Rio Graduate Makes a Strong Start at ASU
When Alexandria Woodruff began her first year at Arizona State University last semester, she knew college would be challenging, but she didn’t expect how rigorous it would be.
The 2025 Rio Salado and Desert Vista High School graduate completed many of her general education and business courses through Rio Salado College while a dual enrollment student at Tempe’s Desert Vista High School. With that, she started at ASU in the fall as a junior thanks to her transfer credits from Rio Salado. She plans to dual major in interior design and business.
Woodruff quickly found herself immersed in advanced, project-based coursework. From building physical models to creating full floor plans and digital home designs using SketchUp, the workload was intense.
“It was very advanced,” she said. “One CAD map took about 40 hours to complete. I had help from upperclassmen, but I already understood the basics because of Rio. I’m thankful for that. I was able to focus a lot more on my interior design class.”
Standing Out in the Classroom
While many of her peers were adjusting to college-level expectations, Woodruff found herself ahead of the curve. In her business courses, classmates were surprised to learn she was already enrolled in 300-level classes as a first-year student.
“My friends always ask how I’m already in upper-division business classes. They always wish they would have done it, as well. They’ve heard about Rio Salado or dual. I hope other people get to hear about it more because it’s so beneficial,” Woodruff said.
Managing the Load—and Enjoying It
While it is rigorous, Woodruff said her academic experience is “very manageable,” largely because of the groundwork she completed with Rio Salado. While in high school and taking dual enrollment courses, she also took part in sports and the arts, as well as completed an internship with Rio Salado’s marketing department.
Without needing to focus on basic English and math classes, Woodruff said she’s been able to enjoy her coursework and in project-based environments where collaboration is key. That structure has helped her balance both her interior design and business studies without burnout.
Her first-year results speak for themselves:
- All As and one B
- Current GPA: 3.98
- An Obama Scholarship recipient, which covered her major expenses including housing and tuition.
What’s Next: More Credits, More Goals
Looking ahead, Woodruff isn’t slowing down:
- She is registered for a full load of spring classes as she works toward completing her two degrees.
- Her semester includes most of her remaining business core courses, including microeconomics, business statistics, and accounting.
- She also will continue her interior design coursework in design fundamentals and human behavior.
- This month, she starts her training in preparation for a summer job on a cruise line.
Looking Forward
When asked what excites her most about the future, Woodruff doesn’t hesitate.
“I’m most excited about learning more software programs I’ll actually use in the field,” like CAD, she said.
Between studies, meeting with instructors, trips to Barnes & Noble for design books, and a clear academic plan, Woodruff is embracing both the challenge and opportunity of college life.
Her first year hasn’t just gone well, she said. It’s confirmed that the path she started at Rio Salado College prepared her to thrive.
Woodruff is the star of the spring marketing campaign for Rio Salado. Her story can be found on YouTube.