Alejandra Rodriguez shares her experience with The Honors College at Lone Star College and how it led to her success at Rice University and beyond.
Why is higher education important?
Higher education is crucial to make positive changes and contribute to the community.
In my experience, attending a community college and university has helped me to think critically and has opened my eyes to so many new topics.
How did The Honors College at Lone Star College contribute to your success at LSC and Rice University?
The Honors College had a significant impact on me and taught me the importance of community and giving back. These ideals motivated me, helped me to stay focused and encouraged me to become a peer mentor at LSC and an orientation advisor at Rice University.
Learning invaluable skills such as research, presentation, leadership and cultural competency helped me to become a Jack Kent Cooke semifinalist (2021) at LSC. It also increased my chances of getting accepted into Rice University.
Another rewarding aspect of my Honors College experience was the meaningful friendships that I formed. I met my best friend during the scholarship retreat, and two years later, we became roommates at Rice. Also, taking multiple honors classes with the same group of students allowed us to grow together academically and personally and cultivate deep connections that last today.
Describe your experience at Rice University.
When I first started at Rice, I felt a little bit of imposter syndrome, but I knew that the LSC Honors College provided me with the skills and resources to be successful.
The first lesson I learned at Rice is to reach out for help instead of living with the feeling that I couldn’t do something. I quickly realized there were many professors and administrators ready to help students succeed.
Although prepared to handle the rigors at Rice, transferring my credits from LSC to Rice was difficult because the university was harder on the students who went to community colleges. I am working with individuals at Rice to make it easier for LSC students to transfer credits to this institution.
When will you graduate from Rice University, what degree will you earn, and what is your future career field?
I will graduate from Rice University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Cognitive Science with a concentration in psychology and a minor in Spanish and Portuguese studies. In the future, I plan to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
I want to become a therapist because I think there is a great need for mental health, especially in the Hispanic community, and I want to fill in the gap of professionals who do not speak Spanish. I plan to use my minor in Spanish and Portuguese studies to understand the background and context of my patients, which will be important in treating them.
Why did you attend Lone Star College, and were you involved in other programs outside of The Honors College?
Lone Star College is one of the top institutions for research, innovation and engagement. I enrolled in LSC-Montgomery in 2019 and graduated in 2021 with an Honors Associate of Science Degree.
I attended LSC after high school because I did not feel ready to leave home or had the skills to attend a four-year university like Rice. At LSC, I received the top-notch education I wanted and stayed close to home.
I was involved in Phi Theta Kappa and received the Outstanding Member of Service Award for collaborating with the Honors in Action project that promoted voting among LSC students. I also served as the Vice President of the Art Club.
Describe your background and how it influenced your educational journey and future career path.
I grew up in Colombia and moved to the United States when I was 14. It was difficult facing a culture and language shock. These challenges made me doubt myself, but Lone Star College and The Honors College helped me regain that confidence.
As an immigrant, I understand the struggles that we go through, which is why I want to make a difference in that community by pursuing a career in the mental health field.
Are you involved in current research at Rice University, and what are your hobbies?
I am a research assistant through Rice’s Humanities Research Center Undergraduate Summer Fellowship. I work with a professor studying nonbinary ideas in theater and Spanish literature.
Outside of school, I am in many activities at Green House International Church. I sing through the worship team, and I sometimes teach little children. I also enjoy playing the ukulele and spending time with family and friends.