Grace Alt (’21, SAS/HC/DRC) credits some of her greatest experiences at Rutgers and in the Honors College to an environment that encouraged curiosity, exploration, and connection. From pursuing a double major in French and political science and taking on leadership roles to support fellow students, to reaching beyond the Honors College to expand her community, this environment has propelled her.
Reflecting on the past four years, Grace says her favorite memories were of events held in the Honors College main lounges: “…I always felt comfortable and safe there. Anytime we were in those shared spaces, I would meet someone interesting and make new connections.”
Grace had the opportunity to interact with many different people at the Honors College as a first-year student and as a Mentor in Residence later, an invaluable experience that encompassed not only a range of perspectives and backgrounds, but also different majors and areas of study. In her freshman year as a humanities student, she roomed with a student focused on STEM who has become one of her lifelong best friends. Further, in her interdisciplinary team in the Honors College Mission course (the Forum), she worked closely with a food science student and an engineering student to create a sustainable concept to address a global issue. She says working collaboratively with people with completely different types of minds is something she really valued and a favorite memory.
The importance of being able to connect with people came to the forefront for Grace when the pandemic hit. Last March, she was studying abroad in France when travel began to shut down. She utilized her Honors College and larger Rutgers network to find the safest and best decision for her. This pivotal moment, taught her to "build community where you are, despite language barriers and not knowing anybody, and to value and strengthen her connection to her community at home." She also says it taught her resiliency in moments of uncertainty and confusion.
Connection and exploration go hand-in-hand—Grace’s advisers suggested to her to make breathing room in her schedule for her personal interests, a recommendation that ultimately led to her deep interest in French. She offers this comforting advice to underclassmen:
“Allow yourself the room to try as many things as you possibly can in your undergraduate education because there are so many avenues to explore within our institution.”
Grace heeded her advisers’ advice and, in addition to her leadership roles and studies, she participated in several extracurricular activities, including singing in an acapella group and serving as a music director for a few theater shows on campus. She says, “It’s important not to lose the things that make you happy and to structure and schedule in things that fulfill your personal passions and hobbies.”
Her desire to explore and connect, led her to become a Douglass woman, a member of the Honors College Professional Development Council, and an Honors College Mentor in Residence and Changemaking Facilitator for two years.
“As a Mentor in Residence, I was learning in a new way how to not only host events and access resources from different parts of the university, but how to live with mentees and be an active leader in their community."
She adds, “This experience showed me how to connect with others on the most fundamental parts of our character, and how the simplest things can transform your relationship with another student.”
Grace has made a point to share her support network with younger students as a graduating senior. As she looks forward, she hopes to work in a sector of government or law, ultimately go to law school, and pursue a career with the United Nations.