Members of the Young Alumni Council are excited to highlight young alumni who embody the Darlington mission and motto through a series of Darlington Connects blogs. Our first young alumnus to be featured is Alex Sentell ('10). We hope you enjoy getting to know these young alums who have chosen to "learn with passion, act with integrity, and serve with respect."
Were you a day or dorm student?
Day
Where are you currently located?
Acworth, Georgia
Where do you work, and what is your title?
Atlanta Osteoarthritis Center, Practice Manager
Tell us how you got to this point.
After graduating from Kennesaw State, my dad and I partnered as entrepreneurs with the goal of entering the medical, wellness, and fitness world since those are the passions we mutually shared.
Describe a typical day in your life.
There isn't a typical day in the life for someone running a startup medical business. I wear many hats often within the same day. The best mindset going into each day is to be prepared to handle any challenges thrown my way with integrity and relentless effort. The most common things I do are work directly with patients regarding their insurance, finances, fitness and diet. Additionally, I am responsible for the productivity and wellbeing of our medical team.
Why did you choose this path?
I chose this path because I wanted to build something of value together with my family.
What's your favorite thing about what you do?
Talking to people about health and movement and listening to the wisdom that patients share with me during daily conversations. Working collaboratively with my wife and the rest of my team to help people is a dream come true.
What makes you passionate about this?
My passion for health and leadership has existed forever and only grows with experience and practice. It probably started with helping myself. Whenever something works to make me feel good, I desperately want to share the good feelings with others.
What are some difficulties that you face but still make everything worth it?
Balancing the management of people with the growth of a business can often present a challenging dichotomy. Striking the right balance is difficult, but this kind of mutual success is really what it's all about.
Recent accomplishment, achievement, service project, promotion, or recognition?
Every day is a service project as we help so many people who are in pain avoid the route of opioid addiction, steroid damage or unnecessary surgery. We get them back to moving, walking, exercising, eating healthy and improve their quality of life. This October we saw a record number of patients join our center.
What have you learned?
Find people you trust that have similar passions yet complimentary skills, and go build something.
How do you feel you exemplify Darlington's mission or motto?
Mission: To empower students to learn with passion, act with integrity, and serve with respect; Motto: Wisdom more than knowledge, Service beyond self, Honor above everything
I try to exemplify the mission and motto each day with my effort. To learn, to serve, to honor, it all takes 100% effort. Try every day.
What advice would you give to your younger self when you were at Darlington?
I would tell my younger Darlington self to "think outside the grades." Darlington offers a rich culture and learning environment all over campus, and even the world. Take advantage of opportunities that interest you, even if they don't impact your GPA.
Advice for anyone wanting to follow your paw prints?
100% effort every day.
How can current students or other alumni connect with you?
Instagram: @alexsentell; LinkedIn: Alexander Sentell; Email: asentell@atloac.com; Website: atlantaosteoarthritiscenter.com
Alex is happy to connect with anyone in the Darlington Community who would like to know more about his career in the medical, wellness and fitness fields. If you know of someone or you would like to be featured please contact us at connect@darlingtonschool.org.
