From First-Gen Student to Civic Leader
ALEXIA VELAZQUEZ
BS in Biology and an MS in Data Science
Current Role: Program Manager, City of South Bend
Alexia Velazquez came to Saint Mary’s College from Texas as a first-generation student, unsure of what college—or adulthood—would really look like. Today, she lives and works in South Bend as a program manager for the City, while staying deeply connected to the Saint Mary’s community.
In this Q&A, Alexia reflects on her first-gen experience, the faculty who became family, and how Saint Mary’s prepared her to advocate for herself and others.
What drew you to Saint Mary’s, and what ultimately made you choose it?
I was set on attending an SEC or Big 12 school because that's kind of what's around you in Texas. During a college fair, my dad called me over to talk to a rep from Saint Mary’s College. As soon as she said “all-women's college,” I immediately turned around and went back to a big state school table.
The following year, I became a little more open-minded, and we took a trip to Chicago to start our road trip to look at a few other schools. My dad mentioned that Saint Mary’s was only two hours away and he really wanted to see Notre Dame, so I gave in, and we drove to South Bend. I absolutely fell in love with how peaceful and quiet Saint Mary’s is, and I began to realize that a college of 40k+ was not for me.
The following year, we came back for Preview Days and other events. It then came down to three schools when making my decision. Ultimately, SMC gave me the best financial aid, especially for an out-of-state private college.
You’re a first-generation college student. What was that experience like at Saint Mary’s?
My first year was tough. I was stressed out and didn’t know how to manage living so far from home without any family or friends nearby. But over time, I learned about the First Gen club, library resources, the Math Center, and other support systems on campus. I became more involved and more extroverted—finding different people I could count on.
I also worked in the Education Department for all four years, and the faculty there would invite me over for dinners. One year, we even went to see the Christmas lights in the nearby town of Mishawaka together. In so many ways, they supported me not just academically, but in very real, human ways too. They gave me a sense of family and home.
In what ways did Saint Mary’s help you stand in your power—personally, academically, or professionally?
Saint Mary’s helped me stand in my power by giving me the confidence to speak up and ask questions. I never felt dumb for raising my hand in class. In other environments, it can feel like you should stay quiet, not interrupt, and figure things out later on your own—but at Saint Mary’s, professors were always open to questions in the middle of their teaching. Many would also check in before moving on to a new topic to see if anyone had questions or thoughts.
Of course, not every question could be answered right away, but professors were always willing to work with you after class, during office hours, or over email if you had a lingering thought.
Tell us about your career path and current role.
Because I was staying an additional year to complete my master’s degree, I wanted to begin working full-time. I came across a fellowship through enFocus, where I was working on a project for the City of South Bend. Through that work, I was recommended for a different City project, full-time. I then transitioned to work for the City by implementing and launching the South Bend Financial Empowerment Center, where I am the City Manager of the program. My role is to ensure the strategic development of the FEC, stakeholder management, and sustainability.
Along the way, my interviewers were impressed with how organized I was and how clearly I could speak to different topics. A lot of that came from the classes and experiences I had at Saint Mary’s to prepare for my senior thesis.
How did the all-women environment influence your confidence or leadership style?
I think it influenced me not to be timid. When you’re speaking or giving presentations, you’re always being encouraged. No one is looking down on you or making you feel small. That environment gave me the confidence to use my voice.
In terms of leadership, Saint Mary’s made me an empathetic listener. One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone is trying to share their thoughts and no one acknowledges them—they just get bulldozed. Now, if I notice a woman being talked over in a meeting, I make space for her voice. They taught us that everyone deserves to be heard.
What is a memory from your time at Saint Mary’s that still makes you smile?
During the spring semester of my freshman year, we were hit with a polar vortex so severe that classes were canceled for days. We couldn’t go anywhere, so you can imagine the silliness that followed in the residence halls. There were lots of movie nights, games, and crafts, and the RAs worked hard to keep morale up while making sure everyone stayed safe inside.
I remember a few girls boiling water and throwing it outside just to watch the mist and ice crystals form in the air. Looking back now, it still makes me smile. No matter where you lived on campus or what year you were, it became a shared experience—a core memory of having classes canceled and finding ways to stay entertained with friends.
You mentioned your dad earlier. What does he think about your Saint Mary’s experience?
He’s ecstatic that I went to Saint Mary’s. He actually discovered the campus years before I applied and secretly hoped I’d end up here. Even though I could have stayed in Texas for free, he supported my decision to leave the state and experience something new.
To this day, he tells me I made the right decision. Especially when we’re heading to a Notre Dame football game next door.
QUICK TAKES
Favorite dining hall meal: Chicken Nugget Day
Favorite spot on campus: Under the Weeping Willow trees
Favorite class: History of Rock & Roll