In Their Words: Alex McDonald

Name: Alex McDonald

College: Rachel Carson

Department: Environmental Studies concentration Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems

What Award/Scholarship did you receive? James Stuart Chanley Scholarship

What year do you expect to graduate? June of 2019

Where do you call home? Modesto, CA

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? UC Santa Cruz stood out by chance, I was in my third year at junior college and running out of financial aid funds. I needed to find a university that I could transfer to and finish in 2 years. UCSC fit that bill. I am beyond grateful that it worked out. I will forever hold UCSC in my heart. The campus and people have changed my life.

What is your field of focus? My field of focus is Agroecology and Sustainable food systems.

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? Once I graduate from UCSC I hope to work in the food system in a way that changes it for the best.

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? The most memorable is being in classrooms with professors and students who are so passionate about the work they do. Every day I enter a classroom I feel blessed to be in such a positive learning environment.

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz? Get lost. The campus is a beautiful maze with many special places.

How will this scholarship impact your academic life/research? This scholarship has made it possible for me to continue to pay rent and not acquire more debt through student loans. I am able to sleep at night without worry of how I will continue living.