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Alexis Patterson: Faith, Focus, and a Fierce Cheer
Posted on May 08, 2025 at 19:15 PM
Alexis Patterson, a psychology major and military bound scholar, is a shining example of what it means to persevere through adversity with grace, faith and determination. A proud Spring 2025 graduate of Fort Valley State University, her journey is one of strength and passion for inspiring others, especially those who feel like giving up.
Arriving at FVSU during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Patterson found herself in unfamiliar territory. New to campus and distanced from the full college experience, she describes her early self as timid and afraid of making mistakes. “I was just trying to survive,” she recalls. “It was so easy to fall behind and the isolation made it harder to find my footing.”
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Despite the odds, Patterson’s resilience quickly began to shine. One of her most defining moments came in 2020 when she made Dean’s List; an academic milestone she never imagined for herself. “It was proof that I was capable of greatness, even when I couldn’t see it at the time,” she says.
Throughout her collegiate journey, Patterson remained anchored by her faith. “God kept me grounded when I had nothing left to say. He listened to my heart and made a way for me,” she shares. Her spiritual foundation became the cornerstone of her strength, especially during times when she felt like giving up.
One of those times came unexpectedly when life’s pressures felt overwhelming and quitting seemed like an option. But a conversation with her younger sister back home reignited her sense of purpose. “I didn’t know she looked up to me the way she did. She’s now attending FVSU in the fall,” Patterson says. “That made me realize how important it is to keep going; not just for me, but for those who are watching.”
In addition to her academic achievements, Patterson balanced multiple jobs throughout college; not out of necessity, but from a desire to learn responsibility and self-sufficiency. She also made a lasting impact on campus; not just through her roles as a cheerleader, URGE member, and captain of the 2023–2024 cheer team, but through her authenticity. “People would come up to me and say how kind I was, even if we’d only exchanged a ‘hi and bye.’ I realized that just being myself left an impression.”
Patterson is set to ship out for military service on June 10, an unexpected path, but one she embraces fully.
“This wasn’t part of my plan, but I’m on whatever God is on. I’m just happy to be here.” As she looks to the future, her goals reflect the core of who she’s become - faithful, focused and filled with purpose. “My goal is to stay in my Word, grow my relationship with God, and rise in rank. I’ve been through a lot, and I try not to look like it—but my joy comes from seeing others win, too.”
Patterson’s story is one of transformation. From a timid newcomer to a beacon of resilience and faith. Her message to others is clear; “You are worthy of all good things. Just keep going. Even when the path is unclear, trust that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. And when you lose something along the way, know that God will give it back tenfold.”
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