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Alexandra Johnson
“I would like to work with minority and disadvantaged populations who live in nontraditional family structures, providing therapeutic support and patient advocacy.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Philadelphia, PA
- Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
- Age: 22
- Four-year College or University: Drexel University
- Graduate School: La Salle University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Psychology / Therapy, Public Services
- Other Interests: Health Care, Nonprofits, Social Science / Anthropology, Volunteer Work, Writing / Journalism
Biography
PROFILE: Alexandra Johnson has always been driven to achieve academically. Growing up without a traditional family, she made the most of it when she was offered support. “I worked hard to graduate third in my class, and I was able to step out of survival mode and live up to my potential.” Her ambitions have developed over time. It was while volunteering with the campus helpline that she decided to pursue a graduate degree. “I often feel that I would like to help the callers more than what my current training allows me. I love the feeling that I get at the end of a call when the caller’s tone changes and they seem to have gained new insight.”
While working as a research assistant, she had initially believed that therapy was the best option for clients suffering from depression or social anxiety. After seeing first-hand the results of medication on patients, she believes that it can be as useful as therapy. As she continues her studies, Alexandra wants to bring her unique background to others who may need the same type of support she was given.
INSPIRATION: At age 11, Alexandra was sent to the Milton Hershey School, where house parents and teachers gave her a safe and supportive environment in which to grow. “Milton S. Hershey has had a major influence in my life, even though I never met him. I will always be grateful to him and the Hershey School for providing me with a home and a community of people who raised me.”
ASPIRATION: Alexandra plans to become a licensed clinical psychologist.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Alexandra worked as a teaching assistant for Drexel University’s psychology department, and volunteered in the clinical research lab. She served as chapter president of the student organization VIEW—Violence Information & Education for Women.
ACCOLADES: Alexandra was chapter president of Psi Chi, the psychology honor society. She is a recipient of the Sara Taubin Memorial Award and Dean J. Peterson Ryder Award. She was inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminal justice honor society.
INTERESTING FACT: Alexandra was a cheerleader from 6th through 12th grade.
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