For Alexis Guajardo, Laredo College has been more than a school–it’s been a second home. It’s where a once-shy student found his confidence, forged meaningful connections and discovered his calling in nursing. For over 77 years, LC has served as a beacon of academic success and comfort, and for Guajardo, its glow was life changing.
As he walked the halls of campus, Guajardo said he found LC to be as warm and reassuring as home–an anchor on his journey toward achieving his dreams.
With graduation just around the corner, he reflected on the ways LC shaped both his academic and personal growth. Not only did the college present him with opportunities for learning, it also played a vital role in his transformation. A self-described introvert, Guajardo credits his time as a student mentor and the supportive environment around him for helping him step out of his shell and grow into the person he is today.
From elementary school in Mexico to high school in the U.S., Guajardo said one thing never changed: his love for math and science. While his family has deep roots in logistics careers, he felt drawn toward something different. His passion for caring for others, combined with his affinity for STEM fields, set him on the path to a nursing career.
That passion eventually led him to apply for one of Laredo College’s most competitive academic tracks. Just a week before graduation, Guajardo’s efforts were rewarded with an acceptance letter to the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program. With letter in hand, his excitement for the ceremony grew, and this acceptance became another step toward his long-term goal: earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at LC.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been easy, and he knows the ADN Program will bring new challenges. But Guajardo welcomes them. While most of his time is spent on campus balancing work, coursework and student organizations, he says he would not trade a second of it.
As a member of the Laredo College LEAPS Program, the Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists and Phi Theta Kappa, Guajardo has fully embraced the student experience. One of the highlights of his time at LC was representing the college at a national conference in Pittsburgh.
“I traveled with the school, like when I went to Pittsburgh to present my research on the lives of students in Mexico who cross the border daily to attend LC,” he said. “They’re in pursuit of higher education in the U.S., just like I am.”
Guajardo now shares those experiences with students at United High School, where he works as a student mentor. There, he speaks with students who are either approaching graduation or planning to attend LC. He especially connects with those interested in STEM, guiding them to the same resources that helped him succeed.
By sharing his story, he’s doing more than giving advice–he’s inviting students into a community where opportunities are abundant, scholarships are within reach and lasting friendships are made. A place he proudly calls home.
Throughout his academic career, Guajardo set a high bar for himself–crossing the border daily, excelling in class and serving as a mentor. That commitment has earned him not only a strong sense of pride but also recognition from the LC community.
At the Spring 2025 Student Life Awards, he was honored with the Spirit of LC Award. Among the friends and colleagues celebrating him were mentors who played a part in his journey—Director of Recruitment and Dual Enrollment Julio Reyes and Assistant Director of Dual Enrollment Ana Karen Granados.
Their pride was evident.
“Alexis, congratulations on your graduation,” Reyes said. “We are beyond proud of all your hard work and dedication. Thank you for everything you’ve done and for always being a helping hand. Never forget that your successes are the greatest gift you give yourself–keep striving, keep shining! As John F. Kennedy said, ‘Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.’ Keep chasing your goals with purpose–you have everything it takes to achieve greatness.”
As Guajardo prepares to cross the stage, he carries not only his accomplishments but the lessons, friendships and purpose he discovered at Laredo College. The next chapter will bring new challenges, but he’s ready–because at LC, he didn’t just earn a degree, he found a home away from home.
