Candice Allen's journey to graduation day at A&M-San Antonio has been anything but ordinary. A decade ago, at just 26, she faced a dire prognosis: end-stage renal failure with only six months to live. Next week, she’ll defy the odds as she walks across the stage at Freeman Coliseum, earning her bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in legal studies.
As Allen prepares for the next chapter of her life, her goal is to work at a law firm before pursuing her dream of attending law school, specializing in corporate law. Given all that Allen has overcome, it seems like she’s destined to achieve that dream.
Allen said it feels like it was another lifetime when, in her-mid 20s, she started experiencing high blood pressure and frequent headaches. One day at work, she passed out.
“The next thing I knew I was at the hospital, with the doctor telling me my kidneys had completely shut down and I had six months to live,” she said. "I wanted to give up. All my dreams felt like they were gone."
It was a devastating blow that shattered her hope of becoming a first-generation college graduate. But Allen refused to surrender. Despite the overwhelming challenges of undergoing dialysis three times a week, she found strength in her faith and the support of loved ones. Her resolve to defy the odds was further fueled by the camaraderie she shared with fellow patients, many of whom were at least twice her age.
"We encouraged each other," Allen said. "We laughed through the pain and lifted each other up. But it was also heartbreaking. I’d build relationships with these people, and sometimes they wouldn't come back. I never felt so vulnerable in my life.”
In the midst of her own health battles, Allen faced another emotional hurdle in 2020 when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and her grandfather passed away. Allen became the pillar of strength for her family, vowing to return to school to fulfill her dream and make her mother proud.
"My mom needed to see me walk that stage," Allen said. "Her strength became my motivation."
Then, in the fall of 2021, after six years of dialysis, Allen received a life-changing kidney transplant. Moreover, her mother’s cancer was now in remission. With renewed health and determination, she embarked on her academic journey at Northeast Lakeview College, earning credits to transfer to A&M-San Antonio.
Allen explained she first went to college when she lived in Florida. But a bad relationship disrupted her life, and she dropped out. When she settled in San Antonio years later, she was determined to get back on track. The road was arduous, balancing rigorous coursework with ongoing medical care, but she persevered.
"I worked my butt off," she said. "Every semester was a step closer to my dream.”
In January 2023, Candice received her acceptance letter to A&M-San Antonio, marking a significant milestone in her journey.
“Other than learning I had been approved for a kidney transplant, the acceptance letter was the best news I had ever received in my life,” she said. "As I started feeling stronger, I knew I could achieve anything. I was determined to make the most of my second chance at life."
Allen’s determination—and new perspective on life—helped her achieve her academic goals, which sometimes required her to wake up extra early to take two buses to campus.
“I’d encounter rude people or negative people on the bus, but, I mean, I almost died, so dealing with people in a bad mood was easy. I knew that everyone was battling something. I just love being able to help other people and encourage them through my story.”
Today, as Candice prepares to graduate, she looks ahead with gratitude and purpose.
"Going through this journey has deepened my faith and my desire to help others," she said. "I’m focused on making the most out of my second chance at life. I want to be a beacon of hope for anyone facing challenges."