Alexa Silverman ‘08

1) Who was your favorite professor, and what is your fondest memory of Hofstra?

My favorite professor was Professor Geyer.  She helped me secure my first job out of college, and was the most engaging professor I have ever met.  My fondest memory is my first day at Hofstra in September 2005.  As a transfer student, I expected my needs to be swept under the rug.  I quickly realized that Hofstra was the type of school that would help me to assimilate and reach my goals. 

2) What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned there?

After graduation I worked at Publicis Consultants PR.  This is a large PR firm in Manhattan with which Professor Geyer had helped me find an internship the summer before.  I learned the inner workings of an office and office politics, something they could never teach you in school. 

3) What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?

I am currently a law school student.  I always knew I wanted to attend law school; I majored in public relations and minored in history to help me refine my writing and speech communication skills. 

4) What at Hofstra gave you your edge?

The personalized, one-on-one attention, and the drive of the faculty and administration to help me succeed. 

5) What advice would you give current Hofstra students?

Utilize Hofstra to its fullest.  Reach out to professors, go to lectures, join a club, meet an alumnus.  Every step and connection you make will impact your experience in a positive way. 

6) In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?

Engaging. 

7) What made you start a nonprofit organization that is meant to inspire young New Yorkers to give back to the community?

I was very involved in my sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi, The Chronicle and WRHU-88.7FM, where I was able to gain a great deal of experience and have opportunities to give back to the community.  My friends and I found a lack of that in the workplace, and founded Fresh Connections as a response to that deficit.  We wanted to give young adults "fresh" connections in their new neighborhoods, through community, personal, and professional connections.  With Fresh Connections, young New Yorkers can provide meaningful community service while sharpening their professional skills and expanding their network. 

8) Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I hope to be a lawyer serving the community in a significant way.