Allie Van Houden

Senior Biochemistry major, Allie Van Houden says she knew early on that she’d go to college, because she always excelled in school and loved learning new things. Her parents encouraged her to always go after what she wanted and to push herself so she could have a bright future. Allie is thankful that she grew up in her small hometown of Pea Ridge, Arkansas where everyone was encouraging and supportive.

Allie remembers the summer before her freshman year. “I was starting to become nervous about moving away from home and had a little hiccup with financial aid.” Allie said that Tammy Conrow, Scholarship Coordinator in the Financial Aid Office, went out of her way to help her and encouraged her that she was on the right track. Allie says she’s kept that very close relationship with Tammy and is so thankful for her help over her time at UAFS.

In high school, Allie was involved in many clubs, but she was unsure that she would find a close nit group of friends coming to UAFS. Allie shares how becoming a Resident Assistant has allowed for her to meet so many new people, as well as how her classmates have also become friends.

In the beginning, Allie struggled with her new-found independence. She said living an hour away from home was hard for both her and her parents. Allie said, “It was a learning process for me to leave my parents, but also them leaving me.” The learning curve was big. Allie says it was a struggle to learn how to make it without her parents and push herself to ask questions for herself.

To other first generation students, Allie says, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and ask for help from those on campus that can help you find the resources you need. And don’t be afraid to try new things because you might think you’re less deserving than others because you’re first gen. You are so deserving!”

Allie graduated in May 2020 and says she is so thankful for Dr. Jim Belcher and Dr. Jeremy Durchman for going above and beyond during her time at UAFS. She credits them for helping her decide what steps to take after graduation.

This is Allie Van Houden, and she is #First2Go.