Alexis Hudson: From Accounting to Veterinary Medicine—A Journey of Determination, Resilience, and New Beginnings
At 32, Alexis Hudson is already a rising star at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine—but her path to veterinary school was anything but traditional. With a background in accounting and consulting, Alexis made a bold career change that led her to her true passion: caring for animals. Her story is one of resilience, self-reflection, and embracing new opportunities.
A Non-Traditional Path to Veterinary School
Before pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian, Alexis worked as a consultant advising federal agencies on financial statement audits. A graduate of George Mason University with a B.S. in Accounting, Alexis had a stable, well-paying career. But she wasn’t passionate about it. “I grew up thinking that passion should be pursued outside of work—like a hobby,” she explains. “But eventually, I realized I wasn’t fulfilled.”
The turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic. While working from home, Alexis started to feel that her work no longer mattered in the grand scheme of things. “I realized life was too short not to do something that truly mattered to me,” she says. During this time, Alexis began volunteering at an animal shelter, and what began as a hobby soon turned into a life-changing decision. “If I love doing this for free, why wouldn’t I want to do this as a career?” she thought.
Taking the Leap
After months of soul-searching and making the difficult decision to leave her stable career, Alexis became a veterinary assistant at a clinic, despite having limited experience. “The clinic manager saw my passion and took a chance on me,” she recalls. Alexis worked full-time as a veterinary assistant while completing her prerequisites for veterinary school.
But the road to vet school wasn’t without its obstacles. Despite her hard work, Alexis didn’t get accepted on her first attempt due to a low GPA. “I was devastated,” she admits. “But I refused to give up.” Instead of letting this setback defeat her, Alexis used it as an opportunity to grow. She strengthened her application by taking additional courses, gaining more hands-on experience, and even becoming a board member at a local animal shelter.
Looking back, Alexis sees that rejection as a blessing in disguise. “It gave me time to enjoy life outside of school,” she says. During this time, Alexis got married, traveled, made new friends, and gained new perspectives.
The Power of Determination, Resilience, and Humility
When Alexis was accepted into the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, she felt a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment like no other. “It was one of the most surreal and rewarding moments of my life,” she reflects. But Alexis knows that her success wasn’t just about academic achievement. It took determination to change careers, resilience to overcome challenges, and humility to learn from others—many of whom are younger than her.
“I embrace the fact that many of my peers are younger than me,” Alexis says with a smile. “I never let it make me feel less than. Instead, I remain grateful for the opportunity to be here, growing, and pursuing my dreams.”
Best Career Advice: Never Too Late to Start Over
When asked what the best career advice she’s received is, Alexis is quick to share her own mantra: “It’s never too late to start over and try something new.” For Alexis, it’s about embracing change and growth, both personally and professionally. “We grow and change as humans, so it’s okay if our career paths change as well. It means we are challenging ourselves and refusing to be stagnant,” she adds.
Another key piece of advice that resonates with Alexis is: "Come to me with solutions, not problems." This advice has shaped her approach to problem-solving and taught her to be proactive, both in her career and in life. “It’s about finding solutions and growing from challenges,” Alexis explains.
Advice to Her Younger Self
If Alexis could give advice to her younger self, she’d tell her to “do what makes you happy” and not to feel pressured to have everything figured out by the time you finish undergrad. “I’m in my 30s and still learning,” she says. “That’s the beauty of life—continuous growth and learning. I want to remind my younger self that it’s okay to change direction and take risks.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Looking ahead, Alexis has big dreams for her future. “In five years, I hope to be a veterinarian, likely working in a small animal general practice,” she shares. But beyond her career, Alexis is also excited about growing her family with her husband and enjoying life together.
“I’m committed to being a part of the veterinary field and creating a life that reflects both my passion and purpose,” she says. “I want to continue learning, growing, and making an impact on the lives of both animals and the people who love them.”
The Rising Star of Veterinary Medicine
Alexis Hudson’s journey from accounting consultant to veterinary student is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and following one’s true calling. She is a rising star in the veterinary field, already making her mark through her leadership roles and personal journey. Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to make a change and pursue your passion, no matter where life takes you.
