Student Profiles
Additional Plan II student profiles can be found on the Plan II Peer Mentoring page.
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Nico Zavala
Plan II, Psychology
Class of 2028
Hello! My name is Nico Zavala, freshman in Plan II and Psychology. I’m from San Antonio, TX (yes, the Alamo stays in my mind daily), and have loved the busier Austin life as well. I’m currently involved in a psychology organization called TSPA, a movie organization called EChO, and the Texas Exes. I also frequently attend movie screenings at the Union - I loved when they played Interstellar. My curiosity and willingness to try new things reflect the values of Plan II, and I love that Plan II broadens my ability to explore my many interests and find similarly curious friends
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Ben Catterton
Plan II & English
Class of 2028
Hi I am Ben Plan II and English! Plan II's small class-size and engaging coursework encourage fast friends and cooperation, and the people within Plan II are unlike any you've ever met. Plan II students are creative, intelligent, quirky, and friendly, but most importantly: no Plan II student is the same. At Plan II, you will meet people from all over, and you will certainly meet people with different academic interests. Because of the Plan II Program's broad applicability, everyone I've met within the program has had different, impressive goals for their education. Whether it be because of their second major, their certificates or minors, their internship with a political candidate, or their early work towards their eventual thesis or graduate education, I have yet to meet a Plan II student with nothing on the horizon. So if you're looking for a welcoming community of intelligent, friendly, and unique students—I can't recommend Plan II enough!
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Thierry Chu
Plan II, English
Minors in Risk Management & Spanish
Class of 2026
Hey y’all! My name is Thierry Chu, and I’m a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin. I am majoring in Plan II Honors and English with minors in Spanish and Risk Management. I’m from Houston, TX, and I am an advocate for Houston actually being a fun place to live. At UT, I work as a Plan II Admissions Assistant – maybe I’ll see you at an info session! – and as part of the External Relations Team for the President’s Office. I joined the Plan II Admissions Team three months into my freshman year which is just a testament to how much I love the program.
Read More About Thierry Here
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Vivek Beeram
Plan II, Neuroscience
Class of 2025
Hi! My name is Vivek Beeram. I’m a senior majoring in Plan II and Neuroscience Honors. I’m from San Antonio but have been proud to call Austin and Plan II my home for the last few years. At UT, I’ve been involved with academic research, student leadership, and exciting projects that wouldn’t have happened without the help of Plan II.
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Avery Atchley
Plan II, Electrical Engineering
Class of 2025
Howdy! My name is Avery Atchley, and I am a Junior studying Plan II and Electrical and Computer Engineering. I was born in Dallas but have lived in Austin since I was 2. I have burnt orange blood flowing through my veins — My parents and three older siblings have all graduated from UT (2 of which graduated from Plan II!), with one more to follow after me. After seeing the robustness and depth of knowledge my two older brothers achieved through their courses in Plan II, I knew I had to be a part of it. Moreover, I saw Plan II as an excellent complement to my engineering degree, allowing me to develop both technical and critical thinking skills.
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Mihir Gupta
Plan II & Biochemistry
Minors in Business & English
Class of 2025
Hey y'all! My name is Mihir Gupta, and I'm a rising junior at the University of Texas at Austin. I am majoring in Plan II Honors and Biochemistry Honors, with minors in Computer Science, Data Science, Healthcare Management, Business, Government, and English. I'm originally from Plano, TX, a suburb of Dallas. At UT, I work as an undergraduate researcher in the Russell Lab and as the College Volunteer Leadership Program Chair for Dell Seton Medical Center.
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Jasmine Wright
Plan II & International Relations and Global Studies
Minor in Spanish Language
Class of 2024
Hello! My name is Jasmine Wright and I am a second year student at the University of Texas at Austin. I am a double major in the College of Liberal Arts in the Plan II Honors and the International Relations and Global Studies programs. I am from Houston, Texas and have really enjoyed my time here in Austin! I have found my transition to higher education with the Plan II program incredibly smooth. Despite the pandemic and tense social happenings in the world today, I have been able to find a community that accepts and encourages me everyday.
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William Cotton Hearne
Plan II, Government & African & African Diaspora Studies
Minor in Philosophy of Law
Class of 2024
Hey there! My name is William Cotton Hearne and I am a fourth year student here at UT Austin in the College of Liberal Arts majoring in Plan II Honors, Government, and African & African Diaspora Studies (AADS). I’m from Houston Texas’s Historic Third Ward, and love how Austin captures the fast-paced city spirit I’m used to, while maintaining the calm nature-infused aura of a smaller town (There’s a little bit of something here for everybody in my opinion). Although both of my parents attended and graduated from UT I did not discover Plan II until midway through my application process; yet after attending a local information session in my city, I knew this was the program for me.
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