For Manvel senior first baseman Esmeralda Salazar, a simple high school choir class ultimately shaped the future she hopes to pursue beyond the softball field.
While participating in Choir PALS, a program designed to provide students with disabilities a safe and inclusive environment to experience music, Salazar helped children learn and engage with music, an experience that left a lasting impression on her.
“I love helping, I love singing, Choir PALS allowed me to do both,” said Salazar.
The relationships she built with those students revealed the need for compassionate professionals in the medical field and ultimately inspired her to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse.
“We have a curriculum tailored to our fundamental skills students, and we have students like Esmeralda who are there to help,” said Manvel High School choir director Blythe Hopson.
During one of her first experiences working with the students, Salazar witnessed a moment that would leave a lasting impression.
“The first time I worked with the Choir Pal students was on a Friday during karaoke day,” said Salazar. “When one student sang ‘Girl on Fire’ by Alicia Keys, I cried because watching them sing touched my heart deeply.”
That moment marked the start of a connection that continued to grow throughout the semester.
“Esmeralda was always really kind and supportive of all students,” said Hopson. “She built strong relationships with them and even took it upon herself to buy each student a Christmas present that reflected their interests. She spent the semester getting to know them, which had a big impact on our students.”
As the semester progressed, Salazar became increasingly invested in her students’ lives. To make the holidays special, she purchased a personalized gift for each student, choosing stuffed animals and candy that matched their personalities and interests.
“I started realizing this class was affecting my life goals when I began putting them before myself,” said Salazar. “I would spend every last dime I had on them, and I would make sure they were always happy to come to choir class. Their happiness was important to me.”
The experience revealed qualities in herself that she had never fully recognized.
“Choir PALS welcomed me with open arms and trusted me to be someone they could depend on when they needed help,” said Salazar. “Not a day goes by without them looking for me in the hallways and showering me with love. I am so grateful to be a part of their lives.”
The relationships she formed through the program helped her realize that caring for others was something she wanted to do long after high school.
If there is one thing that has rivaled Salazar’s passion for helping others, it has been softball.
Salazar began playing the sport at age five in the Alvin Girls Softball League, later competing in the Pearland Girls Softball League. By age 10, she had transitioned to travel ball, spending much of her childhood on the diamond. Although she has played every position throughout her career, first base became her favorite because of the constant involvement and the comfort she developed there.
“Softball has helped shape me into the person I am today by fostering a focused mindset, consistency, accountability, discipline, and a great attitude through sportsmanship,” said Salazar. “It has also helped me develop team-building skills, leadership, and social relationships that I use every day to navigate the stresses of everyday high school life.”
Salazar hopes the next chapter of her life will allow her to pursue both of her passions.
Although she received admission offers from several universities, including Sam Houston State University, Tarleton State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, and the University of North Texas at Dallas, Salazar chose to stay close to home and attend Houston Christian University.
“The first time I worked with the Choir Pal students was on a Friday during karaoke day,” said Esmeralda Salazar. “When one student sang ‘Girl on Fire’ by Alicia Keys, I cried because watching them sing touched my heart deeply.”
“HCU is a great school, and it’s close to home,” said Salazar, who plans to pursue a walk-on opportunity with the softball team. “I’m not ready to give up on the sport I love and appreciate. A lot of blood, sweat, tears, hard work, late nights, and cheers have gone into this. It’s hard for me to walk away completely without looking back.”
Whether or not softball remains part of her future, Salazar knows which career path she wants to pursue.
“I’m super excited because not only will I be doing something I love, but I will also be helping people and being someone they can depend on when they are in need,” said Salazar. “I chose pediatric nursing because I love children. I want to become a mom someday, and kids deserve a fighting chance at life and the opportunity to experience it.”
For much of her life, Salazar focused on softball and on earning a college opportunity. But an unexpected experience in a high school choir classroom introduced her to a new passion and helped shape a different vision for her future, one centered on serving others.
While her future may include collegiate softball, the lessons she learned through Choir PALS will continue to guide her long after her final game.
“The experiences with the children through Choir PALS ultimately taught me to be selfless,” said Salazar. “It also taught me to have compassion for others, giving me a brief glimpse into their everyday lives.”
