When Alexis Berry was a teenager, she had a plan — a big one. She dreamed of competing in the Olympics as a shotput and discus thrower, traveling the world with a dance company, becoming a nurse, and raising a family of four. It was bold, it was specific, and it was hers.

 

For a while, everything was falling into place. Alexis earned a track scholarship to a local community college, joined the dance team, and began building the life she had envisioned. But life took an unexpected turn.

 

At just 19 years old, Alexis became pregnant with her first son. She left college and entered the workforce, determined to support her child. Over the next decade, she had three more children, worked multiple jobs, and navigated unimaginable hardship — including the devastating loss of her 1-year-old in 2017.

 

Through it all, she never gave up.

 

In 2014, she earned her certification as a medical assistant. Then came an even bigger step — she enrolled in the Arizona College of Nursing to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While raising three children, Alexis attended school full-time, worked two jobs, and battled through financial hardship and housing insecurity. There were moments when her grades slipped and she had to take a leave of absence from school.  At times, she and her kids lived in motels, a shelter, and even their car. The weight of it all would be enough to crush anyone.

 

But Alexis kept going.

 

With the help of a housing program and a determination few could match, she got her family into stable housing and returned to school stronger than ever. Her grades rose. Her confidence grew, and her dream began to feel possible again.

 

Since receiving her first Keep Your Chin Up Scholarship in 2022, Alexis has gone on to win it four times, the maximum allowed. With each award came relief, encouragement, and motivation. But Alexis didn’t stop at bettering her own life. She began mentoring others, helping students access resources, and sharing her story to inspire change. She founded the Black Student Nursing Association at her campus, joined a mentorship program to support struggling classmates, and became a vocal advocate for homeless families and young moms.

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She wants others to know: your past does not define your future.   On May 2, 2025, she graduated… a licensed nurse and a living example of what perseverance looks like.  

 

Her next goals? To begin her career in ER or PCU nursing, pursue a CRNA degree, and eventually open a mental wellness center focused on healing, health, and hope. She also dreams of travel nursing in an RV with her family and mentoring future nurses, maybe even becoming a clinical instructor one day.

 

Alexis Berry’s story is not just one of survival. It’s a story of purpose, passion, and the unshakable belief that no matter how long or hard the road, you keep your chin up and keep going.

 

Congratulations, Alexis! You’ve really earned this, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!