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Determined to Achieve – Ashley Souza

Ashley Souza, ’16, is a biology major with minors in food and nutrition and chemistry, a distinguished member of four honor societies, and is pursuing a career as an international zoo veterinarian.

Having come from a family of strong Meredith women – including her mother and two sisters – whatever Ashley puts her mind to, she is determined to achieve.

“I hope to one day be a veterinarian at the National Zoo in Washington D.C., and I also hope that my profession leads me to Africa and Asia to work with the conservation of big cats as well as other animals in areas of India, the Himalayas, and South Africa.”

Ashley, who will attend the N.C. State University College of Veterinary Medicine, calls Meredith faculty the “true foundation and rock stars” of the College.

It was because of her professors that Ashley decided to conduct undergraduate research on avian influenza. She also gained hands-on experience through a job at Banfield Pet Hospital and internships at Raleigh’s Safe Haven Cat Shelter, the Catty Shack Ranch in Jacksonville, Fla., and the Duke Lemur Center.

During her busy four years at Meredith, Ashley also studied abroad in Iceland, served as a study abroad peer ambassador, counseled incoming freshmen as a student advisor, and participated in Kappa Nu Sigma, Tri-Beta, Iota Sigma Pi, and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies.

On top of all that, Ashley also played the flute in the Meredith Sinfonietta, served on the spring formal committee, and helped create the 2016 class doll.

“I think what makes me strong are my family, friends, and professors who have supported me through everything. When it comes to my beliefs, ethics, and decisions, I feel confident to stand by them wholeheartedly, thanks to my Meredith experience.”

By Darrielle Milford, ’19 


Learn more about studying biology at Meredith.

Find out how Meredith helps students find internships.