Nicole Alvarez, BA ’25 MEd ’26, knew American University was right for her before she had even finished high school.

"During high school, American University was one of the first campuses I visited, and I immediately fell in love with it," she says. She applied early decision — and to no other schools. When she was accepted, she recalls, "it confirmed that I was on the path I had envisioned."

This spring, Alvarez completes her Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership from AU's Baker School of Education, having earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Education Studies, in 2025. That makes her a "double eagle" — a student whose full academic journey, undergraduate and graduate, has taken place at AU.

Her path into education is deeply personal. Growing up, her parents worked long hours to support the family. "Much of my emotional support and sense of community came from school," she says. "I spent time in after-school programs, summer programs, and other school-based spaces where teachers and mentors became a consistent support system in my life. School became my second home."

One person shaped that path in a particular way: her high school college advisor, Karina Simanca. As a first-generation college student, Alvarez was unfamiliar with the process of applying to college. "She believed in me, guided me, and supported me every step of the way," Alvarez says. "She served as both a mentor and a second mother during a pivotal time in my life. Her impact confirmed my desire to enter education."

“As I continued my undergraduate experience, I discovered a deeper passion for education and supporting students,” she said. This led her to “pursue my master’s degree in Education Policy and Leadership, where I could grow not only as an educator, but also as a mentor and advocate for students.

Today, Alvarez works as an English language development teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools — a role she has held while completing her graduate degree. The MEd program, she says, changed how she sees her own classroom. 

I began to view my classroom through both an instructional and policy lens. The program deepened my understanding of how school leadership, district decisions, and education policy directly impact multilingual learners. I became more intentional in advocating for equitable access, designing inclusive instruction, and supporting students not just academically, but also socially and emotionally.

The program's cohort also broadened her perspective. "Learning alongside peers from across the country" — educators working in different states, districts, and policy environments — "broadened my understanding of how education systems can vary," she says. "These conversations challenged my thinking and helped me see how policy, leadership, and local context shape student experiences."

Looking ahead, Alvarez hopes to remain close to students regardless of where her career takes her. "Whether that is in the classroom, in a leadership role, or another school-based position, I want to remain hands-on and connected to students," she says. "Building relationships, mentoring, and creating a sense of community are central to my purpose." It's a purpose that AU helped her discover and sharpen.

• Learn more about the Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership at American University
• Learn more about undergraduate majors and minors in eduction at American University