Alissa Martin ’27
Most would say I’m a yapper once I get a conversation going, but in my own terms, I’m just quite curious. I’ve always had a lot of questions—not just about coursework, but about life, careers, and the endless “what-ifs” that come with being a first-generation college student.
Here on campus, I have both a primary advisor and an academic advisor—Thomas Vasquez and Eric Hurley, to be specific. They’ve played very different, yet equally important roles in my journey.
Often, when I walk into their offices, the conversation ends up diverting a million times. What starts as a quick question about classes becomes a deep dive into life, aspirations, and everything in between. I talk about my goals and challenges, and I genuinely love hearing about their lives, too. These conversations aren’t just academic—they’re human, layered, and often exactly what I need at that moment.
What’s especially interesting is that my two advisors come from very different fields: one is rooted in psychology, the other in chemistry. That contrast has made a surprising big impact on my path as a psychological science major initially on the pre-health track. Their disciplinary perspectives have helped me develop a more holistic lens and ultimately led to my decision to step away from pre-health. Whether I’m reflecting on a class concept or figuring out how to manage stress, both of their insights play a part.
Most of the time our conversations are unplanned. They happen by coincidence, when I catch them in their offices between meetings or grading. But those spontaneous moments often end up being the most meaningful.
Advising, for me, has never just been about planning my next semester. It’s about connection, curiosity, and being open to the unexpected wisdom that comes from a good chat.
