Meet Alexandrea
Boarding or Day Student: Day Student
Hometown while attending FVS: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Current City: Surprise, Arizona
Name(s)/grade(s) of siblings who attended FVS: Mckayla '16 & Marissa '17
Graduation Year: 2014
College(s) attended and major/minor(s): Arizona State University, M.A. in Special Education with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis; University of Northern Colorado, B.A. in Psychology with Sociology minor
Occupation: Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Activities (inside and outside of school) while at FVS: Girls' Volleyball, Girls' Tennis, Choir, Theater, Basketball Manager
Fountain Valley School helped Alexandrea grow from a shy, reserved student into a confident, capable individual. With support from her dedicated advisor and through transformative experiences like Interim Expeditions, Alex developed the courage, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in adulthood.
How would life be different had you not attended Fountain Valley School?
Without FVS, I can’t imagine what my life would be like today. This school and the people here shaped me into who I am. Before FVS, I was one of the smartest kids in my class, but I kept to myself, reading books in my room. I never stepped outside of my comfort zone or challenged myself. I didn’t even consider playing sports because I was afraid of failing. FVS changed all of that. My teachers taught me it’s okay to question things and that going with the status quo isn’t always necessary. My advisor was essential in helping me build confidence in the classroom, on the volleyball court, and in life.
Compare your transition to college to that of your college classmates. In what ways did Fountain Valley position you a step above?
I was completely prepared for the academic demands of college and remember thinking, “This is easier than what I came from.” That thought continued throughout my undergraduate years – there was never a time when I didn’t feel prepared for a paper, test, or discussion. At FVS, I frequently visited the Academic Skills Center for help with my essays, and in college, writing papers became one of my favorite tasks. I felt confident in my abilities because FVS equipped me with strong writing skills.
How do student-teacher relationships with faculty extend far beyond the classroom at FVS? What makes them so unique?
The relationship I had—and still have—with my advisor is one I’ll always treasure. While she wasn’t my classroom teacher, she taught me so much. I was never afraid to be myself around her. I laughed with her, and when I needed to, I cried with her. If I needed advice, I could call her and she wouldn’t hesitate to help. She’s one of the first people I contact when I accomplish something because I know how proud she would be. This is just one example of the deep, lasting relationships I formed with faculty members at FVS.
What characteristics of the FVS academic environment helped shape your learning style and academic interests?
FVS taught me to think outside the box. I learned to ask questions and strive for deeper understanding. It ignited a love for education in me that remains a core value of my life today.
In what ways did Interim help you develop specific skills or perspectives? How have these benefited your academic and professional pursuits?
Some of my most cherished memories are Interim Expeditions. I had the opportunity to live like the pioneers during my freshman year, to go backpacking through the Anasazi Ruins in Utah, to kayak in the Florida Everglades, and to travel throughout the historic Deep South. Each helped me realize just how much I am capable of as an individual. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and were when I truly began to blossom at FVS.
