Part 1: Breaking Barriers to a Brighter Future: Alejandra Rojas’ Path to Law and the American Dream
Catch the latest inspiration. Podcast links below!
In today’s episode of A Little More Inspired, I’m sharing the story of one of my oldest and closest friends, Alejandra Rojas.
Alejandra is a Colombian-American family law attorney practicing in the D.C.-Maryland area. But before she became a corporate baddie, I met her as a young, timid, yet ambitious 13-year-old DCPS student. Like many first-generation American students, she understood early on that education, perseverance, and hard work were the keys to breaking cycles of poverty and building a brighter future. Alejandra’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and breaking generational barriers to achieve the American Dream. In this episode, we’ll dive into her path, the obstacles she faced and the unwavering drive that helped her reach her career goals.
Alejandra’s story begins like so many first-generation American stories. Her mother, a young and passionate teacher from Colombia, left her home seeking a better life and greater opportunities. Most people don’t leave their homelands willingly, and Alejandra’s mother was no exception. She didn’t set out on this journey to struggle in a foreign country that often treats outsiders with unkindness and discrimination. She came to the United States with hope, for a future where she could struggle a little less than before and provide financial stability for her family.
Six years after her arrival, she had Alejandra. The life that followed for them was far from easy. A single mother navigating a new country, she knew that education was the only path for her daughter to break free from the limitations placed on them. As an educator herself, she dedicated herself to ensuring Alejandra had every opportunity to expand her mind, learn, and grow, regardless of the financial obstacles they faced.
Like many first-generation Latinas who take on the responsibility of breaking barriers for their families, Alejandra realized early on that she carried the weight of not just her own dreams but also her mother’s sacrifices. The expectation to achieve was always there, an unspoken responsibility to change the trajectory of their lives. Alejandra remembers loving school and understanding that the coolest thing she could be was to be smart.
Yet, her journey wasn’t just about hard work and success—it was also filled with moments of doubt, challenges that shook her confidence, and scars from the times where things didn’t go as planned. After twelve years of relentless dedication as a student, Alejandra faced her first major disappointment, she didn’t get into the universities she had dreamed of attending. It was a crushing blow. The first real test of faith.
Was all the hard work worth it?
For many, such a setback could feel like the end of the road. But Alejandra chose to surrender, to trust in the divine plan. Though the school she ended up attending wasn’t her first choice, it turned out to be exactly where she needed to be. Inspired by the women who came before her, especially her mother, she pursued her first dream: to become an educator. She became a fourth-grade teacher, pouring her heart into her students. Even years later, many of them still stay in touch, a testament to the impact she made as an educator.
In 2016, as the political climate shifted, Alejandra began to feel a new calling, law. The thought of leaving behind a stable, familiar career was terrifying. She had worked so hard to reach a place of comfort and security, and the idea of stepping into the unknown was daunting. But with the encouragement of her friend/colleague, who saw her potential even before she fully recognized it herself. she bravely took a leap of faith and applied to law school. She was accepted into the American University, marking the beginning of an entirely new chapter in her story.
Today, Alejandra is a practicing family lawyer, navigating the complexities of family law and building a career that reflects her dedication and resilience. Her journey has been anything but easy, but it’s a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of believing in something greater than ourselves. I find her story inspiring because she embodies the true American Dream, a family seeking a better future and a daughter who refused to let circumstances define her destiny.
To any young Latina, or anyone who is feeling like their current reality is limiting, let Alejandra’s story serve as a reminder: if she could do it, so can you. No matter how many obstacles are placed in your path, do not give up. When life doesn’t go as planned, lean into faith. Trust that if you work hard, stay determined, and surrender to the Divine, the path will be made clear, perfectly designed for you and your life.
If Alejandra’s journey proves anything, it’s that faith, humility, and perseverance can lead you to places beyond your wildest dreams.
I hope you leave today’s episode feeling A Little More Inspired. Click the links above to listen to Alejandra’s inspiring story!
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