Scholar in the News
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Scholars in the Arts
"I am fascinated by the breadth of Art History and by how painting teaches a culture about itself."
Alexandra V. Swidergal
“By understanding what is happening on the basic molecular level, I believe we can start to understand ourselves on a global scale and make changes in the lives of individuals.”
- Program: 2008 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
- Hometown: Valley, WA
- Community College: Cottey College
- Four-year College or University: Cornell University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Sciences, Cell Biology, Genetics, Art
- Other Interests: Honor Society, Liberal Arts, Outdoor / Mountaineering / Camping, Performing Arts / Theatre, Student Government, Visual Arts
Biography
PROFILE: Alexandra Swidergal grew up in south Seattle and remembers being awakened at night by gang fights outside her window. Still, she flourished and was raised “with an acceptance of everyone.”
Alexandra has always had a passion for the sciences. Having seen her mother battle and survive breast cancer, Alexandra realized that “knowing how and why the illness affected her was only to be found through science.” She believes there are still important discoveries to be made on a cellular level “that will contribute to the knowledge of human activity and development.”
Alexandra’s interests include art, science, international initiatives, and travel. She visited Guatemala last year as part of the Color Their World project. “By spending time with the people of Guatemala, I found that the true meaning of resiliency is not to instantly look on the bright side, but to build pride and peace within yourself and embrace the joys in your life.”
INSPIRATION: Alexandra’s greatest source of inspiration has always been her parents.
ASPIRATION: She plans to earn a Ph.D. in cell biology and hopes to leave an imprint on the world “by serving others and contributing to global improvements in health and lifestyle.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Alexandra not only raised the funds for her visit to Guatemala, she also solicited donations of clothing and bedding from her community to take with her. She serves as an orientation leader at Cottey College and has volunteered for college plays and a mural restoration.
ACCOLADES: Alexandra is on the President’s List and Dean’s List, and was inducted into the English Honor Society of Sigma Kappa Delta. She has also won two awards at the State Leadership conference of Phi Beta Lambda: third place in Hospitality Management, and third place in Public Speaking.
INTERESTING FACT: Alexandra sews costumes for local theatres and works as a lifeguard for the city of Bellevue, Washington.
Other Scholars Like Alexandra
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Mohamed Bakri
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Esmeralda Duran
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Brittney Kulbeda
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