A reflective piece on embracing being the youngest in the room, transforming self-doubt into opportunity, and discovering that fresh perspectives and willingness to learn are invaluable contributions to any table.
Her Story
About Alissa
Alissa Thomas serves as an admissions counselor at Jarvis Christian University in Hawkins, Texas. She has held this position for nearly two years, conducting high school visits to encourage students to pursue higher education and managing the university's social media pages. Thomas earned her Bachelor's of Arts in Mass Communications from Jarvis Christian University in May 2024, with a focus on public engagement, digital marketing, podcasting, and broadcasting. She recently completed her Master's of Arts in Mass Communication from Stephen F. Austin State University in May 2026. As a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, she participates in community service events, bringing a positive presence to her work and outreach. Thomas attributes her success to her role as a friendly face in education access and community involvement, and she values keeping an open mind, effective communication, collaboration, and maintaining a positive environment.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I contribute my success to my work field where I do high school visits as the friendly face encouraging students to continue education, and I go out in the community as a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc doing community service events while always being the positive sunshine in the room.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Take everything one day at a time. I am so eager for growth but everything happens at the natural time. Take everything one step at a time and seize every opportunity.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be scared to ask questions. Asking questions brings knowledge and power. Do not be afraid to ask questions as you never know where that answer could get you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being the youngest and newest in a field where everyone has 10-15 years experience, while making sure youre getting the proper exposure to your dream career.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Keeping an open mind and open heart, effective communication, collaboration, positive work environment, and being a positive person.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Alissa
The Youngest in the Room
Finding Your Voice When You're the Youngest Person at the Table
The Youngest in the Room
The first thing I notice isn't the conference table. It's the voice in my head—the one that quietly asks, "Are you sure you're supposed to be here?" Every time I realize I'm the youngest person in the room, that question tries to make itself heard.
This isn't a horror story. It's actually one of the greatest opportunities I've ever been given.
Being the youngest in the room can be intimidating. There are moments when self-doubt creeps in before you've even introduced yourself. You wonder if you've done enough, learned enough, or experienced enough to contribute something meaningful. But somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn't in the room by accident. That realization changed everything.
I stopped trying to prove that I belonged and started focusing on how my strengths could make the greatest impact. Looking around, I realized that everyone in the room brings something different to the table. Mine just happens to be a fresh perspective, genuine curiosity, and a desire to keep growing. As I move through long meetings, multiple revisions, and constant constructive feedback, my goal is to leave the room a little wiser than when I walked in.
I also learned that being the youngest in the room doesn't mean I have the least to offer. It simply means I'm at the beginning of a journey that others have already traveled. Rather than seeing that as a disadvantage, I've learned to view it as an invitation to listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and embrace every opportunity to grow. Every seat at the table becomes a reminder that growth happens when we're willing to step into spaces that challenge us.
So, if you ever find yourself as the youngest person in the room, don't let your age become the loudest voice in your mind. Let your willingness to learn, your curiosity, and your work ethic speak louder.
One day, you won't be the youngest anymore.
When that day comes, be the person who makes room for someone else.
Because the greatest measure of leadership isn't the seat you earn at the table.
It's the seat you help create for someone else.
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