“SEED is my family.” This is a common refrain we hear from our graduates.
Alexis Holloway (SEED DC ’10) shares this sentiment. For her, the bonds she has built at SEED are irreplaceable. “SEED has had a tremendous impact on me. I gained lifelong friends that I now consider family, and I was surrounded by staff who wanted the best for me. I’m proud to give back to a community that gave to me.”
Last month, Alexis’s commitment to supporting upcoming SEED graduates was honored at The SEED School of Washington, D.C.’s 2019 graduation. She received the 2019 Letia Naylor Graduate Achievement Award, which recognizes a member of the SEED community for their outstanding service, dedication to educational improvement, extraordinary professional accomplishments, and continued support of the SEED mission.
In March, she also received a special chair at SEED DC’s annual Founders Day celebration for her four years of service and dedication to the SEED community.
We recently caught up with Alexis to learn about her college journey and why she remains committed to SEED.
What college or university did you attend?
I attended Trinity Washington University, where I majored in criminal justice.
How was your transition from SEED to college?
I was initially planning to attend Virginia Tech, but the financial aid package they offered wasn’t enough. With the help of my SEED college success advisor, I decided to stay in Washington, D.C., and I enrolled at Trinity Washington University. Once enrolled at Trinity, my transition from being a high school student to a college student was very smooth. Trinity offered small class sizes that were similar to my classes at SEED. I also had support from my professors and the administrative staff.
Did you stay connected to SEED while in college?
I definitely stayed connected to SEED while in college and after I graduated. Immediately after graduating from Trinity, I was given the opportunity to work at SEED with [Assistant Head of School] Stacey Pearl, when she was director of student support services. I’ve been working at SEED ever since and have held many roles. I now serve as the school receptionist at SEED DC.
What did you do after graduating from Trinity Washington University?
I started to work at SEED right after graduation. As the school receptionist at SEED DC, I serve as the first face our students, families, staff, and supporters see. I love this role because I get to know everyone in the SEED DC community.
This year, I also served as a senior supporter for two SEED students. Working along with our college counselor, I helped each student with the college transition process and served as a mentor. I feel like I am making an impact by being there, listening, and by sharing my personal experience as a former SEED student. My hope is to inspire our students to be their best.