Washoe Country School District
Change Font Size
Alejandra Sanchez's Profile
Goal to Be First in Family to Graduate Drives Spanish Springs Teen
Student: Alejandra Sanchez
School: Spanish Springs High School
Spanish Springs High School senior Alejandra Sanchez is only a few days away from being the first in her family to graduate from high school. It was a goal she put her mind to accomplishing after realizing within the last two years even after falling into gang activity, getting into fights at school and rising above issues with her brothers.
She graduates this week with the confidence that she can go out and build a better future for herself and her family.
“My high school years have been a rocky roller coaster,” Alejandra said. “But during my senior year, I had many changes, positive changes. That’s what led me to graduate on time.”
Alejandra said she was involved with some gang activity starting in middle school through her junior year, but made a choice that she could do better for herself when she became a senior. Her grades declined and was finally sent to Washoe High to receive academic help to turn her circumstances around. At Washoe, she found what she needed – the extra time, encouragement and empowerment to make better choices.
Her counselor, David Nisbet, said although it seemed difficult for her to graduate on time, she’s now preparing to take part in Spanish Springs’ ceremony this week.
“She’s making it,” Nisbet said. “We’re very proud of her.”
Alejandra said she plans to attend Truckee Meadows Community College to prepare for a career in nursing. She is due to give birth to a son on June 22 and wants to be able to provide a better life for him.
“I want to be something pretty big,” she said. “I want to show my kid that even though I’m alone, I can do it. I’m going to stay strong for him. Me wanting to graduate also was to show my parents that I can do it, that they can be proud of me.”
She said dropping out is never the solution for anyone.
“Education is really important and students should just think of that,” she said. “They should think of their future if they want to be someone in life. Try your best.”
