MARSING — Alex Larios is ready to start a new chapter in her life. She is looking forward to earning a diploma and saying goodbye to high school.
When she graduates with the Marsing High class of 2017, it will be a testament to her desire to break from a tough childhood.
“I was a terrible kid,” Larios said. “I went to school and didn’t care.”
There were rough patches during her elementary and middle school years. Larios struggled in the classroom — earning D’s and F’s. She regularly skipped school and was held back in the sixth grade.
“I had a ‘whatever’ attitude,” Larios said. “I wouldn’t listen to anyone for help.”
When Larios started high school, her outlook on life changed.
“I woke up,” Larios said. “I told myself I couldn’t be the person I was.”
Larios stepdad played a big part in her understanding the importance of education. She watched him earn bachelor and masters degrees from Northwest Nazarene University in 2012.
“I want her to change the family tree,” said Randall Samples, Larios stepdad. “As parents, we made mistakes early in life and want her to start college after high school.”
Larios owns a 2.7 grade-point average (GPA) and her grades jumped to A’s and B’s throughout her high school career. Her goal is to have a 3.0 GPA when she walks across the stage at graduation.
“She is able to take from school and grow, that is an incredible step Alex has made,” said Daryl Lemos, an English teacher at Marsing High. “She is very determined and hard working.”
To jump start her college career, Larios enrolled in the Pathways To Early Career High School program (or PTECH) her junior year. She is on a path into the healthcare field. By the time she graduates high school via the PTECH program, she will have completed six classes towards an associates degree.
“Taking college classes while in high school makes me feel proud,” Larios said. “I’m such a motivated person now compared to three years ago.”
This semester, Larios is enrolled in dual-credit online science courses at the College of Southern Idaho and Northwest Nazarene University. After graduation, she plans to finish her associates degree at the College of Western Idaho. She hopes to attend the College of Idaho in 2018.
“Who knew I would be looking into college scholarships,” Larios said.
Larios wants to be a forensic pathologist. Her dream is to work for the FBI and examine dead bodies.
“I’m a twisted person,” Larios said. “My life has been pretty crazy.”
- Favorite drink? Arizona sweet tea
- Favorite sport to watch? Football
- What are the first three songs on your current music playlist? “Heathens” by Twenty one Pilots, “Cold Water” by Major Lazer, “Gold” by Kiiara
- You just got a free plane ticket to go anywhere. Where are you going? New York City
- Three things you can’t live without? iPhone, makeup and Hot Cheetos
- Favorite emoji?
Disclosure: Idaho Education News and Idaho PTECH are both funded by the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation.
