Alexandra Russell

UConn School of Nursing

I was born and raised in Manchester, Connecticut. I have extensive volunteer experience, frequently with underserved groups. Through the special Olympics, I helped run a soccer tournament for young adults with special needs, and have volunteered at a prom for people with special needs through my high school. I have worked with an elderly population at a retirement community, where I did arts and crafts with them and helped teach them how to better use technology. Finally, at a homeless shelter in Hartford, Connecticut, I have volunteered preparing and serving food to those in need.

I sought involvement in the Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars (UST/AS) Program because of my passion for helping people neglected by society’s institutions of care. I hope to gain the experience necessary to care for underserved communities, while also gaining confidence in my own ability to provide that care. This program will also allow me to better understand prevention and primary care; by understanding these aspects of health care and how they impact underserved populations, I hope to benefit the lives of such populations and help improve the quality of health care they receive.