Ask Alhondra

By Keith B. Humphrey, Ph. D.

If you have ever sent an email to a UA Facilitator (the talented folks who help students and parents navigate the systems and structures of the UA) you may have received a response from one of the program’s student interns.  Here’s your chance to meet Alhondra Felix, one of the talented students helping you out!

Where did you grow up and go to high school?

I grew up about an hour south of Tucson in a town that’s smaller than the population of the UA. Nogales, AZ. I attended Nogales High School, just a short drive away.

What is your year, major, and minor?

I’m currently a 2nd semester sophomore, classified as a junior however. I’m currently studying psychology as my major and my two minors lie with the French and Italian Languages.

Why did you choose the UA?

I chose the UA because it was a beautiful campus I would visit a lot growing up and always pictured myself as a student here. Right of the bat I was aiming for an instate school since tuition is becoming way too pricey to consider if you’re not on scholarships. Phoenix is not on the list of cities that I find particularly favorable so that influenced my decision on which instate school to attend. The transition also seemed easier from high school to college since it wasn’t very far away from home. The Psychology program and research also drew me in as well.

What have you been involved in since coming to the UA?

I’m involved with the Arizona Blue Chip Leadership Program in the leader role. I participate in philanthropies with the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. I have started working with graduate students in the psychology department as a research assistant. I am also a member of another community service organization called Silver Wings that supports the Air Force ROTC on campus.

What has surprised you the most about the UA?

Coming here, I knew it would be a big step into the adult world and it’s up to you to take care of everything. However I didn’t know that the UA provided so many resources to see students through their 4+ years here. Career Services to help with jobs and resumes was something I looked into immediately when I arrived. I had always heard the professors at the college level wouldn’t care about their students in a 500+ lecture hall. From what I’ve experienced, professors in those halls almost beg students to come to office hours and get to know the students one on one. They are more than willing to see every student that makes an effort to see them, which surprised me more than anything. In a 400+ lecture hall my first semester, my professor knew me by name and face. 

What has been the most unusual question you have received?

Working as an Orientation Leader for the new students and working as a Facilitator intern, I’ve seen my share of odd questions to say the least. The most unusual would have to be a community member asking how the university could have had the audacity to publish a professor’s research on the paranormal. Professors have the right to publish and research what in their area of academic interest, I guess not everyone agreed with his findings.

What do you like about being the UA Facilitator intern?

What don’t I like about it? I’ve learned more than I ever thought anyone could learn about the university. The people at the office have been great in welcoming me and really took away a lot of the intimidation that I felt the first few weeks there. I have a wonderful boss that has been very patient in my adjustment to the new position. The communication skills I’ve built will help me in any field I go into. 

What advice would you give to parents and students?

I’m a first generation college student so I can relate to many students when they first see the UA application and really begin to doubt if its college is really right for them. It’s an intimidating process to get to college and be successful but it’s far from impossible. Having 100 questions about residence hall life for example is perfectly normal, there are people at Residence Life that are more than happy to answer every question, the only thing you have to do is make that call. The UA is a very welcoming campus with resources especially for new parents and students; don’t be afraid to speak to an advisor or an administrator, you will find how easy it is to find answers to your questions. I’ve found the Arizona home page to be quite user friendly, it’s just a click away.