Alexa Brown
Sargent’16 | Physical Therapy
Program Manager/FYSOP Staff Leader
Alexa Brown took advice from her friends at BU and ventured into the field of community service. Through her position at BU’s Community Service Center (CSC), she gained a lot of experience and realized her love for giving back to the community.
CCD: Tell us about your experience as a FYSOP Staff Leader.
Alexa: As a FYSOP Staff Leader, I led a group of first-year students around the greater Boston area to different service sites. During this academic year (2014-2015), I am the Community Outreach Program Manager for the CSC. My responsibilities include sending out the weekly newsletter, connecting the CSC to various outside organizations, and creating additional service opportunities for BU students.
CCD: How did you find the position? What helped you get it? What resources (at BU or elsewhere) did you use?
Alexa: I began my journey with the CSC when I participated in FYSOP during my first year. I signed up for it because it was highly recommended by many upperclassmen that I knew personally as well as upperclassmen that I had met at orientation. That year, I also went on an Alternative Spring Break service trip to Louisburg, NC, where I tutored middle school students and painted a mural in their school.
My experience with this trip and FYSOP were very eye opening on both a personal and educational level so that during my sophomore year, I decided that I wanted to serve as a FYSOP Staff Leader. During my sophomore year, I also helped coordinate an Alternative Spring Break trip to Memphis, TN, where we did service with the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
CCD: What is the one thing you’ve learned that will benefit any future internships or other hands-on experiences?
Alexa: Networking is key. Make it a point to get to know one person’s story everywhere you work. The people you work with now are the ones that will help shape your future success.
CCD: How has this experience changed your future plans?
Alexa: These experiences have really justified my desire to continue to help and give back to the community. Through my volunteering with the CSC, I’ve made many connections with organizations that will help my career development once I receive my degree.
CCD: What advice would you give to another student about making the most of a summer experience?
Alexa: Always have an open mind about whatever work you are doing. Whether it’s an internship or a service opportunity there will always be moments where you’re frustrated or overwhelmed or upset. While they may not make you feel the best, these are the moments that create the best learning opportunities.
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