The Answer - A blog about Education, Preparation, and Commitment.

Alumni Spotlight:  Alexzandria Cormier-Hill, YES Prep Southeast Class of 2006

June 29, 2011 by Tenesha Villanueva

Alexzandria Cormier-Hill graduated from YES Prep Southeast in 2006.  She attended the University of North Texas where she majored in Marketing, minored in Fashion Merchandising and graduated in May 2011.  Alex currently serves as Social Media Coordinator at Integrated Cloud Solutions in Dallas, Texas.    

Alex on her experience at YES Prep…

What is your favorite YES Prep memory?

There are many YES Prep memories I would consider my favorite. But since I can only pick one, I would say it would have to be a venting session all the girls had on our 7^thgrade spring trip. A group of my friends and I recognized the tension between many of our peers and decided to approach it head on. We asked a teacher to help us gather up the all the girls, had our own assembly and hashed all our problems out. It was the best tear fest full of hugs, confessions and a vulnerability that brought the class of 2006 closer together than ever before. I entered YES Prep in 7^thgrade, so that moment was a pivotal moment in my life where I established a bond with friends that will never be broken.

 Name the teacher/staff member who had the greatest impact on you and why.

Ms. Kamrani, Mr. John Keith, Ms. Venson and Ms. Baecht have all helped me find my voice and communicate my aspirations and goals. When Ms. Kamrani introduced me to free verse poetry, little did she know she introduced me to my first love. Mr. John Keith took my love to another level. He challenged my logic, made me navigate through the depths of my imagination and help me define who I am. With Keith’s guidance, I was able to win my first scholarship in which I had to verbalize exactly who I was and what principles I lived by. I cried when I read my essay in front of my peers, not only because I won, but because I finally realized how grateful I was to have a teacher that helped me reach that point of self-realization. And although Ms.Venson and Ms.Baecht loved turning my papers into crime scenes, I learned so much about different culture, an appreciation for vocabulary and the beauty of expression.

 How do you feel YES Prep best ensured you were college-ready?

YES Prep has meticulously molded the structure of our school after a typical four year college or university. Everything from the school store, the office hours, the variety of extracurricular activities, block schedule classes, stringent teachers with high expectations, and challenging material all mimicked what I did in college. None of my YES teachers babied me but they did serve as an immense support system. When I got to college, it made it easier to talk to my professors. YES Prep couldn’t have prepared me better.

 Knowing what you know now, what one piece of advice would you give to current YES Prep students?

Take advantage of everything and take nothing for granted. YES Prep is a rarity. Sometimes it seems like the work is too hard or the hours are too long. But TRUST me, it is all worth it. Not even one fourth of the opportunities offered at YES Prep are offered at other public or private schools. YES Prep is a family, they’ll stick by you through any issues you have, so trust them and stick by them.

Alex on her experience in college… 

What was your most difficult experience/time in college?  How did you overcome it?

First semester my freshman year was my hardest year.  I NEVER had that much free time so I tried to get involved in every club/org imaginable. Although it definitely helped me with my interpersonal skills, it definitely took a toll on my grades. Next semester, I narrowed down my list of organizations that could help fuel my passion but didn’t drain my time. After that, everything came with more ease and I could concentrate.

 What qualities or characteristics within yourself were most important in helping you attain your college degree?

Staying true to myself and being ambitious were the characteristics I implemented the most.  Whether it is studying with a study group, taking on a new role in an organization, or hanging out with friends, I kept these principles near and dear to my heart. I welcomed new challenges in my academics and organizations and stood my ground when peer pressure lurked while building people up every chance I had.

 How did you become involved on your college campus?

When getting involved on campus, I made sure that the club satisfied three things. They had to enhance my social capabilities, help mold me into a well round person and build my leadership skills so I can be dynamic businesswoman. I had a job as an event planner for the University Union, served as the Director of Marketing for my sorority, a campus representative for Black Enterprise Magazine and Monster.com Diversity Leadership Program.  I was also a member of a professional leadership program, a mentor with the Multicultural Center, and a member of a underground poetry group. Oh yes, AND I was the best lunch lady for two years when I worked at the biggest cafeteria on campus! That was the best – no sarcasm!

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment since graduation from YES Prep and/or college?  Why? 

My greatest accomplishment has been being able to cross the stage looking like a Christmas tree! I had all kinds of decorations around my neck! It made me proud because it meant that I left a huge mark on my campus in the most positive way. YES Prep and my family always taught me to leave a place better than I found it. Crossing that stage with my embellishments helped me realized I definitely did that.

Describe your life now.  Where do you work?  What are your hobbies outside of work (if any)?  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Well, I just graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in Marketing so I’m excited to utilize my skills at a job that I love. Currently, I am working as the Social Media Coordinator for Integrated Cloud Solutions.  I develop and manage the blogs, newsletters, social media accounts for a cloud computing company. I basically ensure that the brand awareness for the company is maintained by interacting with all our current and potential customers.

I have also been networking with other business professionals in social media and marketing organizations around Houston. I’m so used to being involved in school; I instantly started looking for professional organizations to join. In addition to that, I’ve been going watching and attending seminars on how to start my own business. I started drafting up business plans and a launch date for my website, blog and what not. In 5 years, I plan to have finished my master’s program, have proven myself as credible marketing professional within my career and have put the final finishes on my business so I can start my non-profit!

Is there any other information you feel should be highlighted in your spotlight?              

I would just like to say thank you to YES Prep for everything they have done for me and everything they continue to do for our community. After talking to people who went through normal school systems and watching “Waiting for Superman”, it really hit me how extremely blessed I am to have attended this school. Without you, I would not be ½ the woman I am today.

As I grow and develop into my own woman following my dreams, you guys can keep up with me at @social_alexz on Twitter! YES Prep molds students into leaders, so why not follow one of them! Love you guys!

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