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People Profiles
Alekzandr Wray
- Hometown: West Seattle, WA
- Major: Law and Diversity
Why Western?
I chose Western because I lived in Bellingham when I was younger and my mom was an accountant for Western. I used to wander around campus for hours, and everybody was so nice that it made me want to be one of those cool Western kids some day. More recently, I decided on Western because of the great scenery, great location, and awesome academics. I felt like I could excel here, both in class and in the community.
An Emerging Leader
I didn't do much in high school. I played football and I was a part of Future Business Leaders of America for a while, but I wasn't heavily involved. My lack of involvement in high school is what has driven me to become so active on Western's campus. I no longer wanted to be the guy who let other people decide what was going on; I wanted in!
Part of a Family
Being involved in the Leadership Advantage Program means a great deal to me; it means that I am a part of a family outside of my own and that people believe in me and in my potential. These people believe in me even when I feel that I'm not good enough or that I can't get something done. They help me stay focused and keep me motivated to do the best that I possibly can. The Leadership Advantage Program is helping me grow into the type of person I want to be, a well-rounded, humble, confident and empathetic leader, citizen and human being.
The Power of Community
One of my most prized memories of the Leadership Advantage program is when we all went to the EDGE ropes course and had to do various exercises. The one that stood out to me the most was when we all had to stand on a wire and move from tree to tree while having nothing to keep our balance but each other. It was memorable to me because at one point, it seemed as though we were immovable and that not even an earthquake could knock us over. It was beautiful.
Gaining Confidence
I feel that I am a much different person today than when I came to Western last year. I feel more mature and more experienced. I feel as though I am coming to terms with who I am and it feels great. Before last year, I did not like being in the spot light AT ALL but now… I live for it! I am WAY more confident than I have ever been before in my life.