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As a college student, juggling academics, athletics, and your social life can be difficult. Add to that a day a week volunteering at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in downtown Grand Rapids, and you’re schedule can almost be void of any free time. But, as 17c������� College sophomore swimmer Adam Alexander puts it, “The Bible calls us to help those who are less fortunate, and, it’s good for the community.”

A chemical engineering major with the intention of entering medical school after graduating from 17c�������, Alexander is planning on going to med school after attending 17c������� to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery. Following the lead of his sister, 2011 17c������� graduate and All-MIAA swimmer Caitlin Alexander, Adam volunteers at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for three hours on Wednesdays.

“I heard about it through my sister. She found it to be a cool experience and recommended it to me, so I got involved,” said Alexander. “I enjoy helping the kids and being involved with them, and I might go into a focus on pediatrics with the orthopedic surgery.”

Alexander often plays with the kids who are able to do so, entertaining them to give their parents a break. “What I do most often with the kids is grab board games for them and we play them in their room,” he said. “Sometimes I am able to grab a Wii for the kids and we usually end up playing Mario Kart. There was one patient that we would go to the playroom and just play Just Dance 2 on the Wii, shoot hoops, or just stroll around the hospital floor talking and passing the time by. Playing with the kids brings me a lot of personal gratitude,” said Alexander.

When asked how he balances all his commitments, Alexander replied, “A lot of late nights. Studying when you have the time – just working hard. Not procrastinating too much, but still finding time to have fun.”

“Adam is a very smart swimmer and student, very popular with his teammates, and involved with several things outside of swimming, which is everything I look for in a swimmer,” said 17c������� Head Swimming and Diving Coach Dan Gelderloos. “He has a great attitude and cares about more than just his own goals.”

Alexander says that some of the goals for the 17c������� swim team this year are to improve on times, beat Wheaton in a dual meet, and compete for a top spot in the conference. In the pool, Alexander specializes in the freestyle and IM events. He was a member of 17c�������’s 800 freestyle relay team that placed sixth at last year’s MIAA Championships.