Page 40 - February_2016_Life_In_Naples_Magazine

WINTHNEERS
CIRCLE naples style

by Sandra Lee Buxton

Y elixa “Lexy” Larlos-Lopez is just the kind of person that you
would expect to pursue a career in a “helping” profession.
She is warm, charming and a good listener. Lexy is living
her dream and for that matter the dream of her parents. Born in
Nicaragua, her parents emigrated when she was four, but left her
behind with relatives until they could establish themselves. An aunt
brought her to Florida a year later joining her parents and starting
a life that was unimaginable. Like all parents, Lexy’s wanted her to
have a better life and most importantly a quality education, which
they knew would change everything. Nicaragua, which was wrought
with unemployment and no opportunities was a poverty cycle that
had to be broken. She watched her parents work multiple jobs staying
the course to give their children what they never had. As Lexy grew
older she could appreciate their brave behavior in relocating to
another country and the radical adaptation that was required. It was
ingrained that education was the answer to a brighter future but also
an insurance policy ensuring self-sufficiency.

Lexy learned her lessons well and she is currently a junior at FGCU
and in her first semester of the nursing program. You could say that she
is doing well but that would be an understatement. She was accepted
into the honors program in her freshman year and is already displaying
gratitude for what she has by helping others. Lexy is an officer in the
Dominican Republic Outreach Program (D.R.O.P.) and uses her
spring break traveling to Santiago and serving others. Bringing school
supplies, clothing, sports equipment and tutoring the children are
welcomed services in that community.

Her ultimate goal is to become a pediatrician and work for Doctors
Without Borders improving the lives of others. She chose nursing
(BSN) as the first step to that goal so that she can support herself as
she continues her education. Her nursing specialty will be obstetrics
and ideally working in a clinic with close patient contact. Her parents
taught her that even when things are difficult, keep going and don’t
give up, words that she lives by. Lexy will be a first generation college
graduate, a Winner indeed, welcome to The Circle.

40 Life in Naples | February 2016