it was the ideal landing spot for 31-year-old lajoya mccoy. she works hard to get here. >> she was the only one in my family that actually went to college , what she did being raised by a single mother. >> for david clark and his wife, alicia, there needs, lajoya, success always seemed within reach. >> she knew what she wanted an education was the very top thing. >> and school is where lajoya, a starship -- star student, would shine the brightest. >> i went to a couple of her graduation that university and i could not have been more proud. >> for lajoya, education was a gift to share with others like her younger sister, breanna. >> growing up poor, although it did not feel like it sometimes, she just wanted better for herself and for the rest of us. >> when lajoya's mom and younger siblings left california and moved to tell of -- las vegas, lajoya stayed behind and strengthened the bond she had with her aunt and uncle beards >> i knew it was unconditional love when she told me, uncle david, you should run for mayor. i'm thinking, wow, you are