Alexandra E Holmes

She/Her/Hers

• What does being a First-Generation College Graduate mean to you?

Being a first generation student means new beginnings for me. My parents grew up low income with few educational opportunities and did not have the privilege of delaying income for 4 years to pursue a degree. Their hardworking and diligent natures combined with continual sacrifice allowed me to grow up in an amazing school district with a love for learning and the privilege to attend the university of my dreams. Every late night studying and aced exam was not only for my betterment and satisfaction but also a way to thank my parents for always putting me first. Being a first generation student, to me, means that I am a shining example of my parents' selflessness and commitment to education. I am not graduating for myself but for them as well and I will never truly be able to thank them for getting me here.

• What is your proudest moment from your time at UCSD?

My proudest moment was my experience in Organic Chemistry. I struggled throughout my entire time in Chem 40A and redirected all extra time to attending extra discussion sections, TLC tutoring in Geisel, youtube-ing unclear concepts, etc. only to barely pass the class. By the time Chem 40B rolled around, I kept up the same tenacity and didn't let my previous failure taint my determination going into it and was able to thrive through the material, restoring my own confidence in myself. I was more proud of that grade than I was in any other class and demonstrated to me that past failure is not indicative of future performance.

• What advice do you have for current or future first-generation students?

The continual surprises that college brings as well as the transition to independence can be exhausting but there is no better advice than to take advantage of the resources UCSD offers first generation students. From student organizations to mentorship programs, there's plenty of options. My experience being a part of the Triton Community Leadership Institute gave me the confidence and support system that I needed to tackle my first and second years with ease. My mentor Amy was like a big sister to me and the girls I met there made me feel so much less alone and scared in such a new environment.

• Who are the family members, friends or loved ones who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

My mom has been my rock throughout my entire time at UCSD. She decided to go back to community college to pursue her associate's degree at the same time that I started my first quarter. Her incredible grit, tenaciousness and humility inspired me to persevere through all the difficult teachers and complex concepts that I was struggling with. The way that she handled going back to school after such a long hiatus and worked towards her own dreams made her more of a role model to me than she had been before. I love you mom and I'm incredibly grateful for all the sacrifices you've made for me!

• Who are the staff, faculty or mentors who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

Professor Haim Weizmann showed such an incredible concern for his students' learning during my experience with him in Chem 40B that it made me excited to come to class and learn. During such a difficult subject, especially one that had gotten me so down in the past, it was refreshing and gave me a passion for chemistry that I had not had since high school. Thank you for all that you do for your students!

Professor James Cooke was another huge stand out for me as a teacher. The way that he taught BIPN 100 inspired me to redirect the focus of the remainder of my degree onto physiology and illustrated to me how a professor should be. He has a deep knowledge of the subject matter he teaches, like all professors here, but unlike all others, he is truly in tune to the way in which the human brain learns best and how to engage and motivate his students so that the material he teaches lasts longer than just 11 weeks. Professor Cooke I cannot thank you enough for the joy and passion you brought to your classroom!

• What do you plan or hope to do after graduating?

For the next year, I'll working as a Medical Assistant at an Urology clinic to gain clinical hours before applying to the Physician Assistant program at the University of California Davis. From there, I hope to work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or Cardiothoracic surgery.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Vice President of Finance/Executive Administrator, Alpha Phi

• Sharp Mary Birch Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

• Triton Community Leadership Institute (TCLI)