Kamila Palacios Awarded Fannie Angelos Scholarship

Bowie State University Student Continues to Achieve Despite Dyslexia

 

MEDIA CONTACT: media@bowiestate.edu

(BOWIE, Md.) — Kamila Palacios, a senior government major in Bowie State University’s Department of History and Government, is graduating this spring and preparing to take her next step toward a career in immigration law after receiving the prestigious Fannie Angelos Scholarship to attend the University of Baltimore School of Law. Palacios is a participant in Bowie State’s government concentration, which supports students pursuing careers in law, public service, and civic leadership. But her journey has been marked by more than just academic achievement. 

Palacios has maintained high marks in the classroom despite being recently diagnosed with dyslexia. The scholarship covered the cost of diagnostic testing that she suspected was needed for years but could not afford. 

“Growing up, I always had a feeling I had dyslexia,” Palacios said. “But I did well in grammar and high school, so teachers never thought anything was wrong.” 

Without the diagnosis, Palacios often spent extra hours reading and completing her assignments, frequently going beyond what was required just to stay on track. The official confirmation helped to reframe her experience. 

“It was a relief,” she said. “It meant there was nothing wrong with me. My brain just works a little differently.” 

After her diagnosis last year, Palacios was quickly connected to Bowie State’s Student Success Center, where she was provided with a variety of services and accommodations — including extended exam time — to support her learning needs. She credits the university’s smaller class sizes and supportive faculty for helping her feel seen and understood. 

“My professors know my name and they know my goals,” she said. “They’ve helped me with internships and opportunities that align with what I want to do.” 

Born and raised in Bowie, Palacios draws inspiration from her parents — both immigrants — and from her strong connection to the local community. Her long-term goal is to become an immigration attorney and advocate for families navigating the legal system. 

“That has always been close to my heart,” she said. “My parents taught me to support our community and be a reflection of it.” 

While she admits she is not entirely sure what the future holds, her mission is clear. 

“I just want to help people,” Palacios said. “Whatever law firm I work for, I want to know that I am making a difference.” 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.