“Don’t be afraid to get lost in the life you want to have,” advised Alexa Chalnick ’23, a social media influencer, musical storyteller, and muse for over a million TikTok followers including major celebrities like Lil Nas X.
Alexa, a music major, is living out her own advice. As a result of the social media platform she built during her first year of college, she has already contributed to American Songwriter magazine and written songs for the Disney Channel. She’s also been nominated for iHeart Radio’s TikTok Songwriter of the Year.
Part of a musical family, Alexa started performing at assisted living facilities at a young age. “I grew up learning just how impactful the arts can be,” reflected Alexa about watching audiences cry...and laugh. “Even if you go through a really hard time, as an artist, you can always lead people to big feelings that might’ve been locked away.”
When Alexa first toured IC’s campus, she felt adventure calling to her and had a sense that “amazing things were going to happen.” She loved the natural beauty of the area, inspirational fuel for her creative life. “I remember walking around and just knowing that this was where I was going to be.”
But then—Alexa didn’t get into IC’s musical theatre program.