For Lemoore College student Alexis Franco, education has always been part of her vision for a better life. But the road to college wasn鈥檛 easy. From navigating homelessness to making the life-changing decision to enter foster care on her own terms, Alexis has shown resilience, determination, and heart every step of the way.
鈥淚 always knew I wanted to go to school,鈥� Alexis said. 鈥淓ven when life was hard, I never gave up on the idea of being educated.鈥�
Growing up in an unstable environment, Alexis attended both traditional and independent study high school programs. The stress of an unpredictable home life made it difficult to focus, and eventually, she left the classroom altogether and transitioned to a smaller, independent study program.
鈥淚 liked the one-on-one connection and smaller setting,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat experience helped prepare me for college. It gave me confidence and taught me how to manage independently.鈥�
At age 15, Alexis faced one of the most challenging decisions of her life. With no communication with her parents for months, no safe place to live, and caught in an abusive relationship, she walked into a police station and asked to be placed into foster care.
鈥淢y mom was homeless, and I was too. I knew there had to be something better,鈥� she said. 鈥淔oster care helped me realize that there were programs for transitional youth. I had trauma and barriers, but I wanted my life to be an example of how to overcome.鈥�
Alexis enrolled at Lemoore College and soon found a support system through the NextUp program, which provides resources and guidance to current and former foster youth pursuing higher education. She heard about the program from a friend and then met with a counselor who encouraged her to sign up.
That connection changed everything. 鈥淓va, my NextUp counselor, has been such a support. She鈥檚 the kind of person who really loves her job and wants to help,鈥� Alexis said. 鈥淪he changed my perspective on life.鈥�
Eva Jimenez, counselor for the NextUp program, says Alexis鈥檚 strength has been clear from the start.
鈥淎lexis is a remarkable young woman,鈥� Jimenez said. 鈥淪he is focused, determined, and deeply compassionate. Despite everything she鈥檚 faced, she shows up with a desire to grow鈥攁nd a heart to give back. It鈥檚 inspiring to watch her become the role model she never had.鈥�
This year, Alexis was recognized for her dedication and perseverance with the NextUp Student of the Year Award鈥� an honor that celebrates her commitment to education and personal growth despite the obstacles she鈥檚 faced.
Since joining the program, Alexis has received consistent academic counseling and, most importantly, a renewed sense of purpose. With additional financial aid and guidance, she also purchased a car and was provided with a laptop, making it easier for her to attend classes and manage daily life.
Now a psychology major, Alexis will graduate from Lemoore College in May 2025. She plans to transfer to Fresno State or Grand Canyon University to complete a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology. Her long-term goal is to work with at-risk youth and give back to the same programs that helped her survive and succeed.
鈥淚 want to work with youth, especially those who鈥檝e been where I鈥檝e been. I want them to know there鈥檚 another way,鈥� she said.
While Alexis is still navigating life鈥檚 challenges, she鈥檚 proud of how far she鈥檚 come and focused on what鈥檚 next. Every day, she continues breaking cycles and building something substantial from a foundation she had to create.
鈥淚鈥檓 trying to make nothing into something,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd I want my life to show othersthey can too.鈥�