Aleczandria P., a 2023 Live Your Dream Awards recipient from Coalinga, CA, has always dreamed of being a doctor. However, her journey was not without obstacles. She became a mother at 16, and later, faced legal troubles after a run-in with the law.
As the sole provider for her son, she took on the nearly impossible task of working full-time while attending school to pursue a nursing degree. Her determination led her to relocate, leaving her family behind to start a new job and build a better future for her and her son.
“Being a single mother to my teenage son that I had in high school has had its challenges. I am thankful for the burden of finances to be lifted thanks to Soroptimist.
Aleczandria
When Aleczandria found out she had been chosen to receive a Live Your Dream Award, she was shocked, amazed and extremely grateful. Alleviating the financial burden of her school expenses meant she could fully focus on her studies. She graduated as valedictorian from nursing school and went on to work in healthcare.
Aleczandria continues to strive for her dreams. She now treats patients as a nurse at a correctional facility and will soon graduate with her bachelor’s degree in nursing with a perfect 4.0 GPA. After that, she plans to return to school to earn her doctorate.
With the support Soroptimist has shown her, she knows anything is possible.
“I want to say thank you for believing in me and taking a chance. Your help has helped more than words could ever express. Sometimes people just need a hand, and you guys extended that and more.”
Aleczandria
About the Live Your Dream AwardsThe Live Your Dream Awards provide over $2.8 million in education grants to about 1,900 women each year. Since 1972, the program has helped thousands of women achieve empowerment through education. More than half of our awards recipients identify as survivors of domestic or sexual violence. Over 97% of those survivors report now living in a safe environment. HOW TO APPLY HOW TO HELP |