Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Alix Lytle.

Major: Biology; Health Professions option

Hometown: Warren, Pennsylvania

Why she chose Behrend: I chose Behrend because of its campus size and how connected to nature you can be. After being here for four years, I’ve realized there are so many more great reasons—number one being the faculty and staff. They’re here to help you succeed and reach your full potential. Looking back, they’re a huge reason for my success, both personally and academically.

Why she chose her major: Genuine care for others has always been central to who I am. It started when I was young and saw my mom dealing with constant back pain. At the time, I couldn’t do anything to ease what she was going through, but I knew someday I wanted to help—not just her, but others in similar situations. That moment first inspired my desire to care for people.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Stepping out of my shell. That might sound surprising to anyone who knows me now because I’m an outgoing person. But if first-year me had been told I would join multiple clubs and be preparing to move to South Carolina in just a few months, she would have thought that sounded impossible. It took time, encouragement, and a lot of pushing myself outside my comfort zone, but I’m incredibly proud of the person I’ve become. Behrend helped me grow into someone more confident, involved, and willing to take risks, and that personal growth is something I’ll carry with me into every new chapter ahead.

Campus involvement: Science Ambassadors, Lion Ambassadors, Student Government Association (public relations and senator), Random Acts of Kindness (public relations), Welcome Week guide, Biology Club, and tour guide.

Her highest priority: Continuing to be curious and learning how to be the best chiropractor I can be. Just as important to me is staying close to the people who mean the most in my life. Being ten hours away from them will be challenging, but I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Advice for first-year students: Allow yourself grace. You won’t be the same person four years from now, when you’re graduating, and that’s a good thing. Growth requires mistakes, setbacks, and moments where things don’t go the way you planned. Those messy, uncomfortable experiences are often the ones that shape you the most. So give yourself permission to struggle, to change your mind, and to evolve. Every challenge you face—or C you may get—is not the end of the world. It’s part of becoming the person you’re meant to be.

Parting words: I want to send a huge thank you to my mom and dad. Without their constant love and support, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Every accomplishment I’ve achieved is rooted in the foundation they gave me: my work ethic, my compassion for others, and the belief that I can do hard things.

After her graduation in May, Alix will attend Sherman College of Chiropractic in South Carolina to become a Doctor of Chiropractic.