Ashlyn Holmes ’24 named Outstanding Islander Graduate for College of Science

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — For Ashlyn Holmes ’24, becoming an Islander wasn’t just about getting a degree. It was about finding her path, shaping her identity, and connecting with a world much larger than she ever imagined. As she prepares to graduate from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Holmes reflects on her journey from a shy freshman to a globally minded environmental scientist with dreams of making an impact worldwide.

Her dedication to academics and campus involvement earned her recognition as the Fall 2024 Outstanding Islander Graduate for the College of Science. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Growing up, Holmes always felt a strong pull toward nature, a connection she said was more than a hobby — it was a calling. This passion led her to TAMU-CC, where the proximity to the water and the university’s strong STEM programs promised the ideal environment. As an environmental science major, she saw her future in protecting the planet, and the Island University’s coastal campus felt like the perfect launchpad.

“I chose TAMU-CC because it felt close to everything I love,” she said. “The water, the opportunities, and even my family. Being able to stay close to home and build my career in environmental science just felt right.”

However, starting out as a college freshman was daunting. Holmes said she arrived on campus with an introverted personality and initially kept to herself, commuting from class to class without much else. But, thanks to the university’s welcoming spirit and a desire to expand her horizons, she began to push beyond her comfort zone. Soon enough, she was joining clubs, participating in Student Government Association (SGA), and meeting friends who would turn her college experience into a grand adventure.

“I even studied abroad in Australia, and it changed my life,” she said. “I was pushed to new limits, both academically and personally, all while being surrounded by like-minded students from all over the world.”

Holmes took on challenges that tested her knowledge and resilience by volunteering at the university’s Genomics DNA Laboratory, which gave her hands-on experience in processing and analyzing DNA. This experience laid the foundation for her scientific career, teaching her to operate advanced equipment and gain technical skills essential to her future field.

Despite her achievements, Holmes faced her share of obstacles including navigating college as a first-generation student and financial strains, but she persevered with the help of veteran benefits, scholarships, and a flexible campus job with the university’s Information Technology (IT) department.

“Ashlyn has strong interpersonal strengths, attention to detail, aptitude, and learned a lot during her time with IT,” said Brad Bowman, IT Director of Infrastructure and Research Computing. “Ashlyn is a fine example of our commitment to empowering student workers and ensuring they are workforce-ready at graduation.”

Holmes’ journey also inspired her younger sister to consider college, showing her that despite the challenges, a college education is worth the effort.

“I wanted my sister to see that college isn’t just about classes; it’s about discovery, resilience, and finding out who you are,” she said.

As she prepares for the next chapter, Holmes’ plans are as ambitious as they are inspiring. Armed with her degree, she dreams of working abroad as an environmental scientist, tackling global environmental issues, and making an impact in communities around the world.

“Becoming an Islander was the best decision I could have made,” she said. “It didn’t just give me an education — it gave me a family, a vision, and a way to make a difference.”