“Being able to explore different avenues has really allowed me to find out who I want to be.”
Alexandra Alcantar is a first-generation college student at Northern Illinois University, majoring in Political Science with minors in Latino and Latin American Studies and Computer Science.
Alcantar currently is representing NIU as the university’s 2023-2024 Newman Civic Fellow. The NIU Newman Civic Fellowship Program offers students like Alcantar opportunities to expand their learning, make an impact and create meaningful professional connections.
Alcantar speaks favorably about the support she has received from faculty and staff at NIU, both in encouragement to apply for the program, and in assisting with her efforts as part of it.
“My advisor for the fellowship has been a big help. Having her in my corner makes it even better, especially as she was the first person to tell me that what I do is actual activism, which isn’t something I would realize if it wasn’t for an opportunity like this.”
Alcantar credits that support and the inclusive atmosphere at NIU as part of her inspiration to pursue a grant related to collective care, while participating in this program.
Check out the full story in NIU Today.
