2025 Grad Spotlight: Aaliyah Drake
Recent Gaston College graduate Aaliyah Drake was once told that a very small percentage of foster children graduate from college, and according to a January 2024 article in Inside Higher Ed, that statistic is very true. The article stated that the data on college students with foster care histories finds that 75 percent will attend a two-year college, but only 2-6% will receive a two-year degree.
Instead of letting this stop her and getting discouraged, Drake used this statistic as motivation to start at Gaston College in January 2023 after finishing high school early. In May, she graduated with her associate degree in general education and certificates in Biotechnology.
“I defeated my odds and overcame my past,” Drake said. “Gaston College is just the beginning of my education journey, but it will always be the beginning of my story and how I overcame my odds.”
“I chose Gaston College because it was close to home,” Drake explained. “I graduated from high school early, and it was an easy transition. I chose my programs because I want to be in the medical field.”
On campus, Drake found support through Gaston College’s TRiO program and her work study in the arts and advising center, and she credits them with helping her overcome the odds.
“I loved meeting students and helping them,” she said. “Gaston College gave me my ‘I can’ attitude, which showed me I can do this and I will accomplish my goals.”
After graduating from Gaston College in May, Drake is preparing for her next step at Western Carolina University.
“I will be going in August,” Drake said. “I will be in the Emergency Medical Care Residential program in order to become a paramedic. After that, I will be going to Medical School to become a doctor or surgeon.”
The power of determination, combined with the right educational environment, helped Drake find the momentum to succeed. If you have a similar foster care background and are looking for support to enter or return to college, we encourage you to connect with our TRiO SSS program.
