Alexandra DiFulvio

Img_9401

“Throughout my life, both in hospitals and out, I have learned that wellness is brought about by both science and strength of heart. I feel that I can use my talents and expand my interests most effectively by interacting with people and treating their illnesses as a nurse practitioner, and in doing so, bringing this idea of total wellness into their lives.”

  • Alumni of: 2009 College Scholarship Program
  • Hometown: St. Charles, IL

Biography

PROFILE: Alexandra DiFulvio was first diagnosed with leukemia when she was 15. She had been on a fast track through high school having attended various college programs around the country for exceptional students. An early start to her undergraduate college career was made possible by her extraordinary intelligence, spirit and dedication to her studies, and also with the help of the Foundation as she became one of the first members of the Young Scholars program. During her years at the University of Illinois she maintained a delicate balancing act between her studies, extracurricular volunteer activities, and medical treatments. She has done it all with courage, dignity, and determination, and Alexandra’s kind, generous spirit is evident to all who have met her. She will pursue a Master’s degree in nursing in New York and hopes to take what she’s gained in hospital settings as a student, patient, and volunteer and channel that toward easing the suffering of the patients she’ll be serving.

 INSPIRATION: She has always wanted a medical career and that goal has been reinforced by her own trials as a patient.
 
ASPIRATION: Alexandra envisions a career in nursing and cancer research, and hopes to also break into the field of literature as a writer and publish a novel.
 
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: A member of the Illini Mentor Program, a service learning organization at her former university, Alexandra spends a few hours each week mentoring a fifth-grade girl.
 
ACCOLADES: She is a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and the James Scholar Honors Program, both at the University of Illinois.
 
INTERESTING FACT: She’s performed with the University of Illinois’ chamber choir in numerous concerts.

Other Scholars Like Alexandra

N15305196_30566946_46_thumb

Gregory Clark
College Scholar
Calvin College

Mfrendberg

Maria Frendberg
College Scholar
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Me_thumb

Sa'ed Atshan
Graduate Scholar
Harvard University

Cipriano3_thumb

Christina Cipriano
Graduate Scholar
Boston College