RIC Student Meets the President of the United States

When RIC student Lisbeth Avalos walked onto the stage, all she could do was remind herself to breathe. Avalos was about to introduce the President of the United States to a cheering crowd of more than 2,000. 

President Barack Obama was in Rhode Island to deliver a key policy speech about women’s role in the economy, including equal pay for equal work.

Prior to his speech, he had met with a select number of women to discuss the value of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in a roundtable format. Biochem major Avalos, who works year-round in an undergraduate research lab, was among the roundtable participants engaged in an in-depth discussion with the leader of the free world.

“I knew that President Obama would be a very relaxed person and easy to talk to,” she said. “But I didn’t know how much he enjoyed roundtable discussions. He listened to all of our personal stories. And our stories fueled his speech and made it more personal.”

Born in Guatemala, Avalos is a first-generation college student who did not speak English when she moved to Rhode Island with her family when she was nine. Though an A student, she began doing poorly in her freshman year at Providence’s prestigious Classical High School.

“I couldn’t connect high school to a future for me,” she explained. “I was undocumented, so I didn’t see myself going anywhere. My friends were talking about becoming doctors and entering other professions. I saw myself working a dead-end job. I spent a lot of time crying alone.”

In her senior year in high school, everything changed for Avalos when she signed up for College Visions, a local nonprofit organization that helps first-generation students enter college. “They took interest in me and instilled in my life something I was longing for – hope. From there, things unfolded for me, and Rhode Island College became my gateway to opportunity,” she said.

A biochem major, Avalos also credited RIC Professor of Physical Science Karen Almeida for introducing her to the exciting world of research. Avalos was chosen by the White House based on Almeida's recommendation.

Following the roundtable, Avalos remained behind with the President. She said, “I only spoke to him for a minute or so, yet talking to him relaxed me. He told me, ‘You’re going to do great, Lisbeth.’”

Avalos was then called out of the room and onto the stage, where she was immediately hit by the excitement of the crowd.

With a big smile, she introduced herself to the audience, speaking briefly of her journey from Guatemala to Rhode Island College. She said, “I dream of some day winning the Nobel Prize for my achievements in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology. Had it not been for my family and mentors like Professor Almeida, as well as the academic support groups at RIC whose enthusiasm for learning is both contagious and incurable, such aspirations would have never been possible.”

“At Rhode Island College, I have been met with widespread support and I could not be more thankful for what this country, state and city have done for my faith, confidence and future,” she said. “I thank God for having found my truest passion of all – science. It was an honor to share my story with the President earlier today and now it is my pleasure to introduce him. Please welcome, President Barack Obama.”