Alyssa Smith
Major
Chemical Engineering
CEAS Award
Community Impact Award
Why were you selected for this award?
I received this award because of my commitment to supporting and uplifting students, especially those from first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds. As I have mentored students for the last three years, I have created a space for students to feel comfortable, ask questions, and stay connected. In communities such as the Lattice Scholars Program and the Campos Student Center, I have built strong connections with mentees and professional staff which allowed me to better contribute to the growth of the programs themselves.
What does graduating from college mean to you?
As a first-generation student, graduating from college means more to me than earning a degree. Getting this degree not only represents my own effort, but everything behind it, including my family and the sacrifices and the support that got me here. I will always reflect on the growth I've experienced and the communities I've built at Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder.