Just one step onto campus and he knew that ASU was home
While future Sun Devils all over the world are completing their high school journey and preparing to begin a new chapter in their lives as college students, graduating senior Logan Alvarado wasn’t sure ASU was the right fit until he saw campus life up close.
Alvarado, who will graduate this May from Brophy College Preparatory, has been part of smaller school settings throughout elementary and high school. When it was time to begin the college selection process, he initially thought a smaller learning environment might also be the right fit for college.
Alvarado was wary of attending a big school. Everything changed last summer. Before applying he decided a tour of the Tempe campus was just what he needed. The second he stepped onto the campus, his worries vanished and he was confident that he would soon call ASU home.
Incoming first-year student Logan Alvarado is ready to begin his journey as a Sun Devil.
Alvarado also attended the Cesar Chavez Leadership Institute, presented by Access ASU. This two-day program, presented virtually in July 2020, not only clarified his questions regarding scholarships, financial aid and FASFA, but the experience also helped him discover to his surprise that ASU could be the place for him.
Alvarado said CCLI provided an early opportunity to become a part of the ASU community.
“Even though the format was virtual, I was still able to meet many new people when my group debriefed during La Familia time throughout the conference,” he said.
After listening to guest speakers and obtaining skills recommended by professionals at ASU, he was ready to apply.
“I definitely recommend it to any incoming Sun Devils,” Alvarado said.
Just three weeks later, he received his acceptance letter and became a Sun Devil. His ambitions to be as involved as possible at ASU led him to also apply to Barrett, The Honors College.
He was impressed at how easy it was to take such a big step. There was never a moment in his application process where he wondered what to do next. ASU was always there to help. All that was left to do was make sure his application encompassed everything he is and everything he wants to become.
The backdrop to the final years of his educational journey would be clear blue skies, palm trees lining the walkways and longboarders swerving in between crowds of students soaking up the desert sun.
“At first I wasn’t really sure about ASU. Then I stepped onto campus,” said Alvarado. “I saw a community. I really enjoyed how uplifting it felt. It almost felt like I was in a college movie.”
The selection of degrees amazed him. It felt as if there was an option for everyone. Alvarado’s end goal at ASU is to earn a degree in psychological sciences with a pre-med track. Lucky for him, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences can offer him just that.
“I was really attracted to the psychological science program. I couldn’t find it at many schools,” said Alvarado. “I read into it and I really enjoyed reading about everything they were doing on campus.”
The university charter caught Alvardo’s attention as well. The value of inclusivity sets ASU apart from other schools.
“The reason why ASU stands out from the rest is that they really give people the opportunity to attend a higher education,” Alvarado said. “A lot of other schools restrict that by their tuition price or their lack of scholarships.”
Opportunity excites Alvarado: an opportunity to complete his dream degree, an opportunity to intern at some of the biggest corporations in Arizona and an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life.
“ASU seems like a very diverse community,” said Alvarado. “I am most excited about meeting new people. I also noticed there is a ukulele club I really want to join.”
Tens of thousands of people attend ASU. Yet even those like Alvarado, a young adult used to a smaller class and campus size, will call ASU home this fall.
“I can see myself walking these halls,” said Alvarado. “I can see myself on campus. It [ the tour] opened my eyes to see how great this school is.”