Alex Chen

As Executive Director of the Duke Global Brigades, Alex Chen constantly demonstrates his passion for helping others in need. In fact, when asked about his personal involvement with the group, Alex’s humility became quickly apparent as he reverted to speaking in terms of “we” instead of “I.” Despite his humble and kind exterior, I was still able to sense his serious drive to help others and to save the world– one hike at a time. Here are five things you didn’t know about Alex:  
1)He climbed a glacier:
When he did DukeEngage in Peru, Alex and some friends decided to climb a glacier. “We started on an established path that ended up disappearing one third of the way up,” Alex recounted with a smile. “It was getting dark and we were on a rock ledge that was just a bit wider than you were able to step. At this point I looked to my side– there was a steep drop where you’d probably die if you fell the 10-11,000 feet. But then I turned back, and in that moment when [I could] look at what we’d achieved…[it was] an entirely new view of the terrain; it was my first taste of trodding off the path.” Alex makes it clear that time and again, forging his own path is more desirable than following preexisting routes.
 
2) He’s inspired by his dad:
 
Alex remains inspired by his dad, who lives back home in Washington. Together, the two of them have climbed mountains, hiked all types of terrains, went camping, and generally had fun wherever, whenever they go together. Bonding with his dad in the outdoors has done more than bring the two of them closer as family; their time together has led Alex to discover how much farther he wants to climb this terrain we call life.
 
3) He likes to take risks:
 
As our conversation moved to discussing the life of Apple visionary Steve Jobs, Alex offered a highly personalized view of the innovator. “He personifies what I hold as a personal philosophy—go make journeys and figure things out for yourself. You don’t always have to have things planned out.” When asked about taking risks, Alex commented further, “Sometimes, especially in the Duke culture, [people] aren’t used to taking risks when you’ve hit a high level of achievement. But when you get to that point, it’s unlikely you’ll be revolutionizing anything. You’ll miss riding the tide of ‘entrepreneurializing’ something.”
 
4) He quotes Apple like it’s nobody’s business:
 
When asked for advice to give to our Her Campus readers, Alex had the following quote to share: “Only the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” What profound advice! As a part of Apple’s Think Different campaign, it’s no wonder Alex can identify with their mission. As someone who is continually seeking to innovate and explore, this little nugget of advice is something we should hold close to our hearts.

 
5)He’s into doing triathlons and biking:
 
Not only does Alex like to tackle challenges of the mind and of character, he also likes to train his body for the toils of the trail. Partially due to his background in hiking and camping, and also to his insatiable desire to explore, Alex likes to take time and enjoy the world around him.