Student Profile: Ana Paula Monterrubio
It’s one thing to go out of state for college, but Ana Paula Monterrubio decided to go out of her country to come to Texas State. As someone who grew up with an emphasis on family, it was a leap for her to leave Mexico. She misses her family, but for her it’s worth it to follow her dreams.
Ana Paula, right, in Texas State's El Nogalar
In Mexico, there isn’t a big musical theater industry. It’s seen as more of a hobby than a career, Ana Paula described.
“The US was really the only option for me,” she said.
Ana Paula was born in the United States but only lived here for about a week until her family took her back to their hometown of Mexico City. She went to grade school and high school at the American School Foundation, a non-profit that provides high-quality American education to children in Mexico City. She started to participate in musicals like Pocahontas and Into the Woods and started to get lead roles and solos. From there, Ana Paula started doing bigger things like voice competitions and Nexus, Texas State’s musical theater program for high schoolers.
“When I first visited Texas State, I knew this was the school I wanted to come to.”
Even with her strong theater background, Ana Paula was afraid she wouldn’t get into Texas State’s competitive program. But luckily, she was one of only forteen accepted.
“It’s been so amazing how I've been able to grow,” she said.
From learning new ways to use her voice to taking daily dance lessons, Ana Paula is making steps toward her dream of being on Broadway. Maybe one day, she’ll get to star in her favorite musical, “She Loves Me.”