Alexa Annese: Knowing the Hustle

Alexa Annese knows how to make the most of a good opportunity and knows that that’s how you dance your way into a rewarding future.

A member of the Class of 2020, Annese recently completed an internship with the American Tap Dance Foundation through the Jaggar Community Fellows Program. And while she was there, she made sure her presence was valued.

“I worked with their archives, digitized them,” she said. “All of these things are going to the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, which is a big deal. It’s hard to get into the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.”

But Annese didn’t stop at working with existing materials. She pushed to get videos of high profile supporters for social media, rather than printed quotes. She interviewed professional dancers, instructors, students and foundation staff, in both Spanish and English. And now, she says proudly, her videos are going to be included in the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts collection.

As a Jaggar Community Fellow, she was able to access internship opportunities through the Center for Career and Professional Development and get paid for her time, putting in four days a week with the foundation. And with that assignment completed, Annese is back at the Career Center and looking for more.

“You need to have a lot of internships in order to be successful,” she said. “I’m a Type A personality. Everything I love is hustle opportunities.”

The Career Center, in fact, was a big part of Annese’s decision to come to Adelphi. And on Accepted Student Day, it was one of her first stops.

“Adelphi checked all the boxes,” the New York City native said with characteristic exuberance. “I only visited four schools. Adelphi was a school where I could do a lot of things and I got a full scholarship. I was close to the city and I’d be able to dance, but I could also take other classes because I love everything.

“Adelphi has given me so many opportunities,” she added. “I followed my own heart. There are not many places where you can do that. Adelphi really allows you to create your own opportunities. There are not many places where you can intern at a place you’re interested in and get paid for it. You can get a lot out of it if you put a lot into it.”

Busy with her studies, she still finds time to teach dance and work as a tour guide to make extra money.

“I want a good job—that’s my focus,” she said. “And I just love the Career Center. Honestly, that’s what made me want to go here. It was like the icing on the cake.”