Now as we wrap up Women’s History Month, we feel it would be an honor to recognize McKesha Alexander as one of the Women of the AAUW here at Penn State World Campus. Women’s History Month has shed light on the many achievements and successes women and girls have made. It is valuable to look back on what the past has taught us as women. It is also equally valuable to mark the accomplishes that women everywhere and every day are making as well. Mckesha is one of us, a Penn Stater through and through. Let’s celebrate her, just like we would the women in history.
Q. What degree are pursuing?
A. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications to which I hope to have a minor in Political Science as well.
Q. What is your current job/career path?
A. For the last 11 years, I have been working at a non-profit organization that serves people who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. If someone told me that 11 years from now that I will still be at this job but there is major fulfillment in helping someone that is unable to help themselves than I would have been like really?? Little did I know that every time I hear a story on how we have made a huge impact on their life than there is no prouder feeling and it makes me want to continue to fight for the people who are considered no longer wanted or needed by today’s society.
Q. Where are you from/where do live now?
A. I was born and raised here in Memphis, TN. Yes, the home of Elvis, Beale Street, and BBQ I must say! About 16 years ago I did move to another city where I was attending another university. At the time my mother became much sicker until she passed in February 2003. After her passing, I decided to move back to Memphis to be closer to family. While moving back home wasn’t an easy choice but it’s turning out to be one of the best decisions that I have made. Now that doesn’t say that I wouldn’t want to move in the future but who knows?
Q. When will you graduate?
A. My target date is for Spring 2020, but we will see after I finish up this minor.
Q. How did you hear about AAUW World Campus?
A. Actually, I found out this club through a virtual meetup that was held last summer. After having a conversation with some of the officers of the club I decided to join.
Q. What does activism mean to you?
A. Wow, great question! Activism means standing up for what you think is right for yourself as well as other people. It’s also never too late to take a stand on something that you truly believe in.
Q. What are some ways that you active in your community?
A. One way I stay connected to my community is through my current job which allows me to become a voice for the voiceless and of course reaching out to various resources to be included in the process. I am also a very giving person so therefore if there is a need for me to help then I will try my best to do so.
Q. Tell me what an average day looks like you?
A. My day usually starts early by arriving at my job by 9am. From there, I see what deadlines I need to meet before the end of the day. After work, I am usually home to work on my studies for the week. Now when I am not studying, I like to travel, listen to various types of music…my playlist…where do I begin…LOL! but mostly time with family and friends.
Q. What are you passionate about in women issues?
A. The first thing that comes to mind is equal pay. To a citizen in one of the richest countries and still an issue, we are fighting is unacceptable. Another issue is the #metoo movement while we have different opinions/observations about it this should not be swept under the rug. To me as a woman of color, both issues affected me deeply therefore I will continue to be in the fight until both issues are not issues anymore.
Q. What course has been your favorite, so far, at Penn State World Campus?
A. My favorite class so far is the one I am currently in (Introduction to Leadership). This class has opened my thoughts into new ways that I want to lead whether it is in business or my personal life.
Q. Do have any advice for women/girls pursing their college degrees?
A. As women, we’re told as well as shown how society will view as a person. If you see yourself being a college graduate don’t stop until that piece of paper is placed in your hands. Now I can’t say that the road to getting that degree will be easy, but it will make it all the worthwhile in the end. Also, it very important that you surround yourself around people that not only believe in you but will be with you every step of the way as part of your support system.
Q. Do have any advice for anyone just starting at Penn State World Campus?
A. For me was taking time to understand that World Campus is not just an online community that it is truly an extension of the main campus. Just because you are pursing your degree online, Penn State continues to show its students that We Are is more than a saying. Now for your classes, get to know other classmates as well as your professor you will be surprised that you have a lot more in common than you think. And finally, taking courses online may seem easy however, if you develop proper time management skills as well as communicate what you expected out each class than you will do great here.
