C’Asia James was homeless for three months.

Her son had surgeries.

She found out her child had autism.

Through it all, James kept going — holding a full-time job while working toward a biology degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

“School has always been the only constant entity in my life,” James said. “I always liked going to school because no matter what is going on in my personal life I knew I had to go to school, so I never stopped going even during the bad times.”

James is set to graduate this month, and her long-term goal is to become a physician who treats disadvantaged and underserved people.

She can relate. James knows how it feels to be without health insurance, to not have the money to pay for medical care or even reliable transportation to go to medical appointments.

James’ son was born with Hirschsprung’s disease, a condition of the colon that requires surgery — something James couldn’t afford.  A doctor helped James find the resources she needed for her baby, and that assistance inspired James to want to do the same for others.

James’ now 4-year-old son is her biggest motivation. He survived two surgeries before his first birthday.

“I believe if he can do that, then I can become a physician,” she said.

While at UALR, James worked hard to raise her GPA to become a member of the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and University Science Scholars programs.

She also won a first-place award for her research presentation at the Ronald McNair Summer Research Program for her on-site water purification project.

Dr. Janet Lanza, UALR professor of biology and mentor, described James as somebody who pulled herself up by the bootstraps.

“She’s been through so many hardships and is still upbeat, hard working, and doesn’t make any excuses,” Lanza said.

“She is a student who has taught herself how to learn through persistence and drive.”