First-Generation Health Science Studies Senior Reflects on Experiences in Waco

Princesa Alvarez, a senior from Spring, Texas, had wanted to come to Baylor University since she was in middle school. She was always interested in the University because of its Christian commitment—but while she was in high school, Baylor became recognized as a “Research 1” institution, which sealed the deal.

Today, Alvarez is on track to graduate in Spring 2026 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science Studies, on the pre-medical track, through Baylor’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. She is also earning a minor in Spanish. Already a McNair Scholar and a Trailblazer Scholar, this past May, she was named to the 2025-26 cohort of Provost’s Scholars—just one of 16 Baylor students selected to mentor younger students and work closely with University leadership.

On top of all these prestigious accomplishments, Alvarez is also the first in her family to go to college.

“In my first year, the main hardship I faced was finding a community of other people like me,” Alvarez recalled. “However, there are so many organizations at Baylor, so I was quickly able to find that, for which I’m very thankful. Also, my Spanish minor allows me to frequently speak Spanish with classmates and incredible professors—I have really enjoyed being able do that.”

During her freshman year, Alvarez found the Bears Medical Student Association (BMSA) at Late Night—an event in the Fall semester where students can meet leaders from more than 400 student organizations—and has been a member since. She is a part of BMSA’s Community Outreach and Initiative Service Committee, which has helped her connect with her peers at Baylor, as well as the Waco community through the organization’s volunteer work.

First in Line

“Regarding organizations, I would not be the person that I am at Baylor if it were not for the First in Line Success Academy (FILSA),” Alvarez said. “That includes Michelle Gonzalez, who has been an incredible part of my journey here. She’s always been that cheerleader and strong support a student needs.”

Baylor’s First in Line program guides first-generation students throughout their college career, and Gonzalez, who serves as Program Manager, empowers students like Alvarez as they navigate the unfamiliar process. 

Alvarez was selected to the FILSA scholarship program, which first-generation students apply for before their freshman year. The program includes the Success Academy, which Alvarez participated in before Baylor’s Welcome Week to prepare her for her first semester in college and introduce her to first-generation mentors. These mentors provided helpful resources when she encountered challenges in her classes, and she found they were always willing to talk about anything going on in her life. After being mentored in the program, she was given the opportunity to become a mentor for the next incoming class.

“I have been a mentor for the last three years,” Alvarez said. “I’ve been able to have 15 mentees through the program, and every single year it has been such a joy to know each of them. Two of my mentees last year are my co-mentors this year. Seeing them all grow, as well as growing with them, has been very rewarding.”

In addition, Alvarez is also a member of the McNair Scholars program, which prepares first-generation and underrepresented students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to enroll in a doctoral program following graduation. During her time in the program, Alvarez earned the opportunity to conduct research in genetic engineering and microbiology under the guidance of Christopher Michel Kearney, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology. 

“I remember becoming a Scholar my freshman year. There were a lot of seniors in the program, and I would not have accomplished the things that I have at Baylor if it weren’t for them and their guidance,” Alvarez said. “Learning from them, and having the support of Program Director Steven Fernandez, has been a valuable part of my Baylor experience.” 

Opportunities Beyond the Classroom and Graduation

To compliment her Health Science Studies degree, Alvarez gained invaluable experience through the Research Techniques Immersion Experience. Led by Cory Dungan, PhD, Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation (HHPR), the internship provided her an opportunity to learn lab-based research skills and participate in his current studies alongside insightful graduate students.

Outside of academics, Alvarez serves as President of the Baylor Triathlon Team and volunteers as a Sunday school teacher for the Spanish-speaking children’s ministry at Antioch Community Church. Along with volunteering in the Waco community, she likes to dine at local restaurants, including Alpha Omega, Taqueria Zacatecas, and Maria Mezcaleria. 

Yet, out of all her experiences in Waco, her favorite memory is linked to a cherished Baylor tradition: running the Baylor Line as a freshman. Now, she enjoys watching others do the same.

As her time as an undergraduate comes full circle, Alvarez enjoys seeing first-generation students experience Baylor traditions and benefit from the programs that she is a part of. She hopes her FILSA mentees continue to pass down the information she provided them, so that future students will continue to benefit from her mentorship.

“I want people to know that they belong here, and that there’s a spot for them at Baylor,” Alvarez shared. “Everything I have learned through my major has been incredible. I’m not just learning about ethics in healthcare, I’m learning about ethics that I will practice for the rest of my life. Robbins College and HHPR provide such a holistic education, and I love it.”

After graduation from Baylor, Alvarez plans to pursue a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

ABOUT ROBBINS COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Established in 2014, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences seeks to enhance health, quality of life, and human flourishing for all individuals and communities through education, research, and innovation. It includes six academic departments—Communication Sciences and Disorders; Health, Human Performance, and Recreation; Human Sciences and Design; Occupational Therapy; Physical Therapy; and Public Health—along with the Division of Health Professions, which houses the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. Robbins College offers 13 bachelor’s degrees, eight master’s degrees, and six doctoral degrees, as well as nine graduate programs in partnership with the U.S. Army. Graduate programs in Robbins College are offered in a variety of modalities, including on campus, online, and hybrid.