Alex Class of 2027
Some responses may be paraphrased for clarity.
Alex is a non-residential (commuter) junior (Class of 2027) from Muncie, IN. She first heard about the Academy from her sister who graduated from the Academy in 2013.
What made you decide to apply?
“I was seeking a higher education than the one I had available. I love to learn, and attending the Academy would give me that and more. I met with some of the staff and students and felt excited. It is an environment that fosters growth through challenge and support.”
As a non-residential student, Alex noted the engaging community and opportunities available to students. Her friend group grew here, and she felt that she was finally in a place where she belonged.
What do you like about being a commuter student?
“As a commuter student, one of my favorite aspects of the Academy is the inclusive community. I had worried that because I was a non-residential student, I would be othered, but my experience had been the exact opposite. The community at the Academy is the most inclusive, respectful, and engaging that I have ever been a part of. I’ve made more friends in my few years here than I have ever had before.”
Alex stays busy through several extracurricular activities. Notably, she plays the violin in the Youth Symphony Orchestra of East Central Indiana and other community orchestras.
At the Academy, Alex’s favorite extracurricular is the Model United Nations club. As someone who enjoys international affairs, problem-solving, and debate, she finds that this organization helped strengthen her skills in those areas. She also serves as the vice president of the Bring Change 2 Mind club, a National Honor Society member, an ambassador, a peer assistant, and a teaching assistant for the General Chemistry course.
Newly, she was appointed to the Non-Residential Junior Representative for the Indiana Academy’s Student Government.
What is your greatest memory of your time so far at the Academy?
“In February 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in the Model United Nations of the University of Chicago (MUNUC). It became one of my most cherished memories from my time at the Academy. Despite the long days of conference sessions, my friends and I made the time to meet in the hallway around seven a.m. to explore Chicago, walking through the city, finding great food, and exploring anything interesting we came across. Everything from the ride there, in the oh-so-beloved Bertekap van, to the ride back made this whole experience genuinely memorable.”
The Academy has prepared Alex for life by challenging her in new ways, including academics, personal growth, and within relationships. Her skills and confidence have improved dramatically because of the extensive leadership opportunities in which she participates.
What are your plans after graduation?
“After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in law. Many of my interests: learning languages, connecting with diverse people, international affairs, political science, biochemical forensic science, criminal justice, and criminology, all intersect within the field of law. I’m drawn to the way law brings together these disciplines and allows me to use them to make a meaningful impact. Ultimately, I want to help people, and a legal career feels like the right path to do that.”
For students interested in attending the Academy, Alex wants you to know that it is okay to ask for help. It can be challenging to adjust to this new environment, but it is important to ask for help before you need it.