Alexa Morales
San Francisco State University, Class of 2022; Paly Class of 2018
Alexa is graduating with a B.A. in Psychology and Latina(o) Studies and a minor in Education
What is one of your favorite subjects/classes during college? Why?
The classes I have enjoyed the most during my time in school are the ones I took for my Latina(o) studies major. Out of all the classes I’ve taken, ‘Latina/o community organizing’ and ‘educational equity’ have been my most memorable because of the love my professors showed for the subject and because of the emphasis on equity, social justice, and community empowerment. These courses have prepared me for a lifetime of community commitment and involvement.
What has been the best part about going to college?
The best thing about college for me was getting the chance to be involved in many different student organizations on campus and learning to advocate for myself and my needs as a student. I have created so many amazing memories and gotten to meet people from all around the world at SF State. All the different organizations I was involved in allowed me to network and make connections and it's how I meet my now best friends. Being so involved on campus was also the reason I was able to learn about all the different resources available to students at my university.
What is the one thing that you learned during college that you wish you could tell your 18 years old self?
Step outside of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to take risks. It’s hard at first but it’s important to do so if you want to continue to grow and to be able to push yourself through those difficult moments you may encounter.
Has RTE made a difference in your decision to pursue a college degree in terms of support/advice/finances? If so, how?
This program has not only assisted me financially by helping ease the financial stress of higher education but also provided me with energy and enthusiasm to work harder and do better. It felt great to have people checking in on my progress as a student, no other scholarship program has done that for me. It feels great to know that others besides my family believe in me and are willing to invest in my future.
Did any adults help/support you in the process of getting TO and THROUGH college? How?
The people that have helped me on my journey through college are my parents, They have always been so supportive of me and always encouraged me to do my best and keep pushing through when I needed it most. When I think back to high school, the two teachers that I can say supported me in the process of getting to college are Ms. Laguna and Ms. Mueller. I always knew I wanted to go to college and they helped me through that whole process and are people that I can still reach out to even today.
What do you want to do after college? Do you have plans (short/long) term ones?
I am aiming to have a career that would allow me to work with students on their journey towards higher education. Once I graduate I plan to take a year off before applying to a Master's program in school counseling. I want to help either high school or early college students overcome challenges and barriers to entry to institutions of higher education and help them plan for their futures.
What is one of your favorite subjects/classes during college? Why?
The classes I have enjoyed the most during my time in school are the ones I took for my Latina(o) studies major. Out of all the classes I’ve taken, ‘Latina/o community organizing’ and ‘educational equity’ have been my most memorable because of the love my professors showed for the subject and because of the emphasis on equity, social justice, and community empowerment. These courses have prepared me for a lifetime of community commitment and involvement.
What has been the best part about going to college?
The best thing about college for me was getting the chance to be involved in many different student organizations on campus and learning to advocate for myself and my needs as a student. I have created so many amazing memories and gotten to meet people from all around the world at SF State. All the different organizations I was involved in allowed me to network and make connections and it's how I meet my now best friends. Being so involved on campus was also the reason I was able to learn about all the different resources available to students at my university.
What is the one thing that you learned during college that you wish you could tell your 18 years old self?
Step outside of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to take risks. It’s hard at first but it’s important to do so if you want to continue to grow and to be able to push yourself through those difficult moments you may encounter.
Has RTE made a difference in your decision to pursue a college degree in terms of support/advice/finances? If so, how?
This program has not only assisted me financially by helping ease the financial stress of higher education but also provided me with energy and enthusiasm to work harder and do better. It felt great to have people checking in on my progress as a student, no other scholarship program has done that for me. It feels great to know that others besides my family believe in me and are willing to invest in my future.
Did any adults help/support you in the process of getting TO and THROUGH college? How?
The people that have helped me on my journey through college are my parents, They have always been so supportive of me and always encouraged me to do my best and keep pushing through when I needed it most. When I think back to high school, the two teachers that I can say supported me in the process of getting to college are Ms. Laguna and Ms. Mueller. I always knew I wanted to go to college and they helped me through that whole process and are people that I can still reach out to even today.
What do you want to do after college? Do you have plans (short/long) term ones?
I am aiming to have a career that would allow me to work with students on their journey towards higher education. Once I graduate I plan to take a year off before applying to a Master's program in school counseling. I want to help either high school or early college students overcome challenges and barriers to entry to institutions of higher education and help them plan for their futures.