Alexander's Story

Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Pasadena, CA

Alexander, a native Californian, found the decision to attend ASU an easy one as his older brother attends ASU. Alexander says, "ASU is not too far from home. I'm not 'alone' alone. I am here with my brother and yet I can go home to California as well since it is not that far away."

The business administration major has always wanted to be an entrepreneur from an early age. His father has nurtured this in Alexander during their many trips to swap meets, encouraging him to "negotiate the best prices" with their customers. Alexander is taking that experience and applying it to his studies. He is concentrating on schoolwork and doing his best because of his interest in the W. P. Carey School of Business Certificate for Automotive Entrepreneurs and Leaders.

Although Alexander thought it would be difficult for him to handle the transition from high school to college and the independence that comes with it, he finds that he is balancing both his education and his social life well. He emphasizes that it's different than high school because "I'm paying for it and others are paying for it, and I don't want to waste their money."

Alexander encourages others to "consider every financial aid option. I didn't want to take out loans at first. I'm trying to avoid debt. But, if I can start building credit and keep to a budget, it shouldn't be that hard to pay back."