Giving Thanks: Scholarship Helps Grad Student Fulfill Dream of Helping Those Who Struggle With Mental Health
This December, members of our Fulbright College Family are sharing expressions of gratitude, letters of thanks and their appreciation for those who have helped make their educational journey possible.
Meet Alexandra Shrauner, who thanks to the Blue and You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas Scholarship, is one step closer to her dream of helping those who struggle with mental health and substance abuse, and who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.
Blue and You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas Scholarship Recipient Alexandra Shrauner
Name: Alexandra Shrauner
Hometown: Frisco, Texas
Graduation: 2025
Major(s)/Minor(s): Graduate student in Social Work
Activities/Interests: I enjoy reading, working out, and going on walks with my dogs. I also love exploring new places, trying new foods and drinks, and making connections with new people.
Career Aspirations: I want to work with individuals who struggle with their mental health and substance abuse. Specifically, those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.
In her own words:
Dear Ms. Pittillo,
I am deeply grateful for your generous contribution to the scholarship fund.
Your support is incredibly appreciated and also inspiring, as it allows students like me to pursue academic and career goals with greater focus and determination. Your investment in our future makes a significant difference, and I am honored to be a recipient of your kindness.
My name is Alex Shrauner and I am currently a graduate student majoring in Social Work at the University of Arkansas. I have consistently strived for academic excellence, receiving a 3.946 GPA with my undergraduate degree.
Outside of my studies, I love to work on bettering myself in other ways, like physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I enjoy reading, working out, and connecting with others. I also love to volunteer and support my community, which has helped me develop skills and passions that I plan to carry into my professional life.
After graduation, I intend to work with individuals who struggle with their mental health and substance abuse. Specifically, those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.
Receiving this scholarship will greatly alleviate the financial burden associated with my education, allowing me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular pursuits without the added stress of financial concerns. It will also provide me with opportunities to engage more in my internship at Fayetteville Diagnostic Clinic and other volunteer opportunities that come my way, further enhancing my academic experience and career prospects.
I have also recently had the honor to do my capstone research on the population I am interested in working with, and gained more knowledge and understanding for my future career.
Additionally, I have had the opportunity to observe and participate at the UAMS North Clinic every Thursday with the medical students to provide a more holistic approach to the medical team. I have learned a lot about teamwork and the importance of a complete disciplinary team in the medical field to ensure that we treat the whole patient.
Without your generous financial support, I am not sure I would have had the time to take on such an amazing opportunity and I am so grateful that I have been allowed to fully commit to learning and embracing new experiences this semester.
Thank you once again for your generosity and support. Your contribution not only aids in my educational journey but also motivates me to give back to the community in the future. I am truly thankful for your role in helping me achieve my goals.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Shrauner
For more information about the Blue and You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas Scholarship or to make a year-end gift to support the college’s students, faculty, or staff, please contact Fulbright College’s Office of Development and External Relations at 479-575-3712 or fulbright@uark.edu.