From Addict to Graduate: How Lance Andrews Found Success in the Allied Health Field

Publish Date: June 29, 2021

Lance Andrews’ path to becoming a 2006 Crafton Hills College graduate tested his grit and determination to build a better life for he and his family.

Addicted to drugs and alcohol in his 20s, this Riverside man knew he had to make a change. But it wasn’t until moving back to Southern California at the age of 33, determined to make a change, that things started falling into place for him.

After overcoming his addictions, Andrews began attending Riverside City College, and while wrapping up some general ed courses, the now 53-year-old recalls seeing a pamphlet advertising the X-ray program at Crafton and decided to apply.

Andrews’ mom was an x-ray tech, and he knew the program would lead to a steady career. But he had some doubters, including a school counselor who was dismissive about the idea.

“(My counselor) said it was a hard program to get into because they only accepted nine students a year and he thought I should pick something different. I was painting houses for a living at the time and was newly married to my second wife and just had a baby girl, but I thought why not give it a shot?” Andrews explained.

Lance decided to apply for the program anyways, and was excited to hear that he was accepted. But there were still obstacles Andrews needed to overcome at the time, including balancing school and work, dealing with another divorce and parenting as a single father. His family was concerned about him carrying such a heavy load, but his brother encouraged him with the constant reminder that – nothing changes if nothing changes.

That’s where help from others and Crafton came in.

Andrews credits CHC’s Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOP&S) initiative for stepping in and covering some expenses associated with materials he needed for the program.

He also received assistance so his then 16-month-old could attend daycare while he attended classes daily from 7:30am until 4pm.

No matter what came Andrews’ way, he found a way to finish what he started.

“Bottom line, I finished school in 2006. Me and my daughter had been ‘Daddy and Daughter’ alone for a few years, and then I met my current -- and final -- wife in 2007. It was a crazy time,” he said.

Andrews keeps in touch through social media with those who have impacted his life at Crafton and hopes to continue paying it forward by sharing his story any chance he gets to inspire the next generation of Roadrunners or others looking to better their circumstances through education. Andrews wants them to find whatever they are passionate about and go for it.

“We can only keep what we have by giving it away,” Andrews explained. “You have to remember those who helped and came before you. When I was hungry and broke, someone always helped me out, and when I tried to pay them back, they said, ‘Don’t worry about paying me back, but think of all the people who you are going to help in the future.’”

Currently, Andrews is part of the Kaiser Permanente Fontana team working in interventional radiology, where he plans on retiring from in the far distant future. “It is the best place I ever worked. It helped me find my groove and passion,” he said.

Andrews wants to continue moving forward on his path of sobriety and has some advice for current and future students:

“Life is always in session,” he said.“So, when I first decided to go back to school, I had family members who expressed their concerns, but I had bigger goals in mind. I had to ask myself, ‘In two years do I want to continue painting houses with the same skill set I have, or do I want to obtain a higher level of security for me and family?’”