While involved in cystic fibrosis research with Associate Professor of Biochemistry Quentin Johnson and Associate Professor of Chemistry Mark Turlington during her sophomore year, Alexis Mitchell '25 changed from a STEM major to anthropology. Although she enjoyed the analytical thinking required for biochemistry, she had a greater inclination to understand the root of human nature.
Making the leap inspired Alexis to reach for other goals. With the help of Berry faculty, staff and alumni, she mapped out her study abroad. “South Korea is a unique place that people hear about and keep as a distant dream. I wanted to make that dream a reality so future students will have the ability to go to this country and be able to expand their way of thinking,” she explains.
Enrolled in an introduction to Korean history and Korean pop culture and media, Alexis spent five weeks engrossed in a mixed experience of educational and cultural immersion. She was eager “to learn about the establishment of their culture” and “was excited to be able to differentiate the history, economics and political streams of the country” from those of other nations in Asia.
Venturing back to the States, Alexis is excited to apply the knowledge gained from her international experiences, especially as she looks to pursue a master's in public health administration. She sees this career path as a way to bridge her interest in science and anthropology.
“I am using the experience to broaden my horizons in eastern medicine and habitual traditions that are different from western health practices. Being immersed in another country has opened my eyes to other possibilities,” she notes. “I still enjoy being in the STEM field but want to connect with others in a different way besides just being in the lab.”
In her final year of service at Berry, Alexis holds a myriad of leadership positions — class president for the fourth time, student chair of the conduct board and student supervisor for the dean of students. How does she keep up the pace? “Throughout my daily life I try to be intentional in everything I do such as breaking up assignments throughout my day,” she says. “I also try to create designated days for my extracurriculars as well.”
Story by senior Amani Pyron
