A Lake Havasu City native is making an impact at Arizona State University by guiding first-year students and serving his community. Alexis Alba, a senior from Lake Havasu City, is pursuing a triple major in psychology, political science, and family and human development. His family has roots from Zacatecas, Mexico, and as one of seven children, Alba learned the value of a strong education from his older sisters.
As a full-time student, Alba has taken on roles that allow him to explore his interests and assist others. He serves as a learning assistant for the Student Success in The College course, which helps transition first-year students into college life. Alba emphasizes his role in fostering audience engagement and providing guidance, especially for students who may lack resources, are first-generation, or are from out-of-state. He described his motivation, saying it is "definitely being able to be that kind of cheerleader." He noted that when he took the course, teaching assistants did not interact much with the class, and he now works to ensure more connection between assistants and students.
Beyond his work on campus, Alba combined his leadership and communication skills during a study abroad program in Merida, Mexico. There, he served as a psychology intern, working with children from kindergarten through high school and observing their learning environments.
Alba is one of thousands of first-generation Latino students at ASU, a Hispanic-Serving Institution, who are actively leading and serving their communities while honoring their culture. Two other students exemplify this commitment.
Briseida Sanchez, a senior studying political science and transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o studies, holds a leadership position as the events and fundraisers coordinator for the College Assistance Migrant Program Organization of Students (CAMPOS). CAMPOS at ASU works to spread awareness of labor rights, advocacy, and other issues relevant to the agricultural working community. Sanchez grew up in a Latino agricultural working community in Yuma, and her personal experience informs her role, as both of her parents worked in the industry. She has been involved with nonprofits focused on the well-being and socioeconomic status of field workers since high school. Sanchez wanted to step up in CAMPOS to bring more awareness to issues like health risks tied to farmworker jobs. She reflected on realizing the extent of Latino representation on campus, noting that it creates a feeling of being "represented."
Yazil Velazquez, a junior marketing student, serves as the student relations director of the Hispanic Business Students Association (HBSA). Velazquez, a first-generation Latino student from Glendale, experienced a culture shock when he arrived at Tempe, seeking a connection to the Hispanic community he was used to. He found that community and made lifelong friends at HBSA, which helped him navigate financial struggles during his first year at ASU. Velazquez received the President's Scholarship and an additional scholarship from HBSA, but these were insufficient to cover his housing expenses. His position with HBSA has opened doors to opportunities, including internships and scholarships. He secured an internship with the Programming and Activities Board Tempe, a student-led organization that organizes campus activities. Velazquez also maintains close ties with other Latino clubs, such as El Concilio. He is passionate about serving as a role model for the Latino community, aspiring to represent the possibility of achieving the Mexican-American dream and seeing more minority groups in higher positions.
