Meet Alexis

What inspired you to choose chemistry as your major?

It's a crazy story actually. I originally went to a different university for my first semester of college. While walking to class one day I was struck by a vehicle and thrown fifteen feet across the road. When all of the chaos settled, the ICU doctors informed be that the textbook in my backpack distributed the impact from the vehicle across my entire back rather than the one point of impact. This book was likely the only reason I was not paralyzed from the waist down. The book that I've been referencing was a general chemistry textbook. I was so grateful for this inanimate object that I switched my major from public health to biological chemistry.  I believe that everything happens for a reason. That day changed my life for the better and I couldn't be happier to be graduating from UT Arlington with my degree in biological chemistry.

What was your favorite chemistry class and why?

My favorite chemistry class was probably general chemistry 2. My professor, Dr.Rogers, was the absolute best professor I have ever had. He genuinely loves chemistry and passing along his knowledge. He made a difficult class enjoyable and engaging by always telling us stories and showing us ways to study chemistry that I still use to this day.

What do you see as your ideal long-term career?

Either working as an Embryologist at a fertility clinic or working as a pediatrician  

What was the most impactful experience you had as a student while at UTA?

I would say transferring to UTA during the second semester of my freshman year. There aren't many chemistry majors, so when I transferred in I was scared that I wouldn't be able to make friends since everyone already knew each other. However, as soon as I stepped into CHEM 1342, Dr.Rogers immediately noticed that I was new and made it a point to ensure I came to him for help catching up to the material he was covering. Later that day we had our first Lab meeting and everyone came over to say hello and introduce themselves. Everyone was so welcoming and nice. I knew at that moment that I had just made some of the best friends and study partners of my college career. As a graduating senior, I am still friends with every single one of these people and I even picked up some more friends along the way. We all study together and help each other almost every day, and I could not be more thankful to have such wonderful friends.

What advice would you give to your younger self about college?

NEVER compare yourself to others. If you are comparing your grades with others, all you are doing is setting yourself up for disappointment. College has a huge learning curve for everyone so the only person you should compare yourself to is yourself. If you get a 65 on your first exam, you should aim to do better on the next. If you get a 75 on the second exam, you should aim to do better on the next. College is all about self improvement and being the best version of yourself that you can be. Study the way that works for you and your brain, not what works for your friend and their brain. Always remember, C's get degrees.