There’s one condition for walking a mile in Alexander Ewing’s shoes: You can’t be squeamish. From viewing surgeries to shadowing physicians’ hospital rounds, Alexander has been passionate about immersing himself in medicine, and soaking up what he learns to use when he makes his own medical advances one day.

“My professional aspiration is to become a bio-molecular engineer who specializes in the application of nanotechnology to the fields of immunology and cancer research,” Alexander says.

He’s passionate about the medical field because he wants to “improve the health of all mankind by discovering alternative methods to detect cancer that are easier to utilize and less expensive to use.” Alexander wants to provide earlier intervention that has more successful outcomes.

“Moreover, my life ambition is to live my life in a wholesome manner that positively benefits the lives of others,” Alexander says. “I plan to accomplish this goal by living a life of service, mentoring others and serving as a leader in my community.”

Throughout high school, Alexander was an active member of the extracurricular community. He worked his way up to captain of the Science Bowl, Math and Mock Trial teams in addition to membership in a dozen other clubs he participated in. He volunteered during his remaining free time—approximately 1,400 hours over the course of high school.

“The value I place on charity, service, and leadership has impacted all of my past and current academic and community-based activities,” Alexander says.

Alexander participated in the 2016 Summer Biomedical Research Internship Program at the UCSF Fresno Center for Medical Education and Research where he gained hands-on medical experience like touring research laboratories, shadowing physicians’ and participating in discussions with residents. He also spent one year as a Biomedical Intern at the Cancer Biology Research Laboratory at California State University, Fresno.

“These experiences have provided me with the opportunity work collaboratively with others and hone my leadership and mentoring skills,” Alexander says. “I enjoy taking risks, overcoming challenges and using my creativity to develop innovative solutions to assist others and improve societal conditions.”

Speaking of societal conditions, Alexander founded two social enterprises. The first teaches basic computer and social media skills to homebound seniors to improve their accessibility to various forms of communications. The second is K-Bear Cares, which raises money and donates proceeds to local animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation organizations. He also helped co-found Buchanan High School’s first Robotics Competition. Alexander looks forward to continuing to be a sponge, beacon of light and active member in every community he engages in.

“I am grateful to receive a scholarship from an organization that creates and participates in a multitude of programs to improve their communities and help others,” Alexander says. “I am proud to be a member of the #ElksFamily and look forward to a lifetime of performing public service alongside the Elks.”

After Alexander obtains his bachelor's degree from the Smittcamp Family Honors College in 2021, he plans to earn a doctorate degree in Synthetic Bio-engineering at Oxford University, Vanderbilt University, Johns Hopkins University or Rice University. Needless to say, great things are on the horizon for Alexander.

For 2017-18, the Elks National Foundation allocated $2.89 million to fund the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, which includes 500 four-year scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $50,000. For more information about the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, including eligibility and deadlines, visit enf.elks.org/MVS.