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First-generation student Alfonso Ruvalcaba-Trujillo inspired by grandparents to pursue a college degree at IU Indianapolis

First-generation student Alfonso Ruvalcaba-Trujillo inspired by grandparents to pursue a college degree at IU Indianapolis

By: Alfonso Ruvalcaba-Trujillo

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Alfonso Ruvalcaba-Trujillo feels inspired to advocate for higher education in his community.

Family and mentors encourage a higher-ed path

Attending college as a first-generation student can be a wonderful yet difficult experience because we don't know what to expect. My grandparents migrated from Mexico seeking a better future, and my family has always been part of the working class. Their hard work taught me to always strive for my dreams and goals.

The first time I attended a college fair was during my sophomore year of high school, and I knew then that college was not just an option but a priority. As a first-generation student, finding the right university was difficult because I wanted to be close to home. My goals and achievements resonated with my grandparents' dreams when they came to this country.

Finding the right university needed to be special so I could make the right connections, flourish to the best of my abilities and seek new opportunities. The story of my grandparents became a motivation and significant influence in my education journey. With the support of family and mentors, the dream of attending IU Indianapolis was just right around the corner.

IU Indianapolis was the right choice because it felt like home and inclusive, with various nationalities and student organizations. The opportunities the university provided me have helped me connect with other first-generation students who inspired me to advocate for higher education in my community. I want people to know there are valuable resources to keep studying after high school and programs to achieve those goals.

Being at IU Indianapolis has made me feel like I am part of a community where I am not just a student, but an individual with the same motivation to learn and become a leader within the city and anywhere around the globe.

Over the past few years, I met with many professors who actively worked in their fields and passionately taught their profession to students who weren't particularly majoring in that field, but included every student in class to feel like they were. Honestly, education does not get better than that. At that moment, I knew attending IU Indianapolis was the correct choice, and I am proud to call myself a Jaguar.

PRSSA leadership role influences career path

For someone undecided and uncertain about what career path to take, being part of an organization motivated me to learn what I am passionate about and take every opportunity to learn and grow.

As a student majoring in Journalism and Public Relations, I found an organization that has benefited me and my education. I became a PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) member and got the chance to serve as the treasurer for the 2023–24 board of the IU Indianapolis chapter.

This organization allowed me to collaborate with other fantastic student leaders. It is mainly run by students with the same goals and dedication to motivate other students in public relations, communications or similar interests to learn more about the diverse job opportunities PR can provide.

My best memories from joining PRSSA are meeting with alumni professionals, talking about their journeys and experiences and being surrounded by students who share the same passion. It has helped me, and hopefully, other students, take those roles by joining any campus organization.

On-campus job provides key skills for a future career

During my spring semester of 2023, I had a class on Public Relations that talked about PR tactics and techniques. Our professor always had the first few minutes of class to discuss career opportunities and job postings. I came across a job flyer looking for the next "Digital Jag," a social media management position, which has helped me tremendously in my field.

It has taught me hands-on skills in digital content management, and I've applied that knowledge to my education. To this day, I look back and tell myself I made the right decision because I almost didn't apply for it. But it has been one of my best jobs, and I had the chance to meet with faculty and students from different departments. I even participated in the 2023 Regatta, representing the School of Liberal Arts.

The opportunities the university and the School of Liberal Arts have offered me are beyond just a job, but a learning experience that keeps growing. I had the chance to work alongside experts in the field, create social media content, and build a career portfolio.

First-generation student Alfonso Ruvalcaba-Trujillo inspired by grandparents to pursue a college degree at IU Indianapolis

Family and mentors encourage a higher-ed path

PRSSA leadership role influences career path

On-campus job provides key skills for a future career

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