Alexi Arocho. {Courtesy}
Alexi Arocho from Coral Springs has formally committed to attending Columbia University, where she will continue track and field competitions.
Arocho says committing to Columbia is a dream come true and that she always knew from a young age she wanted to go to an Ivy League and become the first person in her family to graduate college.
“Being a first-generation college student and Puerto Rican may feel like a dead end to some people, but for me, it was my motivation,” Arocho said. “I worked hard in both track and academics to try and make it to the Ivy League level, so actually being able to commit to one feels surreal.”
Arocho started running track when she was nine after being promised a trip to Disney World. Despite not enjoying running, Arocho was recommended by her club coach to try the shot put and discus. She improved before competing at the Junior Olympics, placing second nationally in Florida before attending St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
Arocho then started to pick up the hammer and weight throw around her junior year, consistently advanced to Districts and Regionals, and attended State Championships several times, including the State Competition in middle school. However, her proudest achievement was medaling at the Junior Olympics after competing with the top throwers in the whole county.
For college, Arocho is excited to live in New York and for the opportunities to live in the city. She also feels Columbia has a strong throwing team and is ready for the rigorous academics called the Core Curriculum.
The Core is a set of required courses students must take that will give them a well-rounded education. It focuses on big ideas in literature, philosophy, history, and art.
“I have always loved being knowledgeable in many areas, so being able to take diverse classes like this will allow me to expand my knowledge. But overall, I wanted to pick a college with strong resources, connections, and prestige that will set me up as a first-gen for success in my career post-graduation.”
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