Laura Elaine Torres

Volunteering is not a chore for Laura Elaine Torres; it's her way of brightening the day.

With her church, she hands out tacos to the hungry and teaches Catholic doctrine classes to young followers. After school, she is either at a nursing home helping the elderly or at schools helping to teach the young.

"You get to help out in every which way," Torres said. "Regardless of what it is, it will make them happy, and that's what makes me happy."

Torres, a graduate of Seguin High School and soon-to-be freshman at Texas Lutheran University, prides herself on being involved and loving to help others.

"When you help someone, it lifts you up. It means a lot to feel how much your help is worth," Torres said.

She loves to see the glow of the old hungry men as they shuffle away with their tacos.

In high school, Torres was never the girl who strived to be like everyone else.

"I always put my own angles to things," she said.

In high school, Torres was involved in newspaper for three years, serving as assistant editor for the last year. She also participated in law enforcement club as a reporter, Health Occupational Students of America, Family Career Community Leaders of America and Mentoring And Tutoring Students.

"I feel like I have to push myself for my mom because I have to pay back my mom for all she has done for me," Torres said.

Journalism was another way to pay back her mom and help out others.

 "It's my life's goal to impact the lives of others through stories and the classroom."