Meet Caresia Alexander
Caresia Alexander has come a long way in her journey of academic and professional growth, but it hasn’t always been easy. Her story is one of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Today, Caresia holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from South University’s online programs, which she completed in 2024. She is currently pursuing her Master of Healthcare Administration online at South University.
Finding the Right Fit in Healthcare
Caresia was diagnosed with scoliosis at a young age. She had her spine fused at 12 and has had numerous back issues throughout her life. As she got older, Caresia decided she wanted to work in healthcare so she could help others going through difficult issues and give them hope to push through. However, working with patients while being on her feet all day would be too much with her disability. Instead, she realized being behind a desk would allow her to manage her disability but still do what she loved.
Caresia is now a customer service representative specializing in long-term care for a health insurance company. Her responsibilities include walking people through their long-term care benefits and providing an open ear for families making the difficult decision to put a loved one into a facility.
“I handle people with Alzheimer's dementia and other medical issues and handle each patient on a personal level,” she says. “I always try to give them some kind of bright light, no matter the situation. My motto is, ‘We’re all in this together, and we will figure this out.’ This creates a sense of security for every patient I encounter to know that they are not alone.”
Caresia eventually hopes to work in a hospital. She wants to work claims, answer phones, and manage a team. “I love being a mentor, so I felt management suited me well,” she explains.
Building Skills and Confidence at South University
Before attending South University, Caresia had a bad experience with another school. After talking with a South University admissions representative, she felt reassured that this school would be a better fit. “They said your past doesn't matter. Who you are now does. They gave me a chance, and the rest was history,” Caresia shares.
Studying at South University has helped Caresia grow in multiple ways. She believes a lack of confidence held her back in the past, but she has learned to overcome. “South University taught me about confidence, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and never giving up. I have to be confident when working with patients,” she says. “I used my lessons from the university in my career, and it allowed me to be promoted within six months of being in my position.”
Her Healthcare Management classes have also helped her become a more effective manager. “I am able to use the management skills I have learned to not only control situations but express empathy on a much deeper level,” she says. “It also helps me in my personal life as I find myself constantly multitasking in running my own family.”
Pushing Through Challenges
Caresia has enjoyed attending South University, but college hasn’t been without difficulty. For example, figuring out the right schedule was tricky. “It took me a few weeks to establish what times are for homework and what days I do my schoolwork,” she says. “Once I figured it out, it made it so much easier to establish that work, home life, and school balance.”
When she faced tough concepts or assignments, her instructors offered support. “They are always willing to work with you as long as you communicate,” she says. “They explain how you can improve and show you the way. They don't leave any grey area. The very specific critiques helped me improve my skills and grades.”
South University also supported Caresia through personal struggles like her grandmother’s unexpected passing. That loss hit her hard. Caresia struggled in her studies, and she wanted to throw in the towel. “As much as I wanted to give up, no one at the school gave up on me. They helped pick me up and taught me a huge lesson in resilience,” she recalls. “Life gets us down, but it’s the way we come back from it that’s important. We can stare back at that low point and say, ‘I made it out.’ We’re all stronger than we think.”
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South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on information shared in 2025.
