Overcoming Barriers, Creating Change: Julisa Merwin's Journey from Foster Care to Nursing Graduate

In the heart of Riverside, California, a remarkable woman is defying the odds. Julisa Merwin, a first-generation college student, former foster youth, Latina woman, and single parent, has completed her nursing degree at Riverside City College (RCC), a college renowned for its exceptional NCLEX passing rates. But Julisa’s story is much more than just a graduation date. It’s a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of higher education despite the overwhelming barriers she’s faced.

“I am officially licensed,” she says confidently, “I passed the NCLEX on my first attempt. I have no doubt it is because of RCC and its stellar reputation.” Julisa’s story speaks volumes about the challenges foster youth face and the strength it takes to overcome them.

A Childhood of Struggle
Julisa’s journey began in downtown Los Angeles, across from the infamous MacArthur Park, a place known for its challenges. Raised by her grandmother, a woman from Honduras who had migrated to the U.S. with her service member husband which the marriage ended in America, Julisa’s early life was steeped in poverty. “My mom was on welfare, and both my grandmother and mother suffered from mental illness. I was the one who took care of everything—cooking, cleaning, running errands,” Julisa recalls.

When Julisa was just 13 years old, her grandmother passed away, and soon after, Julisa and her siblings were evicted from their grandmother’s apartment. “Due to being homeless as a teenager in the ghetto of Los Angeles that led me to drop out of school, experiment with drugs, and got involve with the gang life,” Julisa reminiscences. Her mother’s health continued to decline, leading to a mental nervous breakdown which placed her in a psychiatric facility. It resulted Julisa and her siblings being placed into foster care system. For many, the foster care system represents a fractured experience, often devoid of the support needed to thrive. Julisa experienced this firsthand.

The Foster Care System: A Blessing in Disguise
“People always say how awful foster care is, and it’s true—it’s dehumanizing,” Julisa shares. “But for me, it was a blessing in disguise. It got me out of the dangerous life I was living. It gave me a shot at something better.” Despite the trauma and adversity, Julisa’s placement in foster care opened doors she didn’t even know existed.

However, the system failed in many ways. Julisa recalls being placed in multiple foster homes, many of which were less than supportive. “Some foster parents didn’t care about our futures or help us gain the tools to be self-sufficient adults,” she notes. "I was one of the lucky ones, though. I had two good foster homes where I could feel some stability, but that’s not always the case."

Julisa’s siblings were separated during this time, a painful reality many foster youth face. Despite the separation, Julisa remained determined to pursue an education—something rare among foster youth. Statistically, only 3-4% of former foster youth go on to pursue their undergraduate degrees, according to the National Foster Youth Institute. Julisa, however, was on a path to defy the odds.

The Turning Point: Becoming a Mother and Student
Julisa’s turning point came at the age of 23 when she became pregnant. “I knew I had to turn my life around for my child,” she says. Determined to pursue her education, she continued attending school full-time while working. The pressures were immense, and like many single parents, Julisa had to balance her responsibilities as a mother with the demands of school.

Her son’s health took a toll on her, too. “In 2018, my 10 month old son was admitted to the pediatric ICU, and it was terrifying. He was oxygen-deprived, and I had no nursing knowledge at the time. But that experience motivated me even more to pursue a career in nursing, so I could help others in similar situations,” she recalls.

Despite the struggles, Julisa remained focused. “I was working full-time, studying for my science prerequisites, and taking care of my son. It was exhausting, but it was also empowering. I wanted my son to see what education could do for us.”

A Sense of Home and Scholarships
In 2019, Julisa’s life took another turn when she received furniture through the nonprofit organization A Sense of Home in Los Angeles. The organization, dedicated to providing former foster youth with the tools and support to create stable homes, blessed Julisa with home furnishings, which helped her focus on her studies and her family’s well-being. “Not only did they give me a Sense of Home but they made a huge impact on my educational journey. They not only did they gave me furniture, but I was also blessed with a scholarship and community support which helped me feel grounded. It was one less thing to worry about,” Julisa says.

Her story was even featured in People magazine, helping to raise awareness about the struggles former foster youth face as they transition into adulthood. “I wanted to share my story because people think of foster youth as children, but they often forget about us as adults. We face numerous barriers in education, housing, community support, and employment,” she notes.

The recognition from People magazine was not just about Julisa—it was about amplifying the voices of foster youth across the nation, showing that despite the statistics, success is possible.

The Road to RCC and Nursing School
In 2018, Julisa was accepted into RCC nursing program. However, her path wasn’t without its struggles. She faced issues with housing insecurity, childcare stability, and her son’s health. Ultimately, these events caused Julisa to fail out of her first semester in the RN program. “I remembered it vividly and it was painful enduring the lack of family and community support.

During near the end of my first semester, my clinical group was asked to speak with future students that were applying to RCC’s nursing program what it takes to be successful. Each of my classmates kept on mentioning the importance of family support. When it was my turn to speak, my eyes welled up in tears, and I reinforced how family support is vital to complete the nursing program. I expressed to the students the lack of family support has negatively weighed heavy on my studies.” Julisa recalls. However, her determination never wavered. She even encountered difficulties finding low-income housing, knocking on manager’s doors, and learning about Section 8 housing through a speaker at RCC’s Guardian Scholars Program.

“I was desperate, but I took the opportunity when it came. It was like winning a golden ticket,” she says. Once Julisa secured housing stability, she was able to focus on her studies and manage her son’s health. She completed RCC’s CNA program in December 2019, LVN program in August 2021, and the LVN-RN bridge program in December 2024.

In the face of all these challenges, Julisa’s resilience kept her going. She credits her professors, advisors, and the resources at RCC for helping her stay on track. “My professors were supportive, and they learned a lot about the foster care system through my own experiences and the resources RCC provided,” she shares.

Looking Forward: Nursing and Advocacy

Julisa’s journey is far from over. She is enrolled through RCC’s jump start program with Cal State Fullerton University. She began her undergraduate program in Spring 2025. In addition to prepare for the NCLEX exam in February 2025,  she reflects on how far she’s come. “I’m not just pursuing nursing for myself—I’m doing it for my son, and I want to make a difference for other foster youth(s). Education has been the key to my transformation,” she says.

Her journey has also made her a fierce advocate for foster youth. “We need more resources for foster youth, especially when we age out of the system. There’s not enough education about the struggles foster youth face once they leave the system. I hope my story helps others realize that education can be a lifeline,” she says.

Julisa’s story is a powerful reminder that despite the most challenging circumstances, with determination and support, anything is possible. She is living proof that foster youth, and anyone facing adversity, can rise above their circumstances and achieve their dreams.