December 28, 2023

SVSU graduating seniors: Alexis Madak

From: Sterling Heights 

Major: Nursing  

Future: Position with Corewell Health, Troy 

Thanks to the encouragement and opportunities she found at SVSU, nursing major Alexis Madak was able to prove herself and become the nurse she always wanted to be. The constant support from her professors and community helped Alexis to persevere when she was struggling, allowing her to eventually graduate with honors. 

With her graduation approaching, Alexis answered some questions about her time at SVSU. 

 What was an obstacle that stood in your way during your journey to graduation, and how did SVSU help you get beyond it? 

“My academics in high school were not stellar, as I found myself struggling to find the courage to apply for schools. I was worried that because my grade point average and SAT score did not meet their minimum requirements, I would never be accepted.  

“I had toured many schools and found that SVSU had exactly what I was looking for and made me feel comfortable. This was important to me, as I was leaving home for the next four years. After applying to SVSU and anxiously waiting to hear back, I was relieved to find out that I was accepted into the college. Although this may not seem like an obstacle at the time, I failed to mention that I was ‘provisionally’ accepted. This meant that I had to get good grades my first year of school to stay enrolled at this school. I worked hard to prove that I am a hardworking and determined student!” 

How did your experience at SVSU help you find your true purpose? 

“I found my true purpose at SVSU based on my experience with the nursing program and how much I truly love to help people. I always knew that I had this characteristic, but seeing how many professors helped me throughout this program makes me want to give back and help inspire other students just like me. I also found this throughout my sorority, where my sisters of Alpha Sigma Alpha were always there for me if I needed a helping hand. I am hoping I can give back to my community someday and provide the best care to my patients.” 

What makes you proud about graduating? 

“I am so proud to say that I am graduating from SVSU with my bachelor’s degree in nursing, and I get to represent my school for the rest of my life. I love this school and the people who make it what it is today. I am proud to say that I was extremely involved in the school, including my sorority and the nursing program. I worked very hard throughout this program, and to be graduating with honors is a dream come true. I am so excited to graduate and share my experience at SVSU with my future coworkers and to exercise the skills I have obtained from the nursing program.” 

What are your plans after graduation? 

“My plans after graduating include moving back to my hometown where I have accepted a job at Corewell Health in Troy on a medical-surgical unit. I hope to continue my education in the future at SVSU.”