Meet Alexis Mitchell

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexis Mitchell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexis below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Alexis with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I believe my childhood upbringing has played a significant role in my work ethic as an adult. I have watched my single mother of four work tirelessly for years to provide for us after she separated from my father when I was about eight years old. Immediately after the separation, I became a second mother figure to my three younger siblings, as I am the eldest. I’ve always been very disciplined, structured, and responsible from young, and I have carried these qualities with me into adulthood. My work ethic is one that I pride myself on because there is a consistent determination and ability to persevere despite any hardships that life may unexpectedly try to roadblock me with.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I have always wanted to be an educator since I was a young girl. Today, I fulfill that desired career. For the last five years, I have worked as an English teacher for a youth program in a non-profit agency. Our program ensures that low-income underserved 12th grade students throughout Long Island are provided academic support and financial aid assistance to give them access to educational opportunities and personal development. I love being a part of this agency as the mission is rooted in providing help to others, especially those from vulnerable populations. I have fallen in love with this line of work, as both an educator and humanitarian. The program I’ve had the pleasure of teaching for allows me the opportunity to build strong interpersonal relationships with the youth of Long Island and simultaneously give back to my community. Being a teacher is truly a work of heart, and I am grateful for the ability to wake up each day pursuing something I am passionate about.

Aside from my professional career, I am also a writer and author. Today, I have four published poetry and prose collections: I Write, Therefore I Am; I Write, Therefore I Am: exposed; Hope Chest; the attic.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities that I believe are impactful in one’s journey are confidence, perseverance, and determination. These qualities directly align with my work ethic, and I feel like they have been the foundation of not only my character but my successes. My advice to others on their own individual journey is to consider the qualities I’ve mentioned. Confidence is embedded inside of all of us; it just takes the right spark to bring it to light. But once you believe in yourself and wholeheartedly follow your aspirations, you will exude confidence. I think it is also important to remember that one’s journey will ebb and flow, as that is the nature of life.

Recently, through my non-profit agency’s annual scholarship breakfast event, I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony Robles. Anthony Robles is a three-time all-American wrestler who won the 2010-11 NCAA individual wrestling championship in the 125-pound weight class despite being born with one leg. He was the keynote speaker for our event, and he quoted “I don’t care what’s probable. Through blood, sweat, and tears, I am unstoppable.” These words resonate as we all embark on our journeys. Journeys do not come linear nor easy; however, as we encounter the unexpected, we learn to adjust and grow through what we go through. Therefore, with perseverance and determination as grounding qualities, I believe humans will always be one stride closer to achieving their goals. And if you add confidence to the mix, you’ll have a solid recipe for working toward success.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I write. While I gravitate toward various avenues of art (painting, coloring, sketching), writing has always been my first choice. Writing is a therapeutic activity that allows me to process everything I’m feeling internally. While this may not always be the most desired stress-reliever for others, I would advise that everyone tries to lean on pen and paper when they’re feeling overwhelmed. When overwhelmed, writing is just about purging the thoughts and feelings onto the page. There is no wrong or right answer and often, there is no actual thinking involved. It’s a stream of consciousness journey that allows the body to release any unwanted tension or discomfort. And in the end, no matter how messy it is, you’ve produced art.

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