Born and raised in Hanover Park, Illinois, Alex Sanchez embarked on his college career in 2019 at the College of DuPage. Initially uncertain about his path, he dreamt of a career in healthcare to help others on a larger scale. Reflecting on his roots and his parents’ sacrifices as immigrants from Mexico, Sanchez felt a profound drive to succeed academically and honor his family’s aspirations.
“My parents never had the opportunity to attend higher education, but I knew it was a dream of theirs to see their own kids succeed where they could not. My success is not my own but shared amongst me and my parents as they supported me nonstop no matter how hard things got for them.” he said.
His journey faced a significant disruption with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Like many, Sanchez struggled to find his footing amidst the uncertainty but opted to return to his studies in the spring of 2021 with a renewed purpose. He sought to specialize in healthcare management and policy, driven by personal experiences watching his parents struggle to communicate in everyday situations.
“I knew that I wanted to make a difference in marginalized communities that may not have the means to communicate in similar situations,” Sanchez said.
Transferring to Indiana University proved to be a pivotal decision. Enamored by the campus and inspired by its opportunities, Sanchez immersed himself in his studies at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Here, he found mentors such as lecturer Christopher Wayne, who provided personal guidance, academic support, and assistance with career planning.
“Christopher Wayne really pushed me to go to the next level with my education,” Sanchez said. “He cares about his students’ success not only in the class but outside of it as well.”
Sanchez’s journey at IU was marked by academic achievements and personal growth. Despite financial challenges, he worked hard and took advantage of each opportunity he received. He pursued internships and engaged deeply in coursework that prepared him for a career in healthcare analytics and management. His internship at IU Health solidified his passion, allowing him to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.
“I envision my career evolving where we can be more proactive in helping marginalized communities,” he said.
As he neared graduation, Sanchez reflected on the milestones he achieved and the challenges he had overcome. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree was not just his own success but a culmination of his family’s sacrifices and unwavering support. Sanchez remembered walking across the stage at graduation and being struck with emotion.
“Hearing my mom and dad cheer for me in the crowd is what really got me right in the heart at that moment. I knew that their sacrifice to come here all that time ago had finally paid off,” he said.
Looking forward, Sanchez plans to pursue a Master of Science in Healthcare Management, aiming to set higher benchmarks for himself and continue advocating for marginalized communities. As an O’Neill alum, he is taking advantage of the O’Neill Alumni Fellowship to receive a 25% tuition reduction.
Sanchez offered his advice to any incoming or current O’Neill students and emphasized the importance of not letting fear prevent you from embracing new opportunities. He encouraged students to lean on the support of faculty and peers and dive into all that IU has to offer.
“Every day at IU is a chance to really make something of yourself and be incredibly successful with whatever you want to pursue in your life,” he said.
Alex’s story resonates beyond academic achievements; it embodies the power of determination, familial support, and a commitment to serving others. As he continues to pave the way for his future, Alex remains steadfast in his mission to transform healthcare and empower communities.
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