Hi! My name is Alexandra Couch, and I am a senior at The Pennsylvania State University. I am a Communication Sciences and Disorders major, with plans to attend a Physician Assistant program following graduation. I came home to the Delta Kappa chapter of ADPi in Fall 2014, and it’s crazy to think how much time has passed since then! I was Delta Kappa’s New Member Coordinator for the Spring Alpha Class of 2016, and the Fall Alpha Class of 2016. In fact, I was the NMC for our chapter’s largest Alpha Class to date – of 70 girls! Outside of ADPi, I am a member of PSU’s Pre-Physician Assistant Club, and the President of Sisters On The Runway: PSU Division.
Sisters On The Runway (SOTR) is a philanthropic organization that exists in several high schools and colleges in the northeast. Each chapter supports a local women’s domestic/sexual violence shelter, and raises awareness about these types of violence. In State College, PSU’s chapter supports the Centre County Women’s Resource Center (CCWRC), which provides legal and counseling services to women and families, as well as an emergency shelter for those who are victims of domestic violence. As an organization, we fund-raise through various events on campus and in the community, and supply items and clothing for those in the shelter. At the end of every year, we host a large fashion show on campus, with support and sponsorship from individuals/companies in our community.
In the Summer of 2015, I found myself needing to utilize the legal and counseling services that the CCWRC provided. I needed help removing myself from an abusive relationship, and sought assistance through the Center. Following my experience, a sister in my chapter reached out and introduced to me to SOTR, which, in fact, directly benefited the same women’s center that I received help from. I felt a strong desire to give back to the very same place that helped me get my life back from my abuser, and with the support of my sisters, I found a safe haven that aided my healing process.
I have found tremendous strength through SOTR. The individuals that support this cause all share a common goal – to raise awareness and help eliminate the terrifying statistics that unfortunately exist because of domestic violence. I have grown in strength, spirit, and understanding, with the help of my club members and my sisters. I hope that my efforts can someday help others that are finding themselves in similar experiences.
My sisters have been my #1 supporters since I left the care of the CCWRC. Not only do they support every fundraiser and event, but several are members of the organization, and are even on our executive board! These ladies have shown compassion and empathy, and my healing since 2015 has been greatly influenced by them. They have shown me that I am not a victim – but that I am a survivor; a warrior. Their spirit and dedication reminds me of our motto – We Live For Each Other – which embodies how they “lived” for me when I so needed it. I am grateful to be surrounded by these strong, incredible women every single day.
If you’re interested in learning more about our organization and seeing what we’re up to, feel free to visit our links!