Kinesiology Student's Inspiring Journey from Foster Care to Graduation

Kinesiology Student's Inspiring Journey from Foster Care to Graduation

By Rae Lynch

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Sometimes even the smallest things can be taken for granted. Many students have never had to worry about affording a meal or squeezing in hours of sleep between their work and school schedules, but that's not the case for Alexus Foster.

Alexus was in and out of the foster care system from the time she was 2 years old. She has lived in countless different states and attended 17 different schools. However, with the help of Cal State San Marcos' ACE Scholars Services program she is graduating this winter with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and a minor in dance.

"ACE has had a really big impact on me," said Alexus, "and for that I'm very grateful."

Alexus always knew she wanted to pursue higher education because she felt it would help her avoid the challenges her mother faced.

Pregnant at 15 years old, Alexus' mother struggled to raise a child. After her mom was kicked out of Alexus' grandmother's house, Alexus was sent to New York to live with her great grandfather. Her mother booked a return flight to California, and Alexus's childhood was on a new course.

Growing up, Alexus experienced the hardships of persistent custody battles and court-mandated counseling therapy. She was constantly moving among different households and family members.

Alexus is 29 years old and the oldest of six siblings (the youngest being 15). Alexus was 16 when her siblings entered the foster care system for the first time. Alexus hoped to shield them from the reality that would be foster care.

But Alexus and her siblings were apart for almost a year, which was one of the hardest times of her life. Alexus and her siblings have always had a strong bond, celebrating every holiday together at their grandparents' house growing up.

"I love my siblings, and I just want to be the best big sister they could have. If they ever need anything, they can call me," Alexus said.

As complicated as Alexus' life was growing up, additional struggles began to arise as an adult. After moving out of her mom's house at 19, trying to complete her degree while managing two jobs to afford her rent became a strenuous task.

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Alexus was attending Riverside Community College when she learned about ACE Scholars Services. It's a program that would soon change Alexus' life for the better.

ACE Scholars Services helps former foster youth pursue higher education by providing services and support systems. ACE knows that helping foster youth earn a degree will provide them the tools and self-determination they need to succeed later in life. That's been the case for Alexus.

Alexus worked the overnight shift at the Ontario airport, ending her shift at 7 a.m., then driving from Rancho Cucamonga for her hour-plus commute to campus. When she hadn't slept all night, ACE provided her a space to get rest during the day. When she didn't have enough money to afford food or school supplies, ACE was there. When her car broke down, ACE was there.

In October 2024, Alexus lost her job and was evicted, marking the start of a difficult time. However, ACE was once again there to help.

"The support that I get from ACE, everything that I've been able to get through in my life is because ACE has always helped me, especially Leigh," Alexus said.

Leigh Quijada has been the director of ACE Scholars Services for the last two years after previously working with the program for 13 years as a counselor. She has played a huge role in Alexus' life by not only guiding her but helping her get through every obstacle she has faced. "Persistence" and "resilience" were the two words Leigh used to describe Alexus.

"I think Alexus might be the only student I've had who has been through it all and overcome everything," Leigh said.

Leigh has been there for Alexus since the start of her journey at CSUSM and has watched her grow. When Alexus was put on academic probation last year because she had to prioritize going to work to pay her bills rather than attending class, Leigh did everything in her power and helped Alexus get re-enrolled.

"She is probably one of the biggest people in my life," Alexus said. "I wouldn't be getting my bachelor's without Leigh; she's definitely my rock."

After the difficult years Alexus endured as a foster child, she is graduating this winter and moving to Texas to begin her master's studies in kinesiology. She has played sports since she was young and hopes to continue her love for that field as an athletic trainer for professional athletes.

"People don't know what I've been through to get to this point," Alexus said. "It's going to be a very big accomplishment."

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