From Impossible to Possible: Lexie Moore’s Story

Growing up in Appalachia, Lexie Moore never saw college as a certainty. As a middle schooler, Lexie saw how costly college could be, and it felt just out of reach.

Then Lexie became part of the Southeast Scholars Program.
The program helped her see college not as an impossible expense, but as a future she could actually pursue.

“I would not be in college if it wasn’t for that program. Looking at it now, I realize how expensive college really is. Even with financial aid, there have been times when I still owed money that I couldn’t afford. The Southeast Scholars Program showed me that college was possible and helped me understand the value of education.”

Lexie’s journey recently came full circle when she had the opportunity to share her story with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Board of Regents. Speaking before educational leaders from across the state, she reflected on the impact Southeast Scholars had on her life and the opportunities it created.

Her story demonstrated something she experienced firsthand: when students are introduced to the possibility of college early and given the support to pursue it, their view of the future can change.

Today, Lexie works as a teacher’s aide, where she is helping young people develop that same sense of possibility. As an Appalachian native, she understands the challenges many students in the region face. She also wants them to understand that where they come from does not determine where they can go.

“I want my students to know that being from Appalachia doesn’t limit them. They can be intelligent, determined, and successful. This region is full of potential, and I want students to see that they can help build a brighter future here. Southeast helped me believe in myself at a young age, and now I want to do the same for them.”

Lexie did not always envision herself as a teacher, but she knew she wanted a career that would allow her to make a meaningful difference. Over time, she realized education gave her that opportunity.

“What I didn’t understand then was that teaching is one of the greatest ways to serve others. The students I work with today may become doctors, lawyers, astronauts, or community leaders tomorrow. Every one of those futures begins with someone encouraging them to believe in themselves.”

For Lexie, success is not measured by awards, recognition, or professional accomplishments. It is measured by the impact she can make on the lives of her students.

“At the end of the day, I want students to go home knowing they are loved, valued, and capable of achieving great things. If one student leaves my classroom believing they can create a better future for themselves, then I have succeeded.”

Lexie hopes the encouragement and confidence she gives her students will stay with them long after they leave her classroom.

“If years from now a student comes back and tells me that I helped them believe in themselves, I will consider my career a success. That’s what matters most to me.”

Through the support of the Southeast Scholars Program, college went from something Lexie once questioned was possible to a path she was able to pursue. Now she is paying that opportunity forward, helping the next generation of Appalachian students recognize the same potential in themselves.