Ever since she was young, Peri Howell knew she wanted to be a doctor. “There was never really a time when I wanted something else,” she said, “It’s just something I knew I wanted as soon as I started thinking about a career. I always liked the idea of being able to help people and be someone others can depend on.”
At Lake Highlands High School, she enrolled in the health sciences pathway, which helped her get hands-on experiences and explore the possibilities.
Now, as she prepares to graduate and head to Aggieland to join her three older brothers, she plans to study biomedical sciences; her big dream is closer than ever. Even though her siblings currently attend A&M, she will be the first to study medicine.
Before attending LHHS, she attended White Rock Elementary and Lake Highlands Junior High, but she says she’s changed a lot since her earlier years and has experienced a lot of growth. “I used to not be very confident in myself or my leadership abilities and was not outgoing or extraverted, but grew to be that way,” she said, “being involved in soccer as the team captain, Lead Well, TI-12, and other student organizations taught me so much about communication, leadership, and stepping outside of my comfort zone.”
Peri and her three older brothers are just one year apart from each other, and her freshman year of high school was especially memorable. All four of them attended Lake Highlands High School together, even all playing Tennis at the same time, at the urging of their mom, also an Aggie.
Watching her siblings all go on to attend A&M made a strong impression on her decision to apply. “I visited A&M so many times that I just knew I didn’t want to go anywhere else. I didn’t even tour or apply to any other schools,” Peri says with a laugh. While she looks up to her brothers, she’s also learned to embrace her own path.
Peri is an outstanding student who is ranked #3 in her class and the recipient of three scholarships, including R.M. CAATS, The Austin Silva Memorial Scholarship, and the Dallas A&M Club Scholarship. As a student-athlete, scholar, and student leader, she loves staying busy and being involved. However, she says one of the most important things she learned came from her brother: “Always have time to be interrupted. Your life should never be so busy that you can’t stop to be a good friend, or do something for yourself and relax.”
As graduation approaches, Peri says she’s most excited about embracing the next step and staying grounded in the present, instead of trying to plan too far ahead. “I know the next four years will go by fast, and I want to enjoy them.”
With big dreams and a heart for others, she’s ready for the next chapter.
