Education is a priority at Tacala which we demonstrate with the Team Tacala Scholarships, GED Ready funding, and the promotion of the Taco Bell Foundation’s Live Más Scholarships for team members. So naturally, Back to School season is a very exciting time at Tacala. The beginning of a new school year offers a fresh start along with endless possibilities for learning, developing social skills, and finding new interests and passions. A few of Tacala’s own “back to schoolers” were happy to share their plans for the 2024-2025 school year including what they are looking forward to most and how they are able to excel in their studies. Even if your school days are far behind you, some of their pro tips can help all of us with organization!
Gabby McKenzie, a first time Team Tacala Scholarship recipient, has been with Tacala for two years at our Helena Taco Bell in Helena, Alabama. Gabby is starting her freshman year at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama this fall. When asked where she was attending college, Gabby followed her statement up with an enthusiastic “Roll Tide”! Here Gabby is pursuing an architectural engineering degree. Freshman year brings lots of new experiences, but Gabby is most excited to live with her best friends for the first time! School has always been a top priority for Gabby, her biggest studying tip is to create a “To Do List” of all her assignments so she does not miss one!
Jesus Olguin De Los Santos, a two-time Team Tacala Scholarship winner, has been with Tacala for three years and is currently a Team Member Trainer at Walker Springs in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is excited to start school his sophomore year at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee where he is studying criminal justice. He wants to use his degree to make a difference in his local community by working with the Police Department. Jesus’ one school supply he can’t live without is his laptop. It provides the best of both worlds by helping him stay organized in his classes while also allowing him to catch up on any new tv shows!
Uriel Contreras, another first time Team Tacala Scholarship recipient has been a part of our Tacala Family for over two years as a Team Member Trainer at the Liberty Hill Taco Bell in Liberty Hill, Texas. Uriel is currently working on his Associates Degree in computer science at Austin Community College. Once he graduates, he plans on attending Texas State University to further his studies in computer science. Uriel likes to plan ahead in life and in school; his studying tip is when you get your syllabus to write down all of your tests and assignments on your planner to help beat procrastination.
George Kolettis is a summer intern at the RSC. This is his second summer working with the accounting team! George is starting his senior year at Auburn University and getting his degree in finance. It is no surprise that George is a huge Auburn fan and is most excited for football season this year! George manages his top-level finance classes by using his iPad to take notes and study at home. Senior year can be very busy with preparing for graduation so George recommends using a planner to organize his busy schedule!
Moises Guzman, a two-time Team Tacala Scholarship recipient, has been with Tacala for over 2 years as a Team Member Trainer at our Douglas Taco Bell in Douglas, Georgia. Moises is currently attending South Georgia State College and studying business. After Graduation Moises plans to start his own business! Moises is most excited to reunite with old classmates and make new friends this school year. He said his favorite part of school is the unexpected plans with these friends, where most of his best memories are made. Moises loves being organized in his studies, so he keeps a separate binder for every class and separate folders on his laptop. Moises’ advice is to always bring a pencil with you to class. Though he uses his laptop for all of his classes, he says you never know when someone else might need a pencil, and having one can help build a connection with a classmate!
We are so proud of our students here at Tacala! They are able to manage a busy schedule of work and school along with their personal life! We cannot wait to see where this school year takes them! If you would like more information about Tacala’s education programs, please email TacalaScholarships@tacala.com.
