Tashia Alexander is a Paducah native and senior at McCracken County High School. She is a member of the National Arts Honor Society, as well as the African American Leadership Club. She plans on attending the University of Louisville, in order to reach her dreams of being a young adult therapist. She expressed that psychology has always interested her, and has wanted to pursue the career for as long as she could remember. 

She decided that writing was a major life goal around the time that she reached the fifth or sixth grade. Writing became a source of escapism from the outside world. After she realized how beneficial writing could be for mental health, she decided that writing could become more than just school assignments. Writing helped her get through her rough times, which further inspired finding ways to help others who were struggling.

Alexander decided that she wanted to try journalism as she had friends who had previously been in the class. Regardless of being a senior, she decided to give journalism a try, seeing as she enjoyed creative writing and this would be a new challenge. 

“ I know I’m a senior, but I was friends with students who had taken journalism their senior year and said it was a wonderful experience.” This positive impression from friends furthered her interest in taking the class and trying out a new skill. 

Alexander was asked to discuss who she considered to be her favorite author. ”I don’t really have a favorite author,” she began “ There are just so many that have impacted my life, that choosing even just a few would be too difficult.” This is a very understandable sentiment, especially as a writer there are lots of writers that influence what we write and why. To branch off of writers, she could confirm her favorite genres of stories to read in her free time. Alexander expressed great interest in the genres of horror as well as suspense. 

Writing and reading are not Alexander’s only interests. As previously mentioned, she is an active member of McCracken County High School’s African American Leadership Club, as well as the National Art Honors Society (also known as NAHS). She additionally shows interest in the art form of music. She expressed that her favorite genres of music consist of alternative music, as well as rock. 

All in all, Tashia Alexander is a very bright student with an even brighter future ahead of her. From writing and music to mental health and community issues, she is going to impact many lives.