Rising Senior and Lansing Promise Scholar Alma Holt says the key to success is taking every opportunity presented to you. And at The University of Olivet, she’s had a plethora of opportunities.
“I am a business administration major and a member of Gamma Iota Sigma, our professional insurance fraternity. It was the first organization I joined on campus after taking insurance classes in high school,” Alma said. “From there, I got involved with the Eta Psi Kappa sorority, even serving as president my sophomore year and vice president my junior year. I am also a graduate of the Women’s Leadership Institute and president of the Golden Z Club, an organization that empowers women through service and advocacy. I have been a part of Golden Z since I was in seventh grade, so it is amazing to still have that experience at Olivet.”
In addition to her formal club and organization membership, Alma has also attended several service trips. She’s traveled to Port Austin, Texas and North Carolina to serve communities in need, and she’s visited many conferences and professional development events as well. These opportunities have helped shape Alma into the person she is today.
“I have changed as a person since attending Olivet by seeking every opportunity available to me and learning from the people around me,” Alma said. “Take advantage of every opportunity because you never know what it can turn into. Never give up on your dream — if you feel like something isn’t working today, always try again tomorrow.”
This spring, Alma was honored for her contributions on campus and dedication to her education during Honors Week, receiving the Inclusion Excellence Student Award on behalf of the Golden Z Club and the Perseverance Award.
“It was an honor to receive the Inclusion Excellence Student Award on behalf of the Golden Z Club. This was a groundbreaking year for us, and I look forward to expanding the club in the fall,” Alma said. “The Perseverance Award meant a lot to me because this was an extremely hard year for me. It was the first semester that I made the Dean’s List with a load of 17 credits and a great GPA. In addition, I will be welcoming a baby girl this July, and she will be a huge part of my motivation. My family also experienced a house fire and the loss of my uncle in that fire.
Through it all, my The University of Olivet family has still been so supportive, even with the current pandemic. I am extremely grateful to be recognized for overcoming my struggles this semester. It meant a lot to me because I wouldn’t have made it without The University of Olivet on my team.”
Thanks to her tenacity and strong support system, Alma is ready to tackle her next goals — being a great mom and defining her career path. She hopes to combine her interests in insurance and business to serve as a social media coordinator for an insurance company.
“I encourage high school students to attend The University of Olivet because opportunities are endless here,” Alma said. “You can truly be your best self on this campus — you just have to get involved! The professors are amazing and will work with you as long as you communicate with them. Being a Comet and going to Olivet is always going to be a part of me because it made me the leader I am today.”
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.