Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2023 is ready to make its mark on the world!-  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Alexis Parker.   

Major: Nursing

Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Panhellenic Council Scholarship and Irvin Kochel Leadership Scholarship. I also received an outside award from the American Association of University Women (Erie branch.)

On choosing her major: I have always had a passion for science, medicine, and helping people. I knew that nursing was for me. Penn State has a great nursing program, so it was an easy choice to make.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: My proudest accomplishment is the service event that was hosted through Panhellenic Council. All of the sororities came together and collected feminine products, new clothing, and other items to make more than 100 individual grab bags that were donated to a local non-profit organization that benefits women and children in crisis. I was so happy with the teamwork that the sororities displayed and the outcome of our donation drive.

Campus involvement: I was involved in Alternative Spring Break, Alpha Sigma Alpha, National Panhellenic Council, and our campus chapter of the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania.

What you might be surprised to know about her: I am a licensed cosmetologist. I hope to find a part-time job working in a medical spa, so I can utilize my nursing degree and my cosmetology experience to make people feel better about themselves.

How does she define a good life: A good life would be getting to wake up and genuinely enjoying what I am doing, whether helping somebody in the hospital, making somebody else laugh or smile, hanging out with my family, or just reading a good book.

Top priority: My top priority is getting oriented to my new career and eventually applying to graduate school. I want to obtain my doctorate in nursing and become either a nurse practitioner or a nurse anesthetist.

Her passion: I am passionate about helping people and participating in service to others. I was honored to be able to participate in Alternative Spring Break all four years of my collegiate experience. I hope I can continue participating in service opportunities after I graduate.

Advice for first-year students: Get involved and attend events. Joining clubs and organizations will give you so much experience in team building, growing relationships with others and being a leader. I have grown so much in my leadership skills, and that would not have happened without involving myself in the wonderful clubs, organizations, and events on campus.

Alexis has accepted a job in the trauma-neuro intensive care unit at UPMC Hamot in Erie.