While many students are still adjusting to being away at college and figuring out what path they want to take, sophomore, Alexandra Kuzian, already has gotten a jump onto making the most out of her time here at Iona University.

She has attended two mission trips to Peru through Iona’s Office of Mission and Ministry program. In her freshman year, she attended as a general volunteer, but this past January, she led the trip which helps build houses for the less fortunate. This allows her and others on the trip to gain hands-on experience with helping those in need.

Her duties as a sophomore senator include being a peer mentor, bridging between students and administrators, and voting on certain clubs and issues. Kuzian expressed that it will help her future by gaining real world insight on how administration works, especially since her goal is to pursue a career in law. She feels that this role specifically teaches her valuable life skills such as public speaking and decision making.

Kuzian stated, “I live my life through the good of others. Seeing others do good, especially at Iona, has motivated me to be a better person and get involved with the organizations I align with today.”

Not only is she heavily involved with Model UN and the Student Government Association, she also has directly connected Iona with a cause that is very close to her heart, Gigi’s Playhouse. Gigi’s Playhouse is a non-profit organization that helps provide free programs in education, therapy and career development for individuals with down syndrome.

“My brother has been an inspiration of mine. Even in the hardest times, he is a source of lightness. He has participated in Gigi’s Playhouse

programs in Hillsborough, NJ since I was in second grade. Now, in college, I began a program with Gigi’s Playhouse Westchester and Iona students to help foster the same engagements my brother had as a kid.”

Kuzian is also a reporter for the Iona University television station. She has her own segment called “Alex on the Ave” where she is able to interview students around campus. She has been a great asset to the “Good Morning Gaels” morning show by sharing student’s thoughts with others.

Just taking a look at Alexandra’s experience over the past two years truly shows what a Gael can do, and what great success can come out of Iona’s programs. She is a great ambassador of showing how you can make the most out of your experience at Iona University.