SPOTLIGHT: DATE MAY 2023

Payton Alexander (2023)

Early College Program

When Payton Alexander enrolled in the Early College Program at St. Johns River State College as a high school freshman, her goal was to get a jump start on the college process. Four years later, the Interlachen High School senior has gained more than her Associate in Arts degree.

“There are several things that I learned about myself… the discovery of my perseverance and self-motivation to study hard and succeed in all of my classes. Even for classes I wasn’t particularly interested in, I still made it a priority,” Alexander said. “I am glad that I got the opportunity to take challenging classes and discover these traits about myself before I went into a bachelor’s program.”

Alexander will transfer to the University of Florida as an 18-year-old college junior, where she will major in business with a specialization in either pre-health or psychology.

Alexander said she has always had an interest in healthcare, especially obstetrics, gynecology and psychology. “No matter what I do, I want to help and be an advocate for women,” Alexander said. “As a woman myself, I feel that it is my duty to serve and empower other women. I have a strong passion for women's rights and health, and I want to use my education to help as many women as I possibly can.”

“I have also realized the importance and benefit of understanding business and having a business degree,” Alexander continued. “Especially if I am to open my own practice one day.”

Alexander was among the 100+ dual enrollment and early college program graduates participating in the 2023 spring commencement