Member Spotlight – Alyssa Mroz
Born in Worthing, England, Alyssa Mroz’s family moved to the United States when she was young, and she grew up in Collierville, Tennessee, a suburb of Memphis. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis on cognitive impairments and autism spectrum disorder at Grand Valley State University, where she was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi last spring. She hopes to teach students with autism in an inclusive elementary environment after graduation.
When she’s not attending classes and studying, Alyssa devotes twenty hours each week to teacher apprenticing and is an active member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She volunteers with Girls on the Run, a program that strengthens third- to eighth-grade girls’ social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills, and Dégagé, a local ministry in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that offers help and hope to the homeless and disadvantaged.
Alyssa shared a few fun facts about herself, “I am an only child, left-handed, and love being a plant mom! I was also a competitive cheerleader for eleven years, winning a national championship title in 2015 and a world championship title in 2017.”
Let’s get to know Alyssa!
- Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?
After my freshman year, the Grand Valley State Phi Kappa Phi chapter selected me as a freshman honoree. This inspired me to study, work hard, and keep my academics up to become a Phi Kappa Phi member. When I received the invitation to join, I knew my hard work had paid off. It was a true blessing to be recognized as one of the top students in my class.
- What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas is my favorite holiday by far! I love all the decorations, lights, food, and quality time I get to have with my family. It is also another way that I am reminded of how grateful and blessed I am and that I should stay humble and give back to those less fortunate than me.
- What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal is a sirloin or bison steak, mashed potatoes and dark gravy, and either broccoli or asparagus.
- Do you travel back to England often?
The last time I traveled to England was in the summer of 2019, but I plan to travel there next summer! The thing I miss most about being there is seeing my grandmother and all the traditional English foods I cannot get in the United States. To name a few: monster munch, quavers, traditional Indian food, kebabs, Tesco’s custard cream biscuits, and fish and chips.
- What is something that makes you feel like a kid again?
Playing board games, watching classic movies, or coming downstairs on Christmas morning and watching the Grinch with my family.
- What intrigues you most about helping those with autism?
What intrigues me the most about helping those with autism is knowing that I can be the person who actually makes a difference in their lives. I am the one who can guide them onto the path of living a fulfilling and successful life while also helping them achieve the goals that they have set for themselves.
- Do you have any mentors?
I do! I currently have a mentor teacher through my teaching apprenticeship. She has such a creative and open-minded spirit, shows me what a healthy collaborative relationship is, and provides me with countless support to ensure that I am prepared when I become a full-time teacher. She has included me in many educational experiences and taught me how to evaluate my mindset to understand what I need to do to be the best person and teacher I can be.
- Any pets? If so, tell us about them.
I have one dog named Angus. He is a 15-year-old Maltese, and he loves to get ear and belly rubs and eat steak and treats! He is not a fan of car rides or when we aren’t giving him attention when he wants it.
- Where do you most want to travel but have never been?
I would love to travel to Switzerland. I want to go skiing in the Swiss Alps and try new cuisines! My second choice would be to go to Singapore, so I can experience a completely different culture than my own and expand my food palette at the open street markets!
- What's your go-to productivity hack? I would say my go-to productivity hack is to make a to-do list. This way, I can prioritize what needs to get done and when it needs to get done. I also limit distractions to help me stay focused and on task.
To learn more about Alyssa and connect, visit her profile within our online member community here.
