It is an honor to share my story with you all about my journey to earning an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration. It has been a testament to how applying and having the belief that it is never too late to pursue your dreams can pay off. As a teen mom who never graduated high school, I never imagined that I would one day walk across the stage at Laurus College. However, my journey has shown that with determination and the right support, anything is possible.

As an immigrant child of parents who worked tirelessly in the agricultural fields, I learned the importance of hard work and perseverance. They always dreamed of a better future for me—a future that included higher education, something they never had the chance to pursue themselves.

However, life had different plans for me. At 17, I became pregnant and did not graduate high school. The years that followed were filled with intense challenges. I experienced periods of homelessness, faced racial hate crimes, and battled with mental health issues. Despite these overwhelming obstacles, I refused to let them defeat me. Education still seemed like a distant dream. Survival became my primary focus, and I worked tirelessly to support myself and my son, juggling multiple jobs to meet financial obligations. As the years passed, the possibility of earning my high school diploma felt increasingly out of reach. Yet, in 2015, I managed to test for and earn my GED. Still, I constantly heard how expensive college was, and being a teen mom—and an immigrant teen mom at that—came with stereotypes that weighed heavily on me. Over time, I began to believe in these limitations, which is why I never seriously considered college as an option, especially as I approached my forties and had been away from academics for so long.

In 2022, after emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and the end of a 20-year relationship with my son’s father, I found myself at a crossroads. My world felt like it was crumbling, and I needed a fresh start. Enrolling at Laurus College was a step toward self-care and starting over. It was not just about getting a degree; it was about reclaiming my life and proving to myself and my son that I could achieve my dreams. It was to show him that it is never too late for him to go for his.

Laurus College provided the perfect environment for me to thrive. The flexible schedule and attending one class at a time allowed me to balance all my responsibilities. The financial aid team was instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of grants and loans, making my dream of higher education a reality. Despite working Monday through Friday from 8 am to 10 pm, I attended classes diligently, often catching up on recorded lectures when I could not attend live. The support from my family, friends, and the faculty at Laurus College kept me motivated even during the toughest times.

Today, as I prepare to graduate, I reflect on my journey with immense pride. From a high school dropout and teen mom to a summa cum laude 4.0 graduate with an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration, I have had to overcome significant obstacles. This degree is more than just a piece of paper; it is a testament to my journey, my struggles, and my triumphs. It symbolizes my parents’ dreams, my determination, and my ability to rise above life’s challenges. Laurus College has been more than just an institution; it has been a beacon of hope and a pillar of support.

Laurus College has had such a positive influence on my life that I am now pursuing my bachelor’s degree with this same institution. The experience has been so enriching and supportive that I decided to continue my education. Additionally, I am proud to say that I now work full-time with Laurus College in the Student Systems/Compliance team. Being able to give back to the institution that has given me so much is incredibly fulfilling.

To anyone out there who feels like it is too late or too hard to achieve their dreams, I want to say this: It is never too late. The path may be difficult, and there will be times when you want to give up but keep going. Believe in yourself, seek help when you need it, and never underestimate your strength.

“Pies, para qué los quiero si tengo alas para volar.” – Frida Kahlo

Thank you to my family, friends, instructors, and everyone at Laurus College for believing in me and supporting me through this journey. Here is to new beginnings and a future filled with endless possibilities.

Congratulations to all my fellow graduates. ¡Sí se pudo!

 

Veronica B Hernández- Class of 2024