SAN ANGELO, Texas — Across the United States, nearly 40,000 children and teenagers are in the foster care system.
Out of that number, about 50 percent of those raised in foster care finish high school with their diplomas. San Angelo native Brissa Sanchez has already defied those odds.
Sanchez lost her father at age 15, and after her mother struggled to provide for her and her siblings, foster care was the only suitable option to ensure the best life for her going forward. That time is a speedbump in her eyes.
"I have a lot of people who stereotype me. I am the first to be here and I want to let them know that it is possible (to graduate high school and enroll in college). That just because you have gone through where you went through before, you can succeed," Sanchez said.
But her time in academic studies is far from over. The 19-year-old plans to become a teacher after she graduates from Angelo State University, not only to break the cycle, but to pay it forward.
"I want to be a teacher. I want to let the kids know that it is going to get hard sometimes. So just keep pushing through it. I want to share my story and be open for everyone," Sanchez said.
She also recognizes the unique spot she is in for her family as well. Yet, the pressure has yet to phase her.
"I want a better life than my family, like what they had growing up. I want to set an example for my siblings," Sanchez said.
While she credits her own hard work and determination to get to this point, she is also thankful for ASU's Fostering Ram Success program that helped kickstart her studies at the university level.
"Without this program, I probably would not be here. Being here is a big opportunity, fitting in with other people who do not know your story, you are just starting fresh. I am thankful for it," Sanchez said.
Sanchez plans on finishing her studies by the end of 2027. For more information about the program, visit the Fostering Ram Success website.