standing and leadership potential. Receiving the scholarship from such a prestigious organization marks a milestone in Delgado Morales’ journey.
“Receiving this scholarship is a meaningful recognition of the journey I’ve overcome thus far,” she said. “Leaving home, adapting to a new language and culture, while balancing academics and athletics have shaped me into who I am today. However, I must also recognize those who have helped me grow and encouraged me to persevere, both back home and those I’ve met along the way.”
Delgado Morales emphasized that being honored by a national organization like NSLS is about more than individual achievement.
“As an international student and athlete coming from a small country, being recognized by the National Society of Leadership and Success is an honor that speaks to the power of discipline, and the importance of choosing wisely those who walk alongside you,” she said.
In addition to celebrating her own success, Delgado Morales offered encouraging words for fellow students considering similar opportunities.
“I would encourage them to go for it. You can’t expect to reap the rewards of opportunities you’ve never pursued,” she advised.
She also shared wisdom that has guided her during her time at UTPB.
“My father always reminds me that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,” she said. “Being a UTPB student gives us access to institutions like the NSLS that invest in those who are committed to growth. With the right support, we’re prepared when opportunities arise. And we’re reminded that what may seem like luck is often the result of quiet and consistent effort over time.”
UTPB is proud to recognize students like Delgado Morales for their academic achievement and involvement in leadership opportunities.
Delgado Morales, who will enter her junior year this fall, first got involved with NSLS after receiving an invitation to join due to her academic achievements. Intrigued, she explored the organization further and quickly recognized the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
“After some due research, I knew that joining the NSLS would be of significant value to my integral development,” she shared.
The NSLS is the nation’s largest leadership honor society, supporting personal growth, goal setting, and leadership skills in students who demonstrate high academic standing and leadership potential. Receiving the scholarship from such a prestigious organization marks a milestone in Delgado Morales’ journey.
“Receiving this scholarship is a meaningful recognition of the journey I’ve overcome thus far,” she said. “Leaving home, adapting to a new language and culture, while balancing academics and athletics have shaped me into who I am today. However, I must also recognize those who have helped me grow and encouraged me to persevere, both back home and those I’ve met along the way.”
Delgado Morales emphasized that being honored by a national organization like NSLS is about more than individual achievement.
“As an international student and athlete coming from a small country, being recognized by the National Society of Leadership and Success is an honor that speaks to the power of discipline, and the importance of choosing wisely those who walk alongside you,” she said.
In addition to celebrating her own success, Delgado Morales offered encouraging words for fellow students considering similar opportunities.
“I would encourage them to go for it. You can’t expect to reap the rewards of opportunities you’ve never pursued,” she advised.
She also shared wisdom that has guided her during her time at UTPB.
“My father always reminds me that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,” she said. “Being a UTPB student gives us access to institutions like the NSLS that invest in those who are committed to growth. With the right support, we’re prepared when opportunities arise. And we’re reminded that what may seem like luck is often the result of quiet and consistent effort over time.”
UTPB is proud to recognize students like Delgado Morales for their academic achievement and involvement in leadership opportunities.
