Alexandra Miller- Connecting the Dots

Alexandra Miller, recipient of the Petchenik Geography Award for 2009-2010

Alexandra Miller, recipient of the Petchenik Geography Award for 2009-2010

I chose UW-Madison because I was attracted to the countless academic and extra-curricular activities offered. Born and raised in Wisconsin, UW-Madison was a great value and fit for me.

Like many first year students, my journey was full of uncertainties and even discomfort as I navigated the large UW campus and all of its offerings. Taking leadership roles within student groups and finding the close-knit geography department helped me create my own “space” within the large UW community.

My favorite place on campus is Science Hall – inside and out, it’s full of beauty and history.

The greatest learning opportunity I’ve had is taking an internship-for-credit with Slow Food-UW; it gave me the freedom to carry out my own project with the support and guidance of experienced UW professors. Partnering with community leaders, student leaders, and professors enables me to “connect the dots” between campus and community.

Alexandra Miller at Slow Food-UW

Alexandra Miller at Slow Food-UW

I am inspired by Alice Walker’s “Anything We Love Can Be Saved: A Writer’s Guide to Activism.” “For we can do nothing substantial toward changing our course on the planet, a destructive one, without rousing ourselves, individual by individual, and bringing our small, imperfect stones to the pile.” This imagery encourages the fearless asking of questions, and the relentless giving of my heart to the people and the changes I believe in.

Thank you, UW-Madison, for encouraging me to “bring my stone to the pile.”  Since receiving this award, I have received the L&S honors college Leadership Trust Award, which enables me to lead intergenerational activities at the South Madison Farmer’s Market with neighboring youth and elderly.  In collaborating with Slow Food-UW and the South Madison Farmer’s Market, we break barriers that prevent kids from eating and cooking good, clean, fair food.

I hope to pursue a career in urban planning or public service.  It’s an honor to have connected with you through this award.