ASU grad advocates for students through Lyft partnership, DACA scholarships and more

Aly Perkins has never been one to shy away from making her visions a reality and leaving her mark on the community.

Majoring in public service and public policy, Perkins said that ASU has given her countless opportunities to get involved in public service. And she’s taken full advantage.

In her time at ASU, Perkins worked at the Arizona State Capitol, and in multiple roles in student government (she’s currently Undergraduate Student Government President of the Downtown Phoenix campus. She has also participated in Young Life and the Barrett Leadership and Service Team.

Perkins has brought to life several initiatives in her time as a Sun Devil, and her passion projects were always aimed at helping her fellow students in some way, particularly in her time in student government.

“It has been especially through this organization that I have been able to implement services and policy changes that help students, both on the Downtown campus and university-wide,” she said.

She has helped raise money for undocumented and DACA students at ASU through the We Rise Scholarship, coordinated a partnership with Lyft to connect students to transportation and organized the first-ever student-led  Safety Walk on the Downtown Phoenix campus.

As she counts down to commencement, Perkins talked with ASU Student Life about what she has learned during her time at ASU, how she’s grown as a person during her undergraduate career, and what the future holds for her.

Aly Perkins

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: I originally chose public policy because I figured it would best prepare me for law school. However, I really fell in love with the subject when I began working at the state capitol my freshman year. I am originally from out of state [California] and never really understood the key policy issues that affect Arizona until I began working that job. It really immersed me into the legislative process, which helped me realize that I want to be a part of policy formulation in my career.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you, that changed your perspective?

A: I remember being struck by the ASU Charter during one of my new-student orientations and thinking the philosophy was different and surprising. I can distinctly remember being confused by it and its overall purpose in university functions. Throughout my three years here, I have really come to understand why inclusivity is important and how it enriches our ideas and communities.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: It was affordable for my family! Barrett, The Honors College, was also an important draw. The school seemed to have the educational path I was looking for … and who can beat this weather?

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Though she was not my professor, Associate Dean and Associate Professor Joanna Lucio played an important role in my undergraduate tenure as my thesis director.

For my project, I partnered with the Watts College to design a certificate program that would help students prepare for law school. ASU does not currently have a set academic track for law school preparation, and after determining that students wanted this through various surveys and research, Dean Lucio helped me formulate and submit my certificate program to the Provost's Office to become an actual certificate at ASU. This certificate will be the first student-designed curriculum at the university.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Put yourself out there, and don't be afraid to try new things. Challenge yourself. Make an intentional effort to grow as a student, professional and person.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: I am highly biased; I love the whole Downtown campus! As a caffeine addict, I have to say that I love sitting outside the Taylor Place Starbucks in the sunshine with an iced coffee in hand.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: My ultimate goal is law school, wherever that may be! For now, I will be taking a gap year to study for my LSAT and work for ASU's Office of Government and Community Engagement.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would invest the $40 million into sustainability efforts and innovations to offset the effects of climate change.