Alexis Oriole ’18

Graduation Year: 2018
Program: Mathematics
Trajectory: North Carolina->MIT

I’m from Concord, North Carolina, a not-too-big but not-too-small town where most people love NASCAR. My father is a long distance truck driver, making deliveries all over the country. My mother was a stay at home mom for most of my life, but since I was in high school, she has worked at a fast food restaurant, a cleaning company, and a call center. Now, my mom and dad live in Harrisburg, NC and Kemp, TX, respectively.

Going to MIT was a big decision for me because nobody from my high school had ever gone there (in fact, before I was admitted, I had never met anyone who had gone there), and it was so far away from home. However, my family and friends provided so much encouragement that I knew going to MIT would be the right decision. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the feeling that all of my friends at MIT came from families that were more wealthy and more educated than mine, but being a part of FGP is just one way to remember that I am not alone and to appreciate what I do have. I’m really thankful to have a family that is supportive, fun, and loving, and those qualities definitely aren’t affected by my parents never having gone to college.

I’m in MIT’s class of 2018, and I’m double majoring in mathematics and philosophy, although I’m not sure yet what I want to do after college. At MIT, I’m involved in not only FGP but also ultimate frisbee, the Leadership Training Institute, philosophy club, and my dorm’s house government. I also work with orientation, freshman advising, and the alumni association.

I love MIT’s first generation program and I’m very excited to serve on the student advisory board! Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions about first generation, MIT, or anything else!