Nurturing a Future in Animal Science

By Lea Hart

Alexia Alexander has always known one thing for certain: she loves animals. Deciding exactly how that would fit into her future came through self-reflection on what she valued most.

“My interest in animals started pretty early, in middle school,” she says. “But I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I just enjoyed being around animals and loved them.”

Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, Alexander briefly considered following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a teacher. Her mom, however, gently steered her elsewhere.

“She didn’t think it was right for me,” she says.

As she examined her interests, Alexander realized she cared about people and animals, and that she might be suited for a career that made an impact on both. Becoming a vet offered exactly that — an animal patient in need of care and a human client who loved that patient.

When it came time to choose a college, NC State University was the clear frontrunner for an undergraduate degree that could ultimately lead to becoming a veterinarian.

Alexander applied to several schools and knew through her own research that NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) would offer her the hands-on, real-world experiences she sought as part of her education.

She was at a flag football game when she found out she was accepted and remembers jumping up and down in celebration.

“There was no other option,” she says simply. “I wanted to go to NC State.”

Finding Her Footing

During her freshman year as an animal science major, Alexander says there was a bit of a learning curve. She had graduated high school with a 4.2 GPA and assumed getting those A’s in college would be easy. It turned out it wasn’t — at least not right away.

“The classes were hard, and I didn’t know how to study,” she says. “Coming in without a study pattern was difficult.”

But she didn’t give up. Alexander figured out how she learned best, built better habits and her grades reflected that work. Her last four semesters at CALS are a testament to her determination, having earned straight A’s.

That growth didn’t happen by itself. In one of her first courses, a CALS transition class, she was encouraged to pursue every opportunity available, from student organizations to networking opportunities, which “helped me come out of my shell,” she says. 

At the same time, her academic advisor, Charlotte Meli, became what Alexander calls “my rock.” She didn’t just visit Meli at registration time. She came back with questions, anxieties and plans.

“She’d give me advice and tell me everything was going to be okay,” Alexander says.

Reassured, Alexander found her footing beyond the classroom. She joined a sorority, building a network there that led to an internship with Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Huntersville, North Carolina. She became a CALS Ambassador, leading campus tours and speaking to prospective students. She also served as a mentor to other students, advising incoming students facing the same transitions she once navigated.

Giving back made perfect sense to Alexander, who, back in high school, was already thinking about her community in big ways. As a Girl Scout, she researched and created a walking tour of downtown Charlotte documenting sites tied to the history of slavery, a project that landed her on the local news.

All of those experiences combined to make Alexander the confident, approachable person she is today.

“I am not in a shell anymore,” she says. “Prospective students approach me; I mentor them. I’m glad I can help.”

Looking Ahead

As she prepares to graduate on May 9, Alexander proudly looks back at how she made the most of her time at CALS and NC State.

She’s worked at an avian and exotic animal care practice, helping with everything from medications to nail trims. This summer, she’ll move into a treatment role at the same clinic, assisting veterinarians directly.

In the fall, Alexander plans to work in laboratory animal medicine at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Her plans after that include applying to veterinary school in the 2027-28 cycle, with NC State once again at the top of her list. She’s also considering a master’s degree in animal science to keep her options open.

It’s a full circle moment filled with gratitude and excitement. 

“I came into NC State knowing what I wanted to do, but I didn’t know how to get there,” she says. “I grew into the woman I’m supposed to be.”