Student enjoys sharing her college experiences with others

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is part of a series that looks at outstanding undergraduate students who exemplify ASU excellence.

When Nina Argade gives prospective students a tour of the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, they’re often “blown away a bit.”

She remembers being blown away herself when she visited ASU, during her senior year at Mission Viejo High School in California. She liked having so many student organizations and activities to choose from, and the fact that she could select from more than 200 majors.

She also was impressed by the new Barrett Honors College complex—then still on the drawing boards--and the location, with access to the large urban center of Phoenix.

“People are surprised by the amenities. It’s overwhelming, but in a good way,” she says. “I didn’t know what I was going to major in, but I knew I couldn’t go wrong here.

“I had always imagined going to a large school that offered everything ASU has to offer, like athletics, organizations, research and a large city. As part of the honors college, I have the best of both worlds, an intimate learning community and the resources of a large, public university.”

Now she’s a junior majoring in biology and society, with a pre-med concentration and a 3.79 GPA. She hopes to become a podiatric surgeon.

Argade was a peer mentor for four ASU freshmen last year, meeting with them and planning activities every other week.

She enjoys being part of the Honors Devils, giving campus tours and participating in recruitment events. She’s also in a student group that gives nutrition presentations in local elementary schools.

“I’ve really learned a lot about myself at college and have tried to seize every opportunity that comes my way,” she says. “I love sharing my college experiences with other students.”

Her favorite class so far has been the honors freshman seminar, with its small class size and the emphasis on discussion.

“The professor urged us to think critically about the material, while also constructing our own personal insights. The method of thinking I learned in the class has helped me in my other classes as well. 

“Because there were only 19 students in the class, it was easy to get to know one another and discuss our ideas in a constructive and supportive manner. It was also great to get to know a professor that early in my college career.”

Argade says she’s always been able to get into the classes she needs and anticipates graduating in May 2012. She hopes to attend podiatric medical school in California.