Empathy in action

"I believe in you. You are brave."

Meet Stacey Alexander. Empathetic. Resilient. Cheerleader.
Home: Calgary
Program: Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Certificate

No student can claim post-secondary is a walk in the park, and for Stacey Alexander it was no different, what with juggling coursework, extracurriculars and all life throws at you. As she prepares to walk the stage, she’s looking back at how she’s used her time at Mount Royal University to mould herself into a pillar of strength and empathy for her community.

Alexander, who is graduating with an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Certificate, says some of the biggest lessons she learned while attending MRU weren’t necessarily included in the typical syllabus.

“I faced many challenges that pushed me outside of my comfort zone. There were moments that tested my patience, my strength and my confidence, but those experiences also helped me grow,” Alexander says.

“I learned that we can show up on time even though we are having a difficult time in life. It’s all right to be sad, mad, or even depressed … You can show up for classes to be there for others or even to persist.”

Alexander borrows a mantra from Walt Disney to help keep her going: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

“This quote reminds me of my journey and everything it took to get here.”

Amanda Wilson, an educational facilitator with the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension, says Alexander’s most powerful attribute is that she does not give up.

“She always keeps going and continues to try her best in everything she does. Stacey is an example of true resilience,” Wilson says.

“I have been lucky enough to witness her journey as she builds healthy coping skills, expands her support system and learns about resources to help her when things get tough.”

Part of learning how to persist is building up self-care skills — a subject in which Alexander has become something of an aficionado.

“I’ve seen so much growth during my time at MRU in my ability to deal with stress,” she says.

“I have many strategies that I use for self-care. I disconnect myself away from my phone and spend time doing something I like, such as diamond art, going to the gym or taking a break with a friend to get coffee.”

She also stresses the importance of having a good support system — something she has in her family.

“There were times when I felt overwhelmed, stressed or unsure of myself, but they never stopped believing in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself.”

Alexander says her educators, such as Associate Professors Scharie Tavcer, PhD, and Vicki Goodfellow-Duke, PhD, as well as facilitator Wilson, were a huge help in her journey.

“Tavcer would make the class inclusive and accessible by making it possible for me to use my strategies like breathing or movement breaks if the content of the class was difficult,” she says.

“Goodfellow-Duke created an environment of belonging and inclusion. She listened to me when I had bad days and stood by me.”

Alexander says Wilson was always there to lend a helping hand or encouraging words (or a dance break) when she was overwhelmed.

“Those moments helped me reset, laugh and keep going when I needed it most. I’m so grateful for her patience, encouragement and the positive energy you brought into my learning experience.”

Alexander encourages other students to take advantage of MRU’s many resources if they find themselves in need of a boon.

“The rec centre is free for students, the facilitators are excellent, the counsellors are really good to talk to. There are people here to talk to, so you don’t have to do it by yourself.”

Alexander has taken all she’s learned and already put it into practice — advocating for accessible improvements with the Inclusive Post Secondary Education Advisory Committee, becoming a cheerleader for her classmates and sharing her knowledge with her community.

“Stacey’s commitment to the community is impressive,” Wilson adds.

“She is especially committed to improving access and belonging for people with disabilities or neurodiversity in Calgary and has supported that work in volunteer roles at Between Friends, Bloom Wellness Collective and the Special Olympics.”

Alexander says there have been many times she’s had to flex her stress-management and self-care muscles while volunteering, including when she helped an athlete who was struggling with personal issues while competing at the Special Olympics in Calgary.

“I calmed her down. I used my strategies like connecting with a trusted adult, breathing, finger tapping, grounding, shaking off any stress, and affirmations like, ‘You got this, I believe in you. You are brave,’” Alexander shares.

What’s next on the to-do list for Alexander? On top of keeping up with her wellness and self-care routines, she plans to use the skills she's honed while at MRU while volunteering for Parachutes for Pets and transition to working more with animals.