From Highlands High School to Harvard: Upward Bound Student Pyriel Muñoz Embarks on a New Chapter

Pyriel Muñoz, a graduating senior from Highlands High School, is headed to Harvard University this fall – an extraordinary journey launched through his participation in the TRIO Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program at San Antonio College.

Introduced to the program as a freshman, Pyriel first heard about UBMS from his math teacher, who encouraged all students to apply. Initially hesitant, it was his father who urged him to take the leap. That decision would set the stage for years of academic growth, self-discovery, and personal transformation.

“I was a little awkward at first,” Pyriel recalled. “But getting to talk to sophomores, juniors, and even some seniors in the program gave me insight into high school and higher education. It helped me grow, not just as a student, but socially too.”

Although Pyriel began high school with an interest in engineering, he eventually discovered a deeper passion elsewhere. Now, he plans to study philosophy at Harvard, with aspirations of attending law school.

“Philosophy fosters all types of free thinking, and that’s important to me,” he said. “Everyone has unique ideas, and I want to understand where people are coming from – especially in today’s world. Government was probably the class that had the biggest influence on that shift.”

Though he was also accepted to competitive institutions like UT Austin and Carnegie Mellon, Pyriel said Harvard had been on his radar since freshman year. He was not expecting to be admitted – and the moment he learned he was will stay with him forever.

“I had a bad day that day. I got home and opened my Dartmouth letter first – rejected. So, I opened Harvard next, expecting the same. Then I saw the confetti, and the big bold ‘Congratulations.’ I sat there for 10 minutes before calling my dad. He slapped me on the back – it was a good moment.”

Thanks to a generous financial aid package that covers tuition, housing, and meals, Pyriel will attend Harvard with little out-of-pocket cost. He says he’s excited to immerse himself in a new environment, meet people from around the world, and gain new cultural perspectives—an experience he’s already had glimpses of through UBMS.

“They took us to visit places like MIT and Harvard. I got to go to Disney World and Universal Studios, too. Those trips were so fun, but more importantly, they helped me see what was possible.”

When asked what advice he’d give to younger students considering the Upward Bound program, Pyriel didn’t hesitate: “It’s totally free, and the support is incredible. You get tutoring, you meet people, you go on trips – and they push you to stay on top of your academics. It’s worth it.”

Though he says high school graduation isn't a major milestone in his eyes—he’s always had his sights set on bigger goals – his family is proud. A small celebration is planned in his honor alongside his older brother, who’s graduating from nursing school.

As Pyriel prepares to begin his next chapter in Cambridge, he’s focused on staying open-minded.

“There are so many directions I could go – criminal defense, corporate law, who knows. I think at Harvard, I’ll be able to narrow my path. But for now, I’m just excited to learn and grow.”

About TRIO Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) at San Antonio College
The UBMS program helps high school students from low-income families or first-generation college backgrounds prepare for and succeed in higher education—especially in STEM fields. Through academic support, tutoring, college visits, cultural enrichment, and hands-on learning, UBMS empowers students to dream big and reach their goals.

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