Author: Sophia Flores-Lerma
My college journey has been anything but easy. It has been a journey shaped by fear, faith, resilience and purpose.
As a student at Newman University, working toward my degree in business management with a minor in criminal justice, my life changed when I got pregnant unexpectedly at 20 years old. I remember feeling overwhelmed, scared and unsure of what my future would look like. There were people who doubted me, who saw my situation and assumed I wouldn’t finish school. Some even told me to give up and just be a mom. But deep down, I knew I was capable of more.
Everything became even more real when I had to undergo an emergency C-section. My baby was born at just 27 weeks, and in that moment, nothing else mattered except whether we were both going to survive. It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. I had to completely surrender control and trust God with whatever he had planned, even when I didn’t understand it.
After that, my life became a constant balance between being a full-time student and a full-time mom, while spending long, emotional days in the NICU. One of the hardest moments was leaving for Kansas City with my one-month-old premature baby so he could have heart surgery. Watching my son fight for his life was something I will never forget. It tested me in every way possible.
In the middle of all of this, I made a decision that changed everything. Instead of dropping out like many expected me to, I chose to push myself to do the unexpected: I decided to graduate a year early. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. It meant less time, more pressure and sacrificing even more of myself, all while carrying the emotional and physical weight of everything I was going through.
On top of that, I later found out I needed to have my gallbladder removed. Physically, I was drained. Mentally, I was exhausted. But I refused to give up.
There were moments where I felt like everything was against me, but I kept going. I kept showing up, even when it was hard. I kept believing that every sacrifice would be worth it, not just for me, but for my son. He became my reason, my motivation and my strength.
I am truly grateful for every challenge I faced, because each one shaped me into who I am today. I would not have made it through this journey alone. I want to thank my advisor, Angie McCoy (assistant dean and assistant professor of business), Amy Ponce (administrative coordinator), Sister Therese Wetta (director of mission integration), Kristi Barton Edwards (associate professor of criminal justice) and so many other members of the Newman University community who uplifted me, believed in me and stood by my side during my hardest moments.
To my partner, thank you for being my strength when I felt like I was drowning in pain. You kept your spirit strong for both of us and never stopped encouraging me to keep going, even when things felt impossible.
To my family, thank you for never leaving my side for your constant love, support and prayers that carried me through every obstacle.
It truly took a village to get me here, and I am forever grateful for mine. Thank you to everyone who believed in me, even when life made it hard for me to believe in myself.
Soon, I will proudly say that I graduated from Newman University with a degree in business management and a minor in criminal justice.
Let my story be a reminder that the only thing that can truly stop you from chasing your dreams or reaching your goals is yourself. Life will bring obstacles, pain and moments that make you question everything, but don’t let those moments define you.
Be proud of how far you’ve come, even if your journey looks different than others. Stand strong in who you are and what you’re capable of becoming. And when challenges come — and they will — be ready to face them, overcome them and grow from them.
Because you are stronger than anything trying to stand in your way.
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