Leslie Alvarez
University Ambassador Leslie Alvarez understands the importance of the campus tour and visit. It was this very same experience that caused her to fall in love with NC State. And sparked a fire in her to one day be a campus tour guide as well.
The spark spread. These days, you won't find Leslie just leading campus tours, but you can also spot her manning the Joyner Visitor Center front desk and driving excited, nervous high schooler's around on the school's tour bus.
"During my tours, when I see the faces of the prospective students, I see myself three years ago. Looking back, I was scared out of my mind, but excited as well," Leslie says. "I love showing these prospective students what I love, NC State." She continues, "I see my work as returning the favor to NC State for giving me so many opportunities that I know I couldn't have gotten back home in Florida."
Without the Pack Promise scholarship she received, Leslie says college would not have been an option. "I'm from a low-income household with two immigrant parents. As a first-generation college student, I want to give back to my family and to the school. This scholarship will let me."
Leslie has made the most of every opportunity that comes her way. If her ambassador work were not enough, she's also heavily involved in women's issues. She's taking classes to become a peer educator for The Movement, an on-campus organization that works to prevent sexual assault and rape; she interns at the Raleigh Boys and Girls club and the Raleigh Convention Center; has lined up a 2011 CSLEPS alternative service break to Guatemala where she'll work with underprivileged women. You'll also want to keep your eye out for Leslie on the catwalk. She'll make her third appearance as a runway model for the African American Textile Society Fashion Show.
With so many interests and passions, it would be easy to assume that Leslie loves everything about NC State. Admittedly, she does, but adds, "Mostly, I love the people here. Coming from out of state, I was worried about meeting people. Fortunately, I was blessed to make long-lasting friends." No surprise there, Leslie!
