Alayna Barba
What is your hometown? Chicago, Illinois.
What inspired you to choose SIU? The educational program, suggestions, and opportunities listed to me during my college tour.
What are your hobbies, interests, and/or activity groups that you are currently involved in? My hobbies include reading, cooking, and studying. I am currently a member of the University Honors Program and WATT (Women in Automotive Transportation Technology) where we collaborate effectively to help one another and the Carbondale community.
What is your most memorable experience thus far at SIU? The most memorable experience at SIU was when I got a job at the University Dining Hall. It opened me up to college life better, to other students, and allowed me to make great friendships my first semester.
What would you tell a prospective student about SIU? I would highly recommend SIU to others because it’s a great environment, has collaborative workspaces, and the academic experience is very one-on-one where you can get to know your classmates and teachers.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about SIU? SIU has the most amazing, hardworking, and influential individuals you will ever meet, I have meet wonderful people here.
How has SIU inspired you? The ways SIU has inspired me to always be myself and that times will get hard but the people around you will make it better along with many college resources.
What does the scholarship mean to you and how has it enabled you to pursue your goals? This scholarship personally means a lot to me because it allows me to have another semester here at SIU. I can continue to reach academic success and standings without financial issues and also motivates me because my work ethic was recognized.
Why should someone consider donating to SIU? Donating to SIU will help the university continue to make college life better for students, improve resources to better fit students, and allows SIU to continue to provide the best education.
Do you have a message that you would like to share with scholarship donors? I would like to personally thank all scholarships donors because you really impact and help students. The inspiration you fill students with is indescribable. Being a scholarship recipient myself I can say you enable students to continue with their dreams and success.