When Alexis Singh first arrived at Normandale Community College, she wasn’t yet a traditional college student. As a PSEO student from Shakopee High School, she saw an opportunity to get ahead both academically and personally. Drawn by the college’s convenient location and her sister’s positive experience, Alexis committed a full schedule of classes for both her junior and senior years of high school, ultimately earning nearly an associate degree’s worth of credits.
Her time at Normandale quickly became more than just a head start on coursework. During her first year, Alexis primarily attended classes in person, where she discovered a passion for learning in a supportive and interactive environment. One standout experience was her public speaking course with Jim Frankenfeld, whose teaching left a lasting impression and helped build her confidence in communication, skills she continues to rely on today.
Beyond her classes, Alexis immersed herself in campus life. She served as treasurer of Student Senate, dedicating around 15 hours each week to meetings, planning, and collaboration. She also joined the volleyball club and participated in various student life activities. Balancing college involvement with high school responsibilities required careful time management, but Alexis found the experience deeply rewarding.
“Community” is the word she uses to describe her time at Normandale, highlighting the friendships she built, the professors she learned from, and the mentors she found.
Now a student at the University of Minnesota, Alexis is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics with a management minor. While the transition to a large university has come with challenges, particularly the shift away from the one-on-one support she valued at Normandale, she has continued to grow both academically and professionally. Her long-standing interest in business, first identified in high school, has evolved into a clear goal: becoming a financial analyst.
Alexis credits her leadership experiences at Normandale as a key factor in her continued success. Through her involvement in Student Senate, she developed the confidence and professional skills needed to secure an accounting internship and take on a leadership role with the Carlson School Accounting Club. These opportunities reflect her commitment to growth and her willingness to step outside her comfort zone.
Although Alexis is now focused on her studies in Minneapolis at the U of M, the relationships she built at Normandale remain an important part of her journey. Her story is a testament to the power of early college experiences, not only in accelerating academic progress, but in fostering community, leadership, and lifelong confidence.
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