If you are a part of any club or group on campus, you know Veronica Alfred. Veronica is a senior at St. Ambrose University finishing up her degree in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in Special Education and a minor in Music. When she isn’t singing or playing too many instruments to count, she is working hard in the Ambrose community. Veronica plays a major role in many clubs on campus including working as the President of both HerCampus and Delta Alpha Pi (DAPi) as well as working on the executive board of the Sexual Assult Awareness Team (SAAT) and as the former DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Ambassador.
Things have always been challenging for Veronica. Veronica is a first-generation college student taking on this high level of academics on her own as well as working multiple jobs and being highly involved in campus groups. She is open about her experience of living with a disability, ADHD. Although her ADHD affects nearly every aspect of her life, she is proud of what she has overcome which she always shares with a smile. Veronica takes everything life throws at her, spins it around, kicks it in the ass, and uses her story to make a difference.
Across campus, she advocates for herself and others. Veronica joined HerCampus because a friend drug her along to an event. From that moment she jumped right in. In just a few years she has risen to take leadership of the club as president. She took on the role with grace, strength, and her whole heart. Veronica has been the guiding force in the growth and expansion of HerCampus, leading it to become one of the most active, engaging, and influential clubs on campus. She has simultaneously done the same for SAAT and DAPi. Veronica is vocal about the rights of all students, she takes her boxing gloves and fights for the equality of everyone she meets.
Veronica is preparing to receive her bachelor’s in Education this May. Veronica brings light in every room she walks in but nowhere does she shine brighter than in the classroom. On a typical day, you see her working with every student to find their version of success, whether it’s an A on a test, learning to regulate, or just making it to the end of the day, and she is singing through it all. Veronica was born to be a teacher.
I have never seen anyone work harder for their students. She shows them their strengths, supports them through hardships, and makes them cookies and bookmarks to celebrate along the way.
Veronica’s greatest role is as a friend. She is a cheerleader, an advocate, and a supporter of everyone. Veronica is the make-you breakfast without needing to ask how you like your eggs type of friend. I can personally say I would not have made it to where I am today without Veronica. She is always there to wipe your tears, hug you, and dance it out the Meridith Grey and Christina Yang way.
I may be biased, but I can’t think of anyone better to honor for Women’s History Month. Veronica is a trailblazer, an advocate, a leader, and a friend. I do not doubt in my mind that Veronica Alfred will make her mark in history.
