Improving the Essentials: Alexis’s Story

A seminar focused on women in transportation sparked something in Alexis, who plans to study Engineering this fall at the University of California, Los Angeles. It got her interested in improving essential systems, such as water, power distribution, and waste disposal infrastructure. Outside of academics, Alexis also excels in sports. She was part of her high school’s championship girls flag football team.

College: University of California, Los Angeles, studying Engineering

• What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM or a trade, and what excites you most about this path?

  After attending a Women in Transportation Seminar, I truly became fascinated with water, power distribution, and waste disposal infrastructure. What excites me most about this path is the opportunity to help improve essential systems, both locally and internationally.

• How do you see this scholarship helping you achieve your career goals, and what difference do you hope to make in your field?

  This scholarship would be a significant step towards achieving my educational and career dreams. It alleviates some of the financial burden that comes with a college degree, providing me time to pursue opportunities to gain experience in essential infrastructure fields. I hope to make a difference by sharing my experiences, in a mentorship capacity or through similar events that were so instrumental in my pursuit of a career in STEM, to young women unsure of their own career path. Showing them higher education is attainable and pursuing career pathways in fields they are passionate about is possible, no matter their current situation.

• Who has been your biggest supporter or role model throughout your education?

  My parents have always been my biggest supporters throughout my education. With their encouragement and love I am able to succeed and keep going even when things get hard. I am so grateful for everything they have done to help me.

• What are you most excited about as you begin your college or trade school journey?

  I am most excited to meet new people and build meaningful connections within my field of study, engineering. I am really looking forward to meeting others with shared interest and passion. I believe making these connections early is a great way to build a future for myself.

• What’s one fun fact about you that people might not expect from someone pursuing a career in your field?

  One fun fact people would not expect would be me being awarded my high schools Scholar Athlete of the Year as a senior, participating in both flag football and soccer. I was a part of the inaugural girl’s flag football season in Southern California, and during my senior season led the team as quarterback to win the league championship for the first time in the school’s history.

• If you could instantly learn any skill before starting college or trade school, what would it be?

  If I could learn any skill before starting college, I would choose to learn how to cook. I have heard college food isn’t the best or most nutritional, so being able to make my own meals would be a useful skill to stay full and healthy.

• If you had an entire day to do whatever you wanted—no school or work—how would you spend it?

  I would do a day trip to Catalina Island with my friends and family. Food, fun, sun, friends and family at the beach is my perfect way to relax and enjoy a nice day off.