Alex Manolopoulos

"To get a degree in **Industrial-Organizational Psychology** so that I can prevent the abuses I experienced from happening to other people. My goal is to create a link between **Political Psychology** and **Industrial-Organizational Psychology**, which is what is needed to heal this nation's woes."

"Separating the two will never be sufficient to fix both the economic and political crisis that is crippling not just the United States, but many democracies all over the world. My work in the factory has been invaluable, especially when dealing with the human resource abuses that I've had to experience."

During the COVID outbreak, I saw a lot of my co-workers who were temp workers... get laid off. I learned that workers pay the brunt. The capitalist system we have rewards the hardest working but punishes them for the gambles at the top.

Volunteering: Meals on Wheels

Volunteer | Spartanburg, SC | 12/29/2024 – Present

Personal Service & Philosophy: I volunteer with my local Meals on Wheels chapter to help deliver food to the elderly whenever I have time. I take joy in walking downtown and delivering it by hand. I believe in living altruistically—knowing you are not going to get something in return or benefit from it. To be worthy of the greatest recognition one can have about oneself is to do kindness for its own sake.

The "Full Circle" Connection: This organization helped my grandmother while she was bedridden and living on a fixed income. Growing up, I lived with her and took care of her—changing her and cleaning her—during a time when food and supplies like wipes were in short supply. Being part of this program now allows me to return that kindness to those who, like my grandmother in her greatest time of need, are the ones who need it most.

Resilience and Healing: When I started volunteering, my Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was so crippling that I never thought I would escape the grip of those traumatic events. I have only recently completely healed. I now know that my kindness and empathy were never just a trauma response of staying in "fawn" mode; it has always been who I am. Whether it is volunteering unspokenly to help coworkers or delivering meals, I have always done kind things because that is my true nature.

Foundations of Empathy: My awakened empath beginnings and deep emotional connection to the consciousness of the human spirit were ingrained in me by my grandmother. While I didn't come from the best home and my parents did not love me unconditionally—treating me as if I were "bad" based on their own internal emotions—my grandmother's feelings toward me are the ones I realized I should have always had about myself.

Moral Development: My grandmother taught me that you must judge someone based on their intentions toward you, not on specific characteristics such as skin color or religion. This was explained to me on a human level that is lacking in today’s society; it wasn't just taught that discrimination was wrong, it was hardwired into me through her empathy.

Commitment to Privacy & Honesty: I am the most honest person I know. I do not seek recognition, enter contests, or post about my service online; I do it because I enjoy "doing empathy" and kindness. Whether or not a reader finds sufficient evidence in this application is besides the point, because I know it to be true. Being able to provide the same support that once sustained my family fills me with a great sense of joy and pride.