It’s true when the term “miracle” is used to portray an individual who displays such ambition for success that is not ready to let go of his dreams. That is a word that can be used to describe Alex Figueroa, a recent graduate from Southern Illinois University majoring in Business. One should live their life as if each day were their last, something Frater Figueroa surely follows because anything is possible.
In 1997, while stationed in North Carolina while serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, Alex was driving his car down an icy road when he swerved to miss a deer and lost control. A few hours later he suffered with severe head trauma, a fractured collar bone, a fractured rib, and remained in a coma for many weeks. The doctors didn’t expect him to live, but Figueroa, being the strong individual that he is, came out of his coma and survived.
Figueroa is not only an inspiration to others, he inspires all of his brothers from the Beta-Chi Chapter to never give up and reach for their highest goals in life. “There are ways to achieve the goals you are trying to achieve. I did it. I’m going to do it on Saturday,” said Figueroa. Since knowing Figueroa for a few years I know one thing about him, he stands out. Before learning about his traumatic event, I wouldn’t have guessed he went through all of this because he always has a smile on his face and is such a strong individual. He strives to reach for more than he is capable of because that’s what gets him through each day.
Since his journey here at SIU, in addition to being a dedicated student, he was a re-founder of the Beta Chi Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon. Serving as chapter Historian in 2005 gave him a balance between school work and leadership, something which allowed him to maintain his personal integrity.
Having served as chapter president of the BX chapter, it has been my privilege to know all the members of the fraternity well. I am proud to have Frater Alex not only as a friend but a brother. There is something about him that inspires me to do more and cherish every moment of my life. As he leaves Carbondale and continues his dream, he should be reminded of one thing that we the gentleman of Beta-Chi follow: “Not for wealth, rank or honor, but for personal worth and character.”
Alex will be featured on the Today show on Christmas Day, 2007. Read the SIUC Press Release.
Written by: Alex Stojcevski, 2007 BX Prytanis