Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
You may not know Lexi Avionne by name, but chances are you have seen her on social media and the news in a trending video, which became a national symbol of the flash flood that recently ravaged the Rio Grande Valley.
The video, taken by onlookers, shows Avionne sitting on the roof of her car as it floated in high waters and then being rescued by a passing semi-truck driver.
The single mom of two is a current Psychology student and work-study employee at South Texas College whose lifeline was that car, getting her to and from school and work, as she attempts to make ends meet and create a better life for herself and her girls, 2 and 3.
“I lost my car, everything inside, including my laptop and hotspot, which was borrowed from the college, my notes, my books, all soaked and gone,” she said. “It could have been worse, it could have been my life, but I’m glad I’m still here for my girls and to tell my story.”
And because she is here to tell her story, STC has been able to help Avionne with financial assistance and resources, that alleviate her struggles exacerbated by the storm that dropped more than 18 inches of water across the Rio Grande Valley.
She was on her way home from her work-study job at STC when her car was swept away into the water.
“I waited at the college as long as I could. They were discouraging us from leaving, but the water on campus had seemed to subside, so I thought it was safe. I needed to get home to my babies,” said Avionne. “I got on the expressway, no problem, but because I needed gas, I had to exit several times, but I never made it to a gas station. My final exit was in Alamo, I was almost home, when I got swept away.”
She not only lost precious items that day, but getting home to her children was no easy feat. After the truck driver rescued her, she still had to walk through waist-deep water before finally making it home.
“I was soaked, but my daughters didn’t care, they jumped up to give me a hug immediately. I really needed it that day,” she said. “And since then, their hugs and the outpouring of support I’ve received from STC and my community, has given me a new outlook and has made this challenging moment more bearable.”
She said this was a dark day for her, but after darkness there is light.
“STC, and the many people that have come forward to help me have been my light,” she said. “I’ve received overwhelming support from so many during this difficult time, as I work to replace my car and all my school equipment and supplies, I lost that day. I’ve kept going because people have shown me that I’m not alone.”
STC, immediately after the flood, created a form for students like Avionne, faculty and staff to complete if they were facing hardships and needed assistance.
For Avionne, her financial assistance from STC, totaling a little more than $2,000, will be put toward a new car, but she was also helped to fill out applications for utility assistance and child care. Her instructors and work-study supervisor at the STC Cooper Center have been flexible with her schedule, she was connected with STC’s counseling office to help with her anxiety brought on by this close call and she was given gift cards for food delivery services since she has no transportation.
“I’ve been relying on friends to get to school and work and to pick up my daughters. I’m so grateful for the help, but I don’t want to burden anyone, so I’m hoping I can collect enough money through my GoFundMe started by a local a radio station, and other assistance I’ve received to get a new car soon,” said Avionne.
Tempted to drop out in the wake of the flood, Avionne said that’s not even a choice anymore, especially after the help STC has provided. She said more than ever, she feels like STC is home.
I’ve been anxious to tell my story because as my video went viral online, negative comments began to flood in. I grew embarrassed to even ask for help,” she said. “But many have shown me, that there is nothing to be embarrassed about. It was a bad situation, and I was lucky to have been helped and led to a safe place. I’m so grateful to Jose (truck driver) for not ignoring me that day. He didn’t have to help, but he did.”
To prove that helping her isn’t for nothing, she wants to continue her education. She earned her General Educational Development (GED) diploma from STC so she could go on and graduate with an associate degree, move on to a bachelor’s degree and keep going until she gets a doctorate degree. Her goal is to become a neuropsychiatrist.
“There is a lesson in everything that happens, and this has taught me I need to keep going. One day I hope to help others the way I’m being helped right now. I want to pay it back. The only way to do that is to get my education,” she said.
For now, Avionne will continue pushing forward, will hopefully find a car she can afford soon, will keep up with her school work and as a former dancer, will soon be found on stage dancing in the upcoming STC Theatre and Dance production – “Transcendence.”
