Camila Nguyen

Senior psychology and sociology major and volleyball player poses in the Eunice & James L. West Library.

For senior Alexandria Lee, this fall marks the end of two journeys: one on the volleyball court and another in the classroom. After four years of setting, serving and studying, the psychology and sociology double major says she is ready to trade her Rams jersey for graduate research and, eventually, a professor’s lectern. 

Lee, who grew up in Baytown, TX and played for Sterling High School, has been immersed in volleyball for 14 years. The sport, she said, has shaped not only her discipline but also her empathy for others.  

“My high school coach was a clinical psychologist,” Lee said. “She really inspired me to be empathetic and pursue helping others.” 

When she first arrived at Texas Wesleyan as a psychology major, Lee envisioned becoming a social psychologist. Then, after taking a few sociology courses, she found herself drawn to the broader study of systems, inequalities and social change.  

“I realized that sociology was more aligned with what I wanted to do,” she said. “I’m really big on social justice and environmental justice and studying how institutions might disadvantage certain groups of people.” 

Her academic curiosity did not stay confined to the classroom. Lee has conducted independent research, including a project on the perceived effectiveness of vigilantism as a method for social change. The challenge, she said, tested her perseverance.  

“It was a solo research project, and having to piece everything together in a meaningful way took a lot of late nights and advising sessions,” Lee said. “But I learned how to push through.” 

Balancing two majors and a varsity sport has required careful time management and plenty of caffeine, Lee admits.  

“I’m definitely a night owl, so when my days start early and end late, coffee is my old faithful,” she said. “Sometimes that’s how things get done.”

That persistence is something Dr. Matthew Hand, associate professor and chair of psychology, has witnessed firsthand. He said Lee’s dedication and sensitivity make her stand out.  

“When I ask her to do something, I know she’ll do it,” Hand said. “She has grit, and she’s wonderful at seeing things from different perspectives. Because she’s empathic, she connects with others, and that’s a strength that gets you through life.” 

Lee also brings her psychological insight to the volleyball court, helping her team build cohesion. She said understanding behavior and motivation has made her a better teammate.  

“You learn to recognize why people react a certain way and how to keep the team functioning as a unit,” she said. “It’s about making sure no one feels singled out.” 

During her years with the Rams, Lee and her teammates made history as the first team to win the conference tournament. Through coaching changes and challenges, she said the group’s resilience never faltered.  

“It was an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “But it taught me perseverance, knowing when to sacrifice and when to take care of yourself.” 

Dr. Alison Simons, associate professor of sociology, said she saw that same balance of drive and curiosity in her classroom.  

“Alexandria brought a book to every class to look up concepts she hadn’t seen before,” Simons said. “She asks good questions and does the work, and she does it very well. She’s one of those students I wish I had 30 of every semester.” 

Simons, who encouraged Lee to embrace sociology as a second major, said her student’s passion for understanding the world sets her apart.  

“The interest she has in the subject inside and outside of class makes her special,” Simons said. “She’s a perfectionist in the best way; she wants to learn, not just pass.” 

As Lee prepares to graduate in December, she reflects on how Texas Wesleyan helped her find her purpose.  

“People need to know this is a school of opportunity,” she said. “There are so many different avenues in life, if you just open your eyes and look for them.” 

Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a doctorate in sociology and teach abroad, perhaps in the Netherlands, Ireland or Japan.  

“I want to be a sociology professor overseas,” Lee said. “I want to share my experiences and learn from other people.” 

For now, her legacy remains firmly rooted on campus, in the classroom and on the court. Hand said her presence has made a lasting impact. 

“Every time I’ve had Alex in class, she’s made it better,” he said. “She makes you feel like you’re doing a good job because she truly engages with the material. That’s the kind of student every teacher wants.” 

Lee expressed that she finally looks forward to walking the stage, something she missed as a 2020 high school senior during the pandemic. 

“This time, it means so much more,” she said. “It’s a symbol of my achievement, and I know it’s just the beginning of everything I want to do next.”