{"id":19944,"date":"2025-06-16T19:58:25","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T19:58:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/alumni\/?p=19944"},"modified":"2025-11-07T21:38:01","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T21:38:01","slug":"finding-purpose-beyond-the-trailhead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/alumni\/news\/2025\/06\/16\/finding-purpose-beyond-the-trailhead","title":{"rendered":"Finding purpose beyond the trailhead\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Alexandra Wienckowski combined environmental studies and public policy to launch a path toward public service.<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 University of Washington Bothell, where she found a supportive environment that helped her redefine what was possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always loved the outdoors,\u201d she said. \u201cI thought I\u2019d build a career in environmental studies, but once I started studying public policy, it opened up a completely different path \u2014 one that could make an even bigger impact.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A pivotal academic shift<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At UW Bothell, Wienckowski majored in Environmental Studies<\/a> with a minor in Restoration Ecology<\/a>. But a conversation with an academic adviser changed the trajectory of her education and her life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe told me I could double major without adding a ton of extra time,\u201d she said. \u201cOnce I enrolled in a politics class, everything clicked. I saw how systems, laws and leadership shape the environment, education, housing \u2014 everything.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

The turning point came through an internship at the Washington State House of Representatives<\/a>. 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 UW Bothell\u2019s Career Services with assistance from Ryan McIrvin, the University\u2019s director of government & community relations. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Image<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Turning opportunity into action<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t even know jobs like that existed,\u201d Wienckowski said. \u201cThat experience gave me insight into how government really works and helped me see where I could fit in.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI considered all kinds of roles,\u201d she said. \u201cPolicy research, legislative assistant, executive assistant \u2014 anything that would help me get my foot in the door and keep growing.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a single mom balancing classes, parenting and part-time work, Wienckowski said the UW Bothell Alumni Scholarship<\/a> was critical to her success as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI could not have completed the internship or a study abroad program without that scholarship,\u201d she said. \u201cIt helped cover the things that add up \u2014 books, fees, housing \u2014 and gave me the freedom to focus on being a student and a mom.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead to a life of service<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI became a global ambassador for study abroad because I wanted other students \u2014 especially nontraditional students like me \u2014 to know what\u2019s possible,\u201d she said. \u201cThat trip changed everything for me.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPublic service is about fixing problems on multiple levels and understanding where people come from. That\u2019s how we make meaningful change.\u201d<\/p>Alexandra Wienckowski<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo me, public service is about fixing problems on multiple levels and understanding where people come from,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s how we make meaningful change.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Longer term, she said she hopes to continue gaining experience in government and one day run for public office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advice for the next generation<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wienckowski\u2019s path hasn\u2019t been easy, but it\u2019s been deeply meaningful. And she has a message for current students thinking about a future in service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere were times I wanted to quit because it would have been easier,\u201d she said. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t want to live with regret. You\u2019re more capable than you know, and there\u2019s support out there. When you reach the other side of the tunnel, it\u2019s worth every step.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Help more students like Alexandra thrive: Your support of the UW Bothell Alumni Scholarship Fund<\/a> opens doors to transformative opportunities \u2014 from internships and study abroad to careers in public service. Every gift helps students overcome financial barriers and pursue what\u2019s possible. Give now<\/a> to make an immediate impact. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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