Freshman education major brings compassion and hard work to ASU

Nothing gives Arizona State University freshman Larissa Lopez greater satisfaction than giving back to society.

That’s why the 18-year-old wants to teach elementary school students when she graduates from the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College in four years.

“I knew whatever field I chose, I wanted to give back because volunteering was something I loved to do in high school,” said Lopez, who graduated from Chandler High School with a 3.4 GPA. “I can’t think of a better profession to give back to society than education or the military.”

In the last few years, Lopez has volunteered for food banks, community festivals and sporting events at Chandler High. However, it’s her 1-year-old son, Lucas, who specifically inspired her to get into teaching.

“I want to make sure my son’s education is solid,” Lopez said. “My being a teacher, I can ensure other children will have the same quality education as my son’s.”

Lopez will attend the university thanks to the ASU College Grant Attainment Program, a scholarship from Tempe Diablos Charities, Inc. as well as a few other academic grants.

ASU Now spoke to Lopez, who will be spending a majority of her academic career at ASU’s West campus.

Question: Why did you choose ASU?

Answer: Being a fourth generation Arizonan, it was a no-brainer to choose Arizona State University. I chose ASU to allow me to be home and have support while being a mom to a handsome 1-year-old boy while attending college.

Q: What drew you to your major?

A: Giving back to my community is something that has always been important to me since I was little kid. After my junior year at Chandler High School, I decided there’s no better way to give back than to help educate kids.

Q: What are you most excited to experience your first semester?

A: I’m most excited to start a new chapter at ASU. I’m so excited to learn and start my path to becoming a teacher.

Q: What do you like to brag about to friends about ASU?

A: What’s better than being a student at ASU? Duh!

Q: What talents and skills are you bringing to the ASU community? 

A: The talents I’m bringing to ASU are compassion and hard work.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your college years?

A: My hopes are to learn as much as possible about my career field. My hopes are to make mistakes and learn from my mistakes, to allow me to become a better student and a future educator.

Q: What’s one interesting fact about yourself that only your friends know?

A: That I’m very passionate about being a good mother to my son.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem in our world, what would you choose?

A: I would want kids not to worry how they’re going to get school supplies for the new school year, and that’s how I’d spend the $40 million.

Q: Predictions on the final score for this year’s Territorial Cup game?

A: Well, being originally from Tucson and living in a house that’s divided, it’s hard to say what the score is going to be. This year I am hoping the game will be a close one and that ASU kicks some butt! 

Top photo: ASU freshman Larissa Lopez sporting her Sun Devil pride in May at Chandler's Desert Oasis Park. Photo courtesy of Antoine Evans