Xamantha Descallar • United States of America

Xamantha Descallar is a college student working on a Microbiology degree at Texas A&M University and Lone Star College. She is fluent in English and understands Cebuano and Japanese. She has spent time volunteering at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. Her studies focus on nursing, pathology, and forensic science. When she is not in class, she enjoys digital art, photography, cooking, playing musical instruments, dancing, singing, and learning new languages.

Xamantha Pearl Gales Descallar was born in Cebu, Philippines, and moved to the United States when she was one year old. Growing up, she spoke Cebuano and English at home. She began her schooling in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, where she did well academically. Later, she continued her education in Spring, Texas. During junior high and high school, she joined the Robotics Club, served as captain of the Science Bowl, and participated in the Art Club, Yearbook Club, Drone Club, and Biotechnology Club. She was also involved in the National Art Honor Society and the National Honor Society.

Her accomplishments include earning first place in the District 5 CYO Spelling Bee for three consecutive years, from 2013 to 2015. She received Student Achieving Excellence awards and an Academic Excellence award in 2019. In 2020, she placed second in the SCI: TECH Biotechnology Competition for her work in data analysis. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2023 and was ranked in the top 10% of her class.

Her volunteer work began in 2019 at the IRONMAN Texas event. She helped at the Children’s Festival in 2019 and again in 2022. Between 2021 and 2023, she assisted at the Montgomery Food Bank. In 2022, she joined the Caring Teen Summer Internship Program, where she supported the Nursing and Food & Nutrition departments. She also took part in the Fall Festival, Family Gift Market, and Breakfast with Santa. Most recently, she contributed to projects at The Gardens at Texas A&M University and the Science Olympiad.

Xamantha Descallar plans to complete her Microbiology degree early and pursue a career in nursing to care for people from diverse backgrounds.