Blog
The Alfie Scholars blog is where we share news, perspectives, and updates from our Scholars.
How to apply for the Alfie Scholars Program
The Alfie Scholars program application is no joke, and neither are our scholars’ visions for making positive change in the world!
Learn from three scholars how they approached the application process, including the personal statement, social issues essays, and civility reflection.
Why You Should Apply for the Alfie Scholars Program
From financial challenges to feeling like you belong on a university campus, being a transfer student is tough!
We asked some of our scholars to share their advice on how to apply for and succeed in the Alfie Scholars program at Seattle University.
Advocating for Education: My Internship in Washington, D.C.
It’s 8 a.m. and two hundred students—ranging from the 9th grade to their first year in college and coming from diverse backgrounds—are rehearsing enthusiastically. Some speak original poetry with shining eyes; others break into creative dance or offer calming hugs. In minutes, these talented and underserved youths from across the nation will present powerful narratives in front of almost 1,700 teachers, administrators, and representatives—including the Department of Education. Demonstrating the daily realities of growing up amidst financial hardship, bullying, and gun violence, these students will also share the excitement of participating with GEAR UP, a federal initiative that provides mentoring, college planning, and scholarships.
Alfie Scholars 2018 Cohort on the Philosophy of the Civil Person
To cultivate leaders for civility in their chosen professions and communities, we encourage Alfies to embrace their authentic selves and life’s purpose. We support them in doing so by providing the tools to develop and strengthen their own voice. They learn the importance of hearing their own voice, not only for themselves but for their communities and our society at large. The Alfies learn to communicate their ideas, perspectives, emotions, and values that shape their voice.
Prostitution, Radical Liberalism, China...Here’s a recap from the Alfie Scholars Senior Conference
To facilitate Alfie Scholars’ development as leaders for civility in their chosen fields and communities, each summer they participate in two Alfie Scholar Conferences. These conferences help form a bridge for students to effectively navigate in academic and professional arenas and communities.
How to become a successful student – an Alfie Scholar's perspective
I’ve been sick for the past week. I woke up this morning coughing and fighting to catch my breath. I put my hand on my chest gasping for air; when I finally caught my breath I smiled and cried a little because in that moment I knew I meant everything I said in my presentation yesterday: “I’m going to tell you right now, I want it so bad I’m going to die trying,” when speaking about my education. I also thought about what my father told me one day while we were having breakfast: “I always dreamed about being a speaker, but I don’t have that gift. I’m not educated, but sometimes when I sleep I have this dream that I’m in front of people speaking and they are listening to what I have to say.” My father was never given the opportunity to live out his dream, but what kind of son would I be if I didn’t live it out for him.
Alfie Scholars Abroad: Nizama
This past summer and fall four of the Alfie Scholars studied and worked abroad. Over the next few weeks, we will post their reflections on their time as global citizens. Our first author is Nizama Djuderija, who studied at the American University of Bosnia and Herzegovina.