When Alexandra Wienckowski, a 2024 graduate, moved from Montana to Washington in 2018, she was chasing something bigger: the chance to grow, explore new ideas and create a better life for her young son. She began at Shoreline Community College and later transferred to the 56�Թ���, where she found a supportive environment that helped her redefine what was possible. 

“I’ve always loved the outdoors,” she said. “I thought I’d build a career in environmental studies, but once I started studying public policy, it opened up a completely different path — one that could make an even bigger impact.” 

A pivotal academic shift 

At 56�Թ��� Bothell, Wienckowski majored in Environmental Studies with a minor in Restoration Ecology. But a conversation with an academic adviser changed the trajectory of her education and her life. 

“She told me I could double major without adding a ton of extra time,” she said. “Once I enrolled in a politics class, everything clicked. I saw how systems, laws and leadership shape the environment, education, housing — everything.” 

That realization led her to add a second major in Law, Economics & Public Policy, creating an interdisciplinary foundation that prepared her for real-world impact. 

The turning point came through an internship at the Washington State House of Representatives. Wienckowski first heard about the program in a class taught by Dr. Amy Lambert, associate teaching professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences. She followed up through 56�Թ��� Bothell’s Career Services with assistance from Ryan McIrvin, the University’s director of government & community relations.  

Turning opportunity into action 

“I didn’t even know jobs like that existed,” Wienckowski said. “That experience gave me insight into how government really works and helped me see where I could fit in.” 

The internship opened new doors, too. Through the experience, she built strong professional connections that led to further work in Olympia after graduation, including time with the office of Rep. Greg Cheney. 

“I considered all kinds of roles,” she said. “Policy research, legislative assistant, executive assistant — anything that would help me get my foot in the door and keep growing.” 

As a single mom balancing classes, parenting and part-time work, Wienckowski said the was critical to her success as well. 

“I could not have completed the internship or a study abroad program without that scholarship,” she said. “It helped cover the things that add up — books, fees, housing — and gave me the freedom to focus on being a student and a mom.” 

Looking ahead to a life of service 

With support from scholarship funding, Wienckowski joined a study abroad program in Thailand and Cambodia. The experience expanded her perspective and reinforced her commitment to equity, sustainability and community. 

“I became a global ambassador for study abroad because I wanted other students — especially nontraditional students like me — to know what’s possible,” she said. “That trip changed everything for me.” 

Wienckowski continues to explore her path in public service, with an eye toward legislative work and community impact. She is energized by the possibility of working directly with people and using policy to address systemic challenges. 

“Public service is about fixing problems on multiple levels and understanding where people come from. That’s how we make meaningful change.”

“To me, public service is about fixing problems on multiple levels and understanding where people come from,” she said. “That’s how we make meaningful change.” 

Longer term, she said she hopes to continue gaining experience in government and one day run for public office. 

Advice for the next generation 

Wienckowski’s path hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply meaningful. And she has a message for current students thinking about a future in service. 

“There were times I wanted to quit because it would have been easier,” she said. “But I didn’t want to live with regret. You’re more capable than you know, and there’s support out there. When you reach the other side of the tunnel, it’s worth every step.” 

Help more students like Alexandra thrive: Your support of the opens doors to transformative opportunities — from internships and study abroad to careers in public service. Every gift helps students overcome financial barriers and pursue what’s possible. to make an immediate impact. 

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“I was part of the AVID program in high school,” Vorn said. “It opened my eyes to what college could mean — not just in terms of income but in what kind of life I could build.”

That drive led her to 56�Թ��� Bothell, where she embraced the challenges of being a first-gen student. “I didn’t want to waste what my parents had given up,” she said. “So, I made the most of every opportunity. I asked for help when I needed it, and I built strong relationships with people who believed in me.”

A mentor and a moment of transformation

One of those relationships changed everything: Professor Deborah Hathaway.

“She was my sunshine,” Vorn said. “Her classes helped me express myself and find confidence — especially in her voice and movement class. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me embrace who I am.”

What started as an academic requirement became a turning point for Vorn. Hathaway’s mentorship helped Vorn build more than just skills — it built a new mindset.

“She taught me that it’s OK to feel uncomfortable,” Vorn said. “That’s often where growth happens.”

From volunteering to a career in science

Vorn’s journey into health and manufacturing began before college. Her first job was at an orthodontist’s office where she had her braces done. What started as a volunteer gig — helping make impressions and putting rubber bands on brackets — became a hands-on introduction to health care.

After college, that early curiosity led her to a role as a Manufacturing Associate at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she now contributes to life-changing treatments on a global scale.

“My background, my culture, and my family — they’re all a part of what motivates me,” she said. “In Cambodian culture, family is everything. And my parents were involved every step of the way in my education.”

Honoring the past, while building the future

At 56�Թ��� Bothell, Vorn learned to bridge her past and future — finding balance between discipline and self-expression, hard work and healing.

“I was taught to be tough and to work hard,” she said. “But college also taught me how to breathe, how to ask for help, and how to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined.”

Now, as a young professional in the biotech industry, she continues to carry those lessons with her — honoring her roots while forging her own path forward.

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Hometown: King Cove, Alaska

What can you remember about being a first-generation student?

I had two professors (Jennifer Schultz and David S. Goldstein) who I took several classes with consistently because it was a small community back then. They took an interest in me and really fostered and developed my skills. They were such great encouragers and cheerleaders saying, “You do awesome work!”

Coming from an environment where I didn’t necessarily have that kind of support, I still try to do similar things for other people. I’ve had that modeled for me, so I want to give back whenever I can.

Is there a key memory from your time at 56�Թ��� Bothell that is meaningful?

I loved the small community. I got to know folks really well, particularly my professors. I remember going to my graduation ceremony, and those two professors came up in their robes and floppy hats and said, “Oh my gosh, you got magna cum laude!” They were so happy for me, and they were just so excited.

I think that’s a good representation of how I felt overall. I just always felt like someone was paying attention to me and recognizing the work that I had done.

How has being a first-generation student impacted your career?

There are so many things I think I learned from being a first-gen student in terms of having perseverance and resourcefulness and asking for help — finding people who want to be in your corner for support and really leaning into that.

It’s such a core part of my identity. It’s a motivator — a catalyst for lots of things like creative problem-solving, thinking outside of the box and being curious about the folks who are not at the table. That’s where I center my lens and experience: on those who are at the margins or the most underrepresented, particularly in traditional systems of higher education.

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