First-generation college student, TRIO Rising Scholars and McNair Scholar Alejandra (Ally) Almaraz has been working on her undergraduate degree, while also working for NASA, and doing research for Boise State, on top of her job that pays the bills.
“I love it. I love Boise State. I love my major. I love my research. It’s very stressful. I’m very busy and I’m always tired, but it’s going to be worth it when I’m done and I enjoy it,” she said.
Being a first-generation student has meant Almaraz can be an example for her younger family members. Because of her experience in the TRIO, McNair and engineering programs, she can confidently say that Latina females belong in the sciences or in whatever career path they aspire to, and is proud to represent success for her community.
After graduating from Caldwell High School in 2015, Ally took a gap year before starting at Carrington College where she got her certification in medical assisting. Two weeks later, she started classes at the College of Western Idaho. Three years later, she’d been working as a medical assistant and graduated with an associate degree in human biology, and her plan from there was to go to medical school. That fall, she started at Boise State to finish her bachelor’s degree and the pandemic hit. She thought that field might not be for her. But, her desire to contribute to science and research for the betterment and advancement of humankind stayed the same.
After speaking to some of her coworkers about her worries, several people told her to look into engineering. So, she did, was very interested by her classes, and changed her degree at Boise State to mechanical engineering. Turns out that wasn’t totally for her either, but it was a step closer. After taking her required materials science and engineering 101 class, she felt like it perfectly bridged the gap between microbiology and engineering. She had found what she wanted to do.
Since then, as a junior at Boise State, she’s switched to material science and engineering with a minor in biomedical engineering.
When it comes to science, “I think I just love the endless stream of possibilities,” Ally said. “When I’m in the research lab, I get to see things from a perspective that nobody sees.”
-Story by Boise State University