100% College Bound from Lydia Patterson Institute
Not long ago, a student named Renata was balancing school while worrying about her father’s declining health and financial struggles. Today, the recentLydia Patterson Institute (LPI) graduate is headed to college on a full scholarship. She plans to become a doctor.
“We’re very proud of them,” she announced from the podium.
“This is a reflection of the academic determination and discipline of our students and our staff.”
Dr. Cardoza explained that she didn’t come to TAC 2026 alone. She brought Renata and another LPI student so that they could speak most powerfully about their first-hand experiences.
Watch the video clip or read Renata’s story in her own words below.
The Texas Annual Conference joins LPI in celebrating thatall45 LPI seniors in Renata’s graduating class are college bound—they achieved a remarkable 100% acceptance rate.
‘Determination and discipline’
When LPI president Dr. Carla Cardoza traveled to Houston to present a report to the TAC in May, she spoke about the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.
From hardship to hope
by Renata Figueroa Sánchez
About two years ago, my dad started having serious health problems that completely changed my family’s life. There were days when he could barely walk because he was in so much pain, but he still tried to work because he did not want our family to struggle financially. But eventually things became too difficult.
We had to reduce expenses and adjust to a completely different reality. I tried helping my mom at home while also keeping up with school and my responsibilities.
There were many days when I felt emotionally exhausted. I would sit in class trying to focus while worrying about my dad, my family, and our future. And like many families at the border, we also live with the stress and anxiety that comes with immigration realities and life between two countries.
Sometimes people hear the word “border” and only think about politics. But for families like mine, it is personal.
It is anxiety. It is sacrifice. It is parents doing everything possible so their children can have opportunities they never had. But even through all of that, we continue trying our best. Because we still have dreams.
And during one of the hardest moments of my life, Lydia Patterson Institute became more than just a school to me. It became support. It became hope.
The LPI scholarship I received helped my family continue moving forward during a time when we truly needed help. Because of the support and opportunities I received, I learned to believe in myself again.
Today, I am deeply grateful that my dad is still here with us. And I am deeply grateful for Lydia Patterson Institute. Being at LPI was not just financial help. It was hope. It was support. And it was an opportunity to continue dreaming even during one of the hardest moments of my life.
Thank you for believing in students like me. And thank you for helping make opportunities like this possible.
Thriving beyond graduation
In her remarks, Dr. Cardoza concluded by emphasizing the lasting impact of the LPI experience.
“What is especially beautiful to witness is that the resilience, discipline, leadership and work ethic that our students develop at LPI does not stop at graduation. Our students continue thriving even after they have graduated,” Cardoza said.
Through an offering taken at TAC 2026, lay and clergy contributed more than $6,400 to Lydia Patterson Institute. These funds will help provide student scholarships and ongoing programs that foster leadership and cross-cultural connection.
Renata’s story is just one example of what that investment can make possible. A student who faced uncertainty is now heading to college with a clear sense of purpose and a dream of becoming a doctor.