Alicia Avitia Finds Her Voice in Community

A first-generation college student from Loveland, Colorado, Alicia had taken a gap year after high school. It was a period filled with questions, reflection, and a growing desire to build a meaningful future. That journey found its roots in a quiet but powerful decision to study computer science at Aims.

Today, Alicia excels in one of the college’s most forward-looking academic programs. She also plays a pivotal role in shaping campus life as the Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President for SEIS (Student Engagement, Inclusion, and Success). Her upcoming graduation and role as the student master of ceremonies for the 11 a.m. commencement are moments of pride for the entire Aims community.

“I'm most proud of making it this far as a first-generation student. I can take that back to my parents and grandparents and show them that their life efforts have truly impacted mine.”

From Gap Year to Growth Mindset

Alicia’s path to Aims began in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were just coming out of the height of COVID,” she recalls. “I was working and thinking about what I wanted to do with my future.” That introspective time led her to explore community colleges in Northern Colorado. “I saw the programs, the resources, and the affordability,” she said. “Aims just made sense.”

She began to take some classes at the Loveland Campus since it was closer to her home. Alicia now takes most of her courses in Greeley but appreciates that Aims can offer classes in various locations across Northern Colorado. “I think it’s really valuable that Aims has multiple campuses offering something unique. I’ve been able to find community and support in both.”

This dual-campus experience has given her the best of both worlds. “I love coming to the Loveland Aims campus specifically to study and connect with other people,” she said. “It’s pretty homey. It’s a good place to come for a quieter environment.” The Greeley Campus is where she’s engaged with Student Life and special events. “My favorite spots in Greeley are probably any table near the giant windows in the Student Commons,” she said. “It’s a great place to study and look outside at the nice landscape.”

Once she got rolling with classes on both campuses, Alicia found her groove. Initially pursuing physics, she later discovered a stronger passion for computer science. Alicia switched seamlessly with guidance from her advisors and support from the TRIO STEM program. “My advisor has been a great resource to me while pursuing computer science and helping me achieve my degree,” Alicia said. She also found guidance from Pathway Advising. “They are there and ready to support you and figure out what you want to study and how realistically you will obtain that degree.”

Alicia has always been intrigued by computers. At Aims, she discovered that her curiosity and skill set were suited for a field where technology, problem-solving, and real-world application intersect. Computer science is also a space where she sees everyday relevance — from the apps on our phones to the infrastructure behind the digital world. “Everything that you do on any kind of electronic device is powered by computer science, and that’s fascinating to me.”

As a woman in STEM, Alicia has found motivation through female teachers who have strived in male-dominated spaces. She names Aims professor Jennifer Bailey, her computer science instructor and advisor, as one of her biggest inspirations. “Seeing women like her succeed makes me feel like I have a place here, too,” Alicia said. “I look up to her as a role model.”

Another aspect of technology that appeals to Alicia is its constant evolution. “I love how innovative computer science is,” she said. “Our professors always show us how the field is growing and changing. It’s forward-moving and that’s exciting.”

As Alicia prepares to graduate from Aims, she’s already considering what comes next. She will transfer to Colorado State University (CSU) this fall and continue studying computer science at the bachelor’s level to grow her knowledge and skills. With a strong foundation built, she’s confident in her future.

A Voice for Students

Alicia has built a reputation as a proactive and compassionate student leader outside the classroom. She doesn’t take her position in student government lightly. Alicia sees herself as a representative and a voice for students who may not always feel heard. As SGA vice president for Student Engagement, Inclusion and Success, she collaborates closely with Aims leadership to advocate for students. “At Aims, they take student government seriously,” she said. “We have a direct connection to the leadership. We get to turn real student concerns into real solutions.”

One such solution is the Egal Pads on a Roll initiative, a menstrual equity pilot project Alicia co-leads. The program provides free and discreet access to menstrual products on campus. “It’s allowing students access to something essential in a safe and respectful way.” She understands that many students face financial or logistical challenges, and she believes basic needs like menstrual products should never be barriers to success.

Alicia’s job in Student Life is a chance to contribute meaningfully to the student experience and see the ripple effect of her efforts. The Aims Student Employment office recognized Alicia as the 2024-25 Student Employee of the Year. The award ranks students in attributes, expectations, leadership and impact. Faculty and staff nominated nearly 40 students for this honor, and Alicia emerged as the overall winner.

In addition to her paid role, Alicia is active in other groups at Aims. She is an active member of LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens, where she’s helped organize cultural events and expand club membership. For her, LULAC is a space for cultural expression, solidarity, and allyship. Her involvement includes events like a Day of the Dead altar and organized fundraisers, including a campus thrift sale.“We’ve made awesome progress on the Greeley campus,” Alicia said. “Not just bringing together people from the Hispanic community, but creating a space that’s open to everyone.” Aims LULAC also partners closely with the Greeley chapter of the national organization, building bridges between Aims and the broader local Latinx community.

Alicia believes diversity and inclusion are lived experiences. That inclusivity has helped her — and many others — feel more at ease in a space that can often feel intimidating, especially for first-generation students. From affinity-based organizations to cross-cultural events and peer-led activities, Aims offers a broad spectrum of opportunities for students to see themselves reflected and celebrated.

“The Aims community is very diverse to me. I find that there are different groups that I'm always welcome to be a part of, to attend different clubs, to be a part of different committees and feel welcome and comfortable."

Looking Forward, Giving Back

Alicia’s story is one of transformation — of stepping into the unknown and discovering a career path, community, voice, and calling. Her journey through Aims is an experience defined by purpose, empowerment, and advocacy.

At Aims, she found professors who saw her potential, advisors who guided her forward, and students who became collaborators in change. Alicia has also shaped the very community that helped shape her. Alicia is continuing her journey in computer science at Colorado State University. Working toward a bachelor’s degree continues the momentum she’s built at Aims. 

Alicia leaves Aims equipped with academic achievements and confidence, compassion, and a strong commitment to uplifting others, especially those just starting to find their voice. And it all started with one simple step into the unknown.