In Focus

Alex Moore

As a native of Ohio, why did you choose to come to Hofstra?

I came to Hofstra because I was looking to leave the Midwest for college—mostly because I grew up in the Midwest and wanted to experience a different culture within our country—and, honestly, scholarship money brought me specifically to Hofstra.

What do you hope to do with your global studies degree upon graduation?

I came to college to learn—not to get a job—so I chose global studies because it interests me: photography and dance the same. I have accrued a large amount of life experience throughout my past several years, however, so I do not fear being able to find a position that I am passionate about when I am ready.

Tell us about your activism work with Students for Greener Hofstra (SGH)?

Students for a Greener Hofstra began as a club my freshman year and I have worked on several campaigns, specifically with faculty and administration to affect change at Hofstra. After my freshman year, two other students and I received a grant to write a proposal for a sustainability officer, which was a huge success. I have acted as the president and now act as the lead coordinator for administrative relations.

What role do you play as a Center for Civic Engagement intern?

As a CCE intern, I perform the regular CCE intern necessities (moderate for speakers, flier buildings, etc.) but I also work on more self-directed tasks. Currently I am planning an educational, Environmental and Civil Rights Trip for students to the Sustainable South Bronx and Harlem.

Tell us about your study abroad experiences and adventures in Mexico, Argentina and Asia.

My freshman year I went with Hofstra’s study abroad program to Mexico, where we traveled 7,000+ kilometers throughout southern Mexico learning through experiencing anthropology and indigenous rights and culture. I took the first semester off my sophomore year to do an experiential learning program in South and Southeast Asia. The program combined living with host families, volunteering, trekking, taking classes on subjects from Hindi to yoga to the struggles of Southest Asian hill tribes…and so much more! I learned by far more than I could have in any semester in a university and certainly enhanced my education in global studies and photography. The summer before my junior year, I found a program in Buenos Aires (not a Hofstra program.) I wanted to greatly improve my Spanish, so going to a Spanish speaking country was the natural alternative to studying Spanish in a classroom three hours a week! I lived with an Argentine family and took three university courses in Spanish and spent some time Couch Surfing and traveling in Argentina and nearby countries. Throughout, while I was enhancing my Spanish and my understanding of Argentine culture, I was also working to improve my Argentine tango, Cuban salsa and other cultural dances.

What have you liked so far about attending school in New York and how does this experience compare with growing up in Ohio?

I like all of the opportunities in the nearby bureaus, but because we are not in NYC that becomes somewhat of a double-edged sword with the cost and time of commuting. I spend a lot of time dancing, taking advantage of the social dance opportunities in and around Manhattan. Hofstra’s Honors College is in a wonderful position to take advantage of Hostra’s relatively close proximity to NYC and I have subsequently done so, also, visiting museums, shows, and countless opportunities that an honors college elsewhere may not be able to offer. Certain things in New York cannot be compared to Ohio: while I appreciate the nature, the Midwestern friendliness, and the conscientious drivers of Ohio, I also am glad to gain from the diversity and huge range of interests that can be met near NYC. Also, simply because of the diversity of this region, there is great opportunity available to learn from the wide range of events and clubs within Hofstra’s community.

What do you do with the Progressive Students Union (PSU)?

The second semester of my freshman year I was the vice president of PSU, but as our environmentalism branched off from PSU into its own separate club, I slowly began taking on less initiatives in PSU so I could focus on SGH. I am still an active member of PSU and a helpful resource!

You are also a Resident Advisor (RA). How has this experience shaped your college life?

I am an RA in the Honors Living Learning community. It certainly is more work than I could have ever foreseen, but from the financial side to the overwhelming benefits that it provides from a sociological perspective (being the number one resource for residents and working so closely with a staff gives you great insight into human nature!) it is completely invaluable.

With all the clubs and organizations you're involved in, what do you like to do with the free time you have?

In most of my free time… I dance. Both in clubs on campus such as Hepcatz Swing and Shake It!, the belly dancing group, and in the city doing social dance from swing and tango to Latin; dancing keeps me sane. Also art, yoga, exercise, and sufficient time outdoors also keeps me going; I have not had a television since I began college and have found that knitting or riding my bicycle to the park provides far better relaxation than television could ever provide!

Junior
Global Studies Major
Photography & Dance Minor
Hometown: Port Clinton, Ohio