Q: Could you introduce yourself?

A: Hello, my name is Alexandra Flores and I am currently a rising sophomore year student. I grew up in Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Tamaulipas. I am a Mexican-American student striving to have a successful career and create a more inclusive environment at CC. I am part of Student Government here at Colorado College and my position is Vice President of Inclusion.  

Q: How did you learn about the Bridge Scholars Program?

A: I learned about the Bridge Scholars Program through an email and I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about this institution, especially as a first generation student. I wanted to become more knowledgeable in the resources that were available and have the opportunity to receive guidance from my mentors.

Q: Could you tell us more about your Bridge experience during the summer?

A: I had so much fun during Bridge, I not only got to learn more about this institution but also the city we are surrounded by. We went to different areas in the city along with our pears. Bridge created unity and the people that I met in the program continue to be my friends. I really appreciated my mentors. They made me feel welcomed and if I ever needed help with either assignments or just needing someone to talk to, they were always there. 

Q: How did Bridge help you transition to your first year of college?

A: Through the help of Bridge, I got to experience what taking classes in the Block Plan would feel like and my professors eased me into this system. Once I actually started my classes, I was more comfortable because I already had experience. Along with the help of my mentors, I was able to apply for jobs a little after orientation. Mostly because they showed me how I should format my resume and cover letter. This was overall extremely helpful.

Q: How have you been involved on campus after the summer program? 

A: Because Bridge showed me the resources I had accessible to me, I was able to apply for multiple jobs. I worked as a Spanish Tutor and as an Intern at the Fine Arts Center my first year. I eventually became Vice President of Inclusion. This summer I will be doing a program as a Summer Immigration Activist with professor Eric Popkin. I believe that because I got a head start in knowing campus I was able to unlock and become a part of these amazing opportunities. 

Q: How has Bridge inspired your aspirations and passions about diversity on campus?

A: Knowing that this is a predominantly rich white institution, I was intimidated being here. I was scared that I was not going to meet people like me or people that have similar economic circumstances to me. Bridge allowed me to meet people from different backgrounds and people similar to me. This made me feel more comfortable being on campus, knowing that there are BIPOC students. After Bridge, I realized that I wanted to do more for the BIPOC students on campus. I want to give them an opportunity to relax and not feel the need to defy and prove themselves to this institution. That is the reason I applied to be VP of Inclusion, I want to make more events for people to decompress and relax.

Q: What is something you would like to tell to future Bridge Scholars about the program?

A: You are beginning a new chapter in your life, and it can be scary moving away from home. It can be scary coming to college, but just know that there are people here that want you to succeed. There are people here that will give you the resources for the opportunities you strive for. If you ever need help, there will always be someone to help.