Profiles of Tenacity: Alexia Rule

Alexia Rule is a graduate student from Marietta, Georgia, set to graduate in May 2026. Rule currently serves as a graduate student on the communications team at UGA’s College of Public Health, and was involved with PRSSA, Women in Media, the Red & Black, and the Bateman Case Study Competition. Rule is also an international equestrian showjumping athlete.

Read her Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

I chose my major because I love both the creative and the technical sides of telling a story. I enjoy photo, video, website upkeep and graphic design as well as writing press releases and articles. Most of all, I love communicating messages and communicating with other people through print or digital mediums, and especially face-to-face. All of these aspects come together to tell a story in impactful ways.

What does tenacity mean to you?

For me, tenacity means to hold on to hope and keep moving forward, despite trials in life. Not everything goes smoothly or eventually becomes tied up perfectly with a bow. Learning how to adapt, continue working hard and find balance and health in all areas of your life creates true tenacity. Sometimes it looks like putting your head down and gritting your teeth, but other times it looks like taking up space, using your voice and making a positive change in the world in whatever spaces you can as you go about your roles and responsibilities.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students?

Say “no” to good things so you can say “yes” to great ones. Grady and college in general offer so many incredible opportunities but there is simply not enough time in the day to pursue them all. Be willing to let some things go so you can prioritize giving your time and passion to the things you truly care about and that you look forward to investing in. Time is precious and more valuable than money, and choosing to give mine to the things that truly deserve it such as adequate sleep, spending time with my community and my work and other passion projects has been life-changing. In saying “no” to some things so I can give a resounding “yes” to others, my life is now so much more full.

What motivates you?

I am forevermore motivated by my past self. Throughout college, I have had seasons of deep struggle with my physical and mental health. After finding strength and putting time into healing and finding joy-filled balance in my life, I am committed to take care of my body and mind so that my career, relationships (with others and myself) and overall wellbeing can truly thrive.

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life during your time at UGA?

My roommates and other female friendships have had the biggest impact on my life during my time at UGA. They have shown me what true, unconditional love is and what it looks like to support each other through the highs and lows of life. I look up to these women and am grateful for the ways we remind each other what we’re made of and that each of us deserves a spot in the room. Existing as a woman in professional and social spaces comes with its own list of dark challenges and injustices. I am grateful for the women who have banded beside me throughout all of college and will never forget the impact of these powerful and empowering women in my life.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

My biggest accomplishment this year is my contribution to the Red & Black Publishing Co. Throughout the past few years and this one in particular, I have been able to share stories of small business owners, local artists and underserved communities through the culture desk. I have also shared my own stories with women’s health issues and healing from emotional and physical abuse. I am so grateful for this outlet to empower other women in their experiences, which is something I plan to commit much of my life’s effort to. I am so grateful for the ways that Grady equipped me to be prepared to serve my community through this news source and will forever be deeply moved by the way reporting on this community has impacted me.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is actually the PAF! I have had so many lightbulb moments in that space from the day I first arrived at UGA to my final semester here. I always feel inspired by the people around me in that space, and I am so excited about what’s next. I also love the Health Sciences campus, where my graduate assistantship is located. This is such a beautiful side of campus I did not take enough time to enjoy before this year!

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

The advice I would give to my freshman self would be that it is all going to be okay – and guess what? I know it’s your biggest fear right now, but absolutely nothing is going to work out like you planned it, which is somehow beautifully turning out to be the greatest gift of all. So, in other words, just keep working hard and remember who you are. Keep your head high, use your voice and never be afraid to take up so much space. Enjoy every second that you can. I’m proud of you.

Editor: Sarah Kate Maher, skm01341@uga.edu