Alexander's Update from Northwestern
"I was surprised by how passionate and supportive people are here. The community is filled with individuals who genuinely care about each other’s goals and backgrounds, which made meeting new people feel much easier."
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Alexander’s freshman year at Northwestern was filled with growth, as he navigated life away from home, embraced a supportive community, and discovered new academic passions.
What has been your biggest adjustment to college life?
Being apart from my family was the biggest adjustment for me. When my sister and mother dropped me off at the dorm, I felt a mix of excitement and sadness. The first week of college, especially during Wildcat Welcome, was overwhelming, and I dealt with homesickness a lot.
What surprised you most about college?
I was surprised by how passionate and supportive people are here. The community is filled with individuals who genuinely care about each other’s goals and backgrounds, which made meeting new people feel much easier.
How would you describe your dorm and the surrounding town?
I lived in a single dorm, which gave me privacy and a comfortable space. I liked having my own room, but the fire alarms that would go off randomly — likely thanks to people burning their late-night popcorn — were a real annoyance. Evanston is a peaceful, tight-knit community. It’s very student-friendly, and there are plenty of dining and entertainment options. I love going to Colectivo Coffee and shopping at thrift stores. My favorite place on campus is the Lakefill — it's perfect for walks, and the views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan are breathtaking.
How have you managed balancing academics with other aspects of college life?
I’ve always liked staying busy, so balancing academics with my social life and work hasn’t been too difficult. Fall quarter was a bit of a learning curve, but by winter and spring, I was managing everything much more smoothly.
How easy was it to meet people and make friends?
It was easy to make friends at Northwestern through events, classes, and even just walking around campus. I made friends at work, in clubs, and in my classes, and everyone was very welcoming and open to forming new connections. I’m involved in many extracurriculars too — STITCH Magazine, Northwestern’s student-run fashion magazine; The Daily Northwestern, a news publication for the town of Evanston and Northwestern; the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, an educational charitable association for the professional furtherment of Hispanic students, my fraternity Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI), and I work at the Center for Talent Development.
How did your studies go this year?
My first year was academically challenging but rewarding. Fall quarter was a mix of medium and heavy workloads, and I had to learn how to manage my time well. By winter and spring, I had a better handle on things and was able to get more involved. Initially, I was just a Journalism major, but after taking a Latino/a Studies class, I decided to double-major in Journalism and Latino/a Studies, with a minor in Political Science.
How have you managed your money as a college student?
Managing money as a freshman has been a learning experience. Most of my spending has gone towards groceries and dorm necessities like organizers and cleaning supplies. I’ve also had to be mindful of not overspending on things I don’t need. One of my strategies for managing money has been setting aside cash for specific occasions, like going out to Chicago or buying something I’ve been wanting for a while.
I’ve also used a budgeting tool provided by my bank, which helps break down my spending into needs and wants and gives me tips on how to save. This has been really helpful in managing my expenses. I only use my credit card for emergencies, like when I need groceries before payday, and I always pay off the balance as soon as I get paid. During spring quarter, I was a little short on my bill. Thankfully, I had savings that I could dip into, which helped me cover the expense without too much stress.
What are your short-term financial goals?
I have a few financial goals I’m working on. One is saving for an apartment, and another is saving for a trip to Japan, which I’m really excited about. To achieve these, I’ve set up automatic transfers into my savings and I’ve been limiting my spending on non-essential items. It’s been tough at times, but I know it’ll be worth it when I reach these goals.
Are you happy with your choice of college?
Absolutely. Northwestern has given me the chance to thrive in my own way, explore new perspectives, and connect with incredible people. It’s been a great place to grow academically and personally.
