Comeback Story: Louise Loux’s Journey to Texarkana College

When Louise Loux walked across the stage at Texarkana College in Fall 2024, she didn’t just become a graduate—she became a first-generation college student, defying every label ever placed on her and lighting the way for others who’ve been told they can’t.

Born in 1966, Louise was raised in an era when learning differences like dyslexia weren’t understood. She was labeled a “failure to learn” as a child—something her parents were told behind closed doors. “They didn’t say dyslexia back then,” Louise explained. “They just said I was slow. That I couldn’t learn.”

But Louise wasn’t broken—just misunderstood.

At the heart of Louise’s story are her parents, Ollie and Lester Harris—her greatest inspiration. Though they didn’t have college degrees, they raised 12 children with faith, discipline, and love.

“My daddy worked at Red River for over 50 years. My mama was a housewife, but she was really everything—an accountant, a chef, a teacher, a nurturer. She taught us right from wrong, and she made our house a school before we even knew what school really was.”

When Louise crossed that graduation stage, she did it for them. “I’m a first-generation college student. My parents didn’t get this chance, but I carried them with me. This is their victory too.”

Louise’s journey to higher education began with one courageous step—earning her high school diploma later in life. After being told as a child she would never learn, Louise proved them wrong. She moved to California, enrolled in Job Corps, and earned both her high school diploma and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license.

“My parents told me, ‘Louise, you’re just a little different—but you’re not less. Don’t expect a handout. Work for what you want.’ And I did.”

After surviving an abusive 31-year marriage, raising nine children, and enduring the loss of both her parents, Louise once again found herself starting over—this time in her 50s. She moved to Texarkana and, with faith leading the way, walked into the Literacy Council’s Learning Center at Central Mall. That’s where she met Delicia Brawick, a dyslexia specialist who changed the course of her life.

“I brought her a peach cobbler and asked her to help me learn to read better. I told her I wanted to write my story.”

Delicia agreed—on one condition: Louise had to truly want it.

“And I did. I really did.”

Delicia eventually connected Louise to Texarkana College. “She said, ‘You can go to college, Louise.’ And I thought, not me. I’m too dumb. But she and Mrs. Tonja Blaze at TC wouldn’t let me talk that way.”

With encouragement from TC faculty, tutors, and staff, Louise enrolled as a student—and thrived. Despite being diagnosed with severe dyslexia, she maintained a strong GPA, finishing with a 3.25 and honors.

“I never thought I’d go to college, much less graduate with honors. I used to cry thinking I couldn’t do it. But TC gave me the tools. They lit that fire in me.”

Louise earned her associate degree in Behavioral Science, but her vision goes far beyond the classroom. She wants to become a counselor and social worker—not for money or recognition, but to help people walking the same hard road she once did.

“I’ve been through abuse. I’ve raised a family while battling mental illness I didn’t even know I had. I’ve lost parents to dementia and disease. I want to help others—because I know how it feels.”

Now, she’s planning to transfer to Texas A&M–Texarkana to pursue her bachelor’s degree, and she still dreams of earning her RN license, too.

Graduating from college as a first-generation student, overcoming dyslexia, and starting a new life in her late 50s—Louise Loux’s story is proof that it’s never too late to chase your dream.

“If you want it, it’s there. The tutors, the teachers—Texarkana College gives you everything you need. But you’ve got to want it. You’ve got to believe it’s possible.”

Louise believed. And she’s just getting started.