D.C. student, Student LIFEForce Member

“Finding your own home”

Hannah Alexander grew up as a bit of a modern nomad, Florida-born but traveling extensively in her adolescence and attending several different schools. Interestingly enough, she has seven different chiropractors in her extended family that gently helped shape her holistic view of what health care should look like. As an undergraduate, Alexander pursued a B.S. in Public Health at La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She originally wanted to become a nurse, but in the course of pursuing a traditional healthcare path, she realized she “didn’t want to be part of a system that caused so much harm.” During the time of pause that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexander came to understand that “Chiropractic was the perfect option for working with people and actually helping them heal.”

All that remained was finding the right chiropractic school to pursue her newfound dream. Her family members mostly consisted of Palmer graduates, so the pull to go to Palmer was palpable, yet when Alexander toured Life University (Life U), she felt confident that she was meant to become a Life U D.C. student.

“I just felt like I was home,” Alexander said.

And now Alexander is about to enter her eighth quarter, eager to start her clinic rotations.

“I’m excited to get more hands-on experience, and I’m trying to get students to come in. I’m a little bit lit nervous, but I’m excited to finally get to that step after two years of so much studying.”

In her time here at Life U, Alexander has found a way to get involved as a Student LIFEForce member. She appreciates how the main mission of Student LIFEForce, that everyone would have access to chiropractic care if they choose, aligns well with her personal convictions.

“I always wanted to help people, no matter what. And I’m happy to be part of it because I feel like it gives me experiences that I wouldn’t get or allows me to push myself in ways where I don’t think I would have before,” Alexander said.

As Alexander is just over the midpoint of her education, she has the luxury of time to contemplate what kind of chiropractor she hopes to become, the techniques she hopes to focus on and the populations she most hopes to serve. Currently, she has a particular heart for pediatric and pre/post-natal chiropractic care, which may lead to further exploration into Webster’s technique.

“I’m hoping to work with moms and children. I feel like moms are probably the most underserved community that there is. They’re always giving so much, and they very rarely get help in return.”