Since surviving a near-fatal car accident in 2019, Cassandra Lizardi-Morales has rediscovered her passions for education, social justice and helping others. She found help at UT Dallas. “The reality that I almost lost my life only invigorated and expanded my passion for social justice,” she said. Dr. Vito D’Orazio, assistant professor of political science at UT Dallas, said Lizardi-Morales was among the most engaged students in his class. “Cassandra is eager to pursue graduate studies, to become a high school teacher and to encourage youth development through competitive debate,” he said.