Two days before Alexia Astudillo was supposed to begin her first semester as an incoming freshman, she froze. She had committed to another university, but suddenly realized it wasn’t where she wanted to be. She called up Farmingdale State College and said, “I want to come here instead.” She then very quickly enrolled in Liberal Arts, a decision that changed not only her commute, but her life.
Her plan was to graduate with an associate degree with her eyes set on Criminal Justice. But at the end of her two years and after taking some Criminal Justice courses, she realized it was a great major and would lead to a great career, but it wasn’t for her. With that sudden realization came what she called a snowball effect. “I don’t know what I’m doing,” she blurted. “I need to pick a different major.”
So, she paused.
She sat down to figure out who she really was, what she wanted to do, and what actually drove her. After speaking with trusted professors and countless students across different majors, she began doing her own research, asking herself a simple but difficult question: What would work best for me?
It soon became clear that Business would open a wide range of opportunities.
After earning her associate degree, she took her first steps into Business Management. While gaining knowledge through her classes and multiple internships, she quickly found herself drawn toward marketing. She describes herself as naturally creative, someone who loves design, digital work, and using tools like Canva. Now her focus is on marketing, digital marketing, social media, and content creation. What once felt uncertain has turned into a direction that feels both exciting and right.
While the path wasn’t clear at first, Alexia now feels confident in where she’s headed. What began as uncertainty has turned into purpose, grounded in a field that allows her to grow, create, and explore new possibilities.
What makes Alexia stand out isn’t simply how much she does, but how she moves. She doesn’t wait for clarity to arrive neatly. She asks hard questions, makes decisive pivots, and then commits fully to the direction she chooses. When something doesn’t feel right, she doesn’t drift; she reflects, recalibrates, and builds forward with intention. That pattern has quietly shaped her entire college experience.
Work ethic and leadership are values Alexia cares deeply about, and they guide nearly everything she does. She describes them as natural traits, a part of who she is rather than something she had to learn.
That mindset followed her into college. She is passionate about doing her work well and helping others along the way, a combination that continues to guide her through every role she takes on. Her instinct to support and uplift others naturally led her into leadership on campus. Alexia initially joined the Women in Business Club in search of community, not realizing how quickly her leadership traits would surface. She stepped into an executive board role, then into the presidency.
Reflecting on that growth, she recalls a moment when she thought, “Wow. I was sitting in those seats once, and now I’m up here leading them and helping them.”
Now serving as president, she finds meaning in guiding younger members and creating the same sense of support that once helped her find her own footing. In a field that can often feel male-dominated, she values being able to show other women that there is space for them, and that there will always be people willing to support, advocate, and stand beside them.
Her strong work ethic extends far beyond one role or organization. In addition to balancing multiple internships, Alexia works in the Office of Student Activities, where she helps plan campus events and coordinates directly with vendors and food trucks. She has taken on as much hands-on experience as possible, choosing not to limit herself to a single internship or involvement. Along the way, she has maintained a 3.6 GPA and earned recognition through honor societies including Sigma Beta Delta and Tri-Alpha.
When she first arrived at FSC, she remembers feeling unsure and intimidated, hoping simply to find a campus that felt like a community. Over time, through internships, leadership roles, and putting herself out there in ways she never expected, that uncertainty began to shift. Now in her senior year, she carries herself with a confidence that comes not just from experience, but from knowing she built that growth intentionally.
Professors along the way also helped shape that journey. Some offered mentorship that extended far beyond the classroom, recommending her for internships, offering career advice, and reinforcing the importance of professional communication and networking. Those relationships strengthened something she now firmly believes: success is rarely achieved alone, and the connections you build can shape your path in ways you never expect.
As she looks toward graduation in May 2026, Alexia hopes to continue building a career in marketing, social media, and content creation, work that allows her to combine creativity with the strong work ethic that has guided her from the beginning.
Her advice to current students is simple– get involved, even if you’re nervous. There are more opportunities, resources, and support systems on campus than most students realize, but taking advantage of them requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. At the same time, she emphasizes the importance of balance, working hard while still making time for yourself and maintaining a sense of who you are.
Looking back, Alexia knows her path hasn’t been perfectly linear. There were moments of uncertainty and difficult decisions, but each one helped shape the direction she’s now confidently moving toward. What started as a last-minute decision has grown into a college experience defined by leadership, growth, and intention.
Be bold enough to pivot.