Student Spotlight: Alexia Santiago, U.S. Army

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My Name is Alexia Santiago, and I am from Brooklyn, New York. I served in the United States Army as a medic. I knew I wanted to serve in the military since childhood. When it was finally time, I joined with two goals in mind: to help people and effect change. These goals led me to the perfect calling as a medic for the infantry. I set out to continue proving, like the women before me, that women can step into the honorable brotherhood of service, not just without tarnishing its legacy but by contributing something great. Working within combat arms gave me plenty of opportunities to demonstrate that women are not only capable but can thrive and excel in roles traditionally held by men.

Something personal about me is that I grew up in a house of all Puerto Rican women. We even had a sign on the bathroom door that said “Girls Restroom,” because why not? They gave me a picture of the world that summoned my strength and ability. Also, I have a German Shepherd named Blake. Her wildness and unbridled energy remind me of the freedom our spirits crave.

Did you go to college before attending our STEM course at Wesleyan University, and why did you decide to take time out of your summer to participate in Warrior-Scholar Project?

I had done some college ten years ago but did not complete the first year. I decided to attend Warrior-Scholar Project’s academic boot camp because I felt lost and alone after leaving the military. I knew I loved science, school, and helping people, but I didn’t have a direction. More importantly, I didn’t have a community. After reading scores of the reviews from WSP alums, I knew something special was happening, and I wanted to be part of it.

Tell us a little bit about what you were feeling going into your first academic boot camp.

I was nervous and insecure. I had left behind responsibilities at home to do something for myself, which was its own challenge. Once I arrived on campus, thoughts crept in like, “Can my mind really compete with young adults when I’ve been out of school so long?” and “Other veterans have taken far more college courses than I have; I’m behind.”

I left the course feeling like my opportunities were endless, support was pouring in from all directions, and my abilities were greater than I imagined. Being surrounded by incredibly successful people who were once in my very shoes is so powerful that it almost feels like magic is happening. “Bibbidy-Bobbidi-Boo!” I felt so empowered that within one month after attending WSP, I started at a reputable college pursuing my dream degree and began the application process for my dream schools. A huge shift occurred, not only in my educational journey but also within myself.

What are some lessons or key concepts you took from this course? 

Through the generosity of the fellows and WSP faculty, I experienced the profound #WSPimpact of “paying it forward,” a phrase often echoed within this community. There are veterans who earned incredible opportunities and are eager to pave the way for others to follow. Other lessons I learned were:

• It doesn’t matter where you are starting from. What matters is what you believe you can achieve.
• I don’t need an exceptional resume to speak to successful people. Just in being authentically me gives me something valuable to offer.
• Elite institutions are not reserved for the rich or the genius. They don’t have golden gates that lock out the majority. Getting accepted is possible!
• There are people just like me who have done the big incredible things I dream of doing. It’s not one in a million. It can be me too.

How would you sum up your #WSPExperience?

Magical is honestly a fitting description. When I went to WSP at Wesleyan, I “woke up” to the reality of my life and what it could be. And now I can’t unsee what my future holds. I have finally found my community after military service.

Is there anything else you would like to mention?

One of the most impactful parts of the program is WSP’s special sauce: the Fellows. They exemplify what is truly possible and generously have their arms outstretched to take more veterans with them on the path to success.