Skip to content

Faculty Interview: Alexandra Koulopoulos

The two qualities that best describe Alexandra Koulopoulos? Creativity and compassion. And fun. Oh, and a passion for education, a desire to work with students with special needs, and the drive to makes her dreams reality. Just as she did for her students at Explo last summer (and, we suspect, the students she'll teach and care for this coming summer).

Why are we so excited to have Alexandra come back to teach at Explo at Wellesley this summer? Because she's great at what she does, and because she understands that in order to be a truly great mentor and teacher, you need to be true to yourself first. (Including embracing the ridiculous that's in all of us.)

Where are you in your life now?

I am currently a Junior at Boston University, and I am majoring in Secondary English Education. I'm working hard this year to get as much teaching experience as possible before I begin my student teaching in the fall! This year, I have been teaching a course on politics to 7th graders in Charlestown, Massachusetts, as well as tutoring special education students in reading and writing. In addition, I am a Vice President of my sorority, and I just helped revise the national new member curriculum. My big goal this year is to get my children's book published, which I wrote and my mother illustrated. In graduate school, I hope to combine my passion of art and education by concentrating in art therapy and special education. One day, I would love to teach abroad as part of World Teach, or work as a Teach for America Corps Member. Ultimately, I hope to one day work for a non-profit organization that allows me to creatively advocate for disadvantaged youth.

How did you come to hear about EXPLO?

I first heard about Explo from my little brother, who attended Explo at the St. Mark’s School in 4th grade. He absolutely loved it! My brother gets bored very easily, so I knew that any summer program that could manage to entertain him was definitely worth checking out.

After hearing about everything you'd be doing at EXPLO — and how hard you'd be working — what prompted you to apply?

Probably the Explo website. I love teaching, but I sometimes find the atmosphere of schools to be stifling. From what I had heard about Explo, it seemed like it was all about putting the fun back in learning. After hearing about Explo's mission statement, reading the staff and student testimonials, and looking at every single picture in the summer slideshow, I was sold. I knew it would be hard work, but I also viewed it as an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth.

What was your experience like working at EXPLO this past summer?

It's actually pretty indescribable. This past summer was my first time working at Explo, and it felt like I was entering into a different world. The people I met, the things I did, and the lessons I learned far exceeded my expectations for the summer. It was amazing.

Were there any moments in particular that stood out for you, above the rest?

One thing that stood out to me in particular was an experience that occurred in my classroom. This past summer, I taught a class on writing and illustrating children's books. One of the students in my class had cerebral palsy, and she came to my class with a specific goal in mind for her story. When she was younger, one of her elementary school teachers read a children's book about cerebral palsy to everyone in her class so they could better understand her as a person. Because the book helped her so much as a child, she wanted to write her own book to spread more awareness about cerebral palsy. She ended up writing a beautiful story all about a girl who had a big heart, but who was trapped in a small body. The last day of class, she proudly read her book to everyone, and explained what it was like to be labeled by others as different. The entire class was inspired by her courage, and she received a standing ovation. It was a really powerful moment.

What would you consider your greatest achievements/rewards from the summer?

I would say that being an RA was one of the most rewarding experiences of my summer. I was shocked to learn how much eighteen girls could grow over a single three-week session at Explo. They came in as strangers, and honestly left as family. One of my residents, a girl from Spain, lived on my floor for both sessions of Explo. On the day she arrived, she was completely unreceptive to the experience and all she wanted to do was go home. I didn't know what to do, but I tried to make her comfortable by talking to her in Spanish. Of course, all I remember from my high school Spanish classes is food vocabulary, so I talked to her about pizza. She thought my Spanish was the most hilarious thing she had ever heard, and she was determined to make me better at it. Every night before bed, she would teach me words in Spanish, and I would teach her words in English. Eventually, everyone on the floor decided to help her learn the language. At the end of the six weeks, she was totally fluent, and completely in love with Explo. Although I didn't end up getting much better at Spanish, it was so rewarding to watch my floor become such a supporting and encouraging environment.

What would you consider your greatest challenge(s) — and your greatest inspiration(s)?

I worked the hardest I worked all year in the six weeks I spent at Explo. It was physically and mentally exhausting, and the greatest challenge I faced was functioning on little sleep. The one thing that kept me going was gaining so much inspiration from the staff and the students. Explo has this impalpable energy in the air that makes every day feel exciting and different. At Explo, nothing can ever be too silly, too weird, or too unconventional. It's such a stimulating, refreshing environment to be a part of.

What (if any) lessons/skills/life lessons did you learn during your summer working at EXPLO?

I learned that 8th- and 9th-graders are the most complex people on this planet, and that they often don't get enough credit for it. I also learned that wearing a lanyard is addicting, that the colors orange and purple are surprisingly flattering, and that there really is a song for everything. Last but not least, I learned that people are their happiest when they are encouraged to be true to themselves.

What skills/life lessons do you feel you brought to your experience at Explo, and to the people — and children — you worked with?

I have always been the type of person to have out-of-the box ideas, but I've never had a way to truly harness them until Explo. In school growing up, I was never content with doing things the "normal" way. I was fueled by my curiosity, and I would ask questions that no one else would ask. As frustrating and embarrassing I found my creative mind to be at the time, I am now so thankful for it. At Explo, when I propose an activity like extreme couponing, fancy napkin folding, or competitive hair braiding, no one thinks I'm crazy! It's the best.

This summer, you're scheduled to come back to EXPLO? What are you most looking forward to?

I'm so excited for the summer! I can't wait for all of the main events, activities, trips, shows, and all other things Explo. I am also looking forward to teaching two classes and two workshops, and to developing more professionally. I am so excited to reunite with all of the staff again, who quickly became some of my best friends. Most of all, I am excited for my little brother, who is attending Explo at Wellesley for the first time this summer. My brother, the person who inspired me to become a teacher in the first place, loves learning, but hates school. I can't wait to witness firsthand all of the ways that Explo helps him grow.