Alex Andrews
I was challenged in how I saw the world and the impact I wanted to have on it. It put my whole education into perspective and it encouraged me to use what I’ve learned to help benefit the community.
"I don't want to leave my values at the door every day when I walk into work. I hope to create and be part of workplaces that not only allow this but encourage it."
Alex Andrews is an ANU alumna with a knack for transforming the skills and experiences she acquired at ANU into positive change for the community. As a Melbourne-based feminist, Alex is proud to list being the founder of Get Hairy February as one of her accomplishments. The movement encourages women to "let themselves grow" in order to challenge expectations and raise money to help eliminate violence against women.
It was during her Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at ANU that Alex first developed a passion for creating new ways to help the community address social and environmental issues. Alex says that ANU allowed her to learn from "some of the most knowledgeable and experienced people in the world".
In particular, Alex was influenced by a Vice Chancellor's course that she took in her third year. She says:
"My experience in the course changed everything. After connecting with various lecturers in the course, I ended up taking on two internships and gained my first full-time job. I was challenged in how I saw the world and the impact I wanted to have on it. It put my whole education into perspective and it encouraged me to use what I've learned to help benefit the community."
Alex would like to encourage future and current students to enjoy their time at ANU and appreciate that it is a time for learning about the world before having to run headlong into adult responsibilities. She says:
"Put less pressure on yourself and don't let expectations, yours or others, dictate the path you choose."
Alex is particularly keen for students to appreciate that tertiary education is a privileged opportunity to experience a community of people and ideas beyond just exam taking. She says:
"With that opportunity, take what you think you know and challenge it."
If you would like to find out more about Get Hairy February, please visit www.gethairyfebruary.org.
