Biosketch
Name?
Alex Hutchinson
College?
Francis College of Engineering
Major?
Biomedical Engineering
Hometown?
Lowell, Mass.
Favorite hobbies?
Traveling, Listening to music, Gaming
What’s your favorite thing about UML?
My favorite thing about UMass Lowell is all the resources available to students. Everyone here wants to see you succeed and they will help you with anything they can. If they can’t help you directly, they know who can support you to get you the resources you need.
What are your future goals?
I want to graduate with my bachelor’s degree and pursue a master’s degree in biomedical engineering and biotechnology.
What has being involved with the RHSA meant to you?
Being involved in the RHSA has shown me how much UMass Lowell cares about first generation students. The RHSA has provided me with the support I needed to navigate my transition to college and not feel overwhelmed. I truly felt that I always had someone to talk to and I would receive the help I needed. They have also provided me with the opportunity to grow and learn more about leadership so I can make an impact on the first-generation community here at UMass Lowell.
Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself freshman year?
I would tell myself that I have a life outside of my classes. It is important to be a successful student, but you have to do other things that don’t involve academics that make you happy. Stepping away from studying or a big project and having fun with your friends can be that little bit of motivation that you need to succeed.
What advice would you give fellow students?
I would tell other students to find their support system at the University. Get to know your professors and advisors and other faculty members as you never know how they could help you.
Why did you choose to attend UMass Lowell?
I chose UMass Lowell because I would remain close to home. I was also interested in their engineering program, and it was affordable and unique.
What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student?
Being a first-generation student means that I am enabling myself to succeed in the future.
What inspires you to want to help first-generation students in the RHSA?
Being able to pay it forward to future RHSA students allows me to pass on all the knowledge I have learned from my experience. I really struggled in my first year and I know what it feels like to fail classes, but I was able to ask for help to overcome my challenges.