My name is Alexandra Wanas and I like to go by the nickname Ally. I am nineteen years old and was born on a beautiful, sunny August day that happened to be Friday the thirteenth. I am currently in my second year of college at the University of Scranton studying Business Administration after changing my major a total of six times. This taught me to always have a goal yet know that its direction and final destination may change. I am a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School in 2017. I would best describe myself as an outgoing and caring individual who is always up for an adventure and good laugh. I admire my family and friends and constantly surround myself with the people and things I love. A couple hobbies I am passionate about include dancing and running. I would even consider shopping a hobby of mine too. In my spare time, I enjoy partaking in intramural sports and even attending self-defense classes. As a way of giving back to the community, I volunteer my time to help both mentally and physically abused children through an incredible non-profit organization that uses a special form of equine-based therapy called Marley’s Mission. I currently work as a waitress, hostess and social media coordinator at my parent’s business called Alexander’s Family Restaurant. At the University of Scranton, I am an active club member to Kania School of Management Women in Business, Random Acts of Kindness Club, and the Health Professions Organization.

This past January I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain. I was so eager to challenge myself and truly put my independence to the test by experiencing the culture and life of another country. I have always loved the language of Spanish and knew I could not be away from home for long. Therefore, studying abroad in Spain and only for one-month total was the perfect opportunity and once in a lifetime experience for me. I indulged in Barcelona’s amazing cuisine, embraced a new cultural perspective, put my language skills to the test, and even met many new faces who I know have become lifelong friends. Throughout this experience, I have learned more than I could have possibly imagined and gained an entire new understanding and personal development in myself. I learned to never be hesitant to do things on your own, trust in yourself and other people, never take the little things for granted, seize every opportunity given to you, and appreciate the world around me and its incredible beauty. With this new understanding of life, I hope to inspire others to accept this same kind of thinking.