The mother of three attained her associate of arts degree in Summer 2008 as a full-time student of NMC.
“I will use my degree to find a job in my field of studies,” the San Antonio resident told Variety.
She decided to further her education after feeling so frustrated when she was not able to help her daughter do her homework.
“I have been out of high school for over 20 years and so much had changed since then,” Castro said. “Education has improved so much over time and I was so behind with the latest information and knowledge. Instead of feeling frustrated, I decided to seek help.”
She said NMC has given her the skills and knowledge to stay on top of things.
She regained her confidence and skills through education, she added.
Her son, Roque Indalecio, is majoring in education after graduating as a liberal arts student in Spring 2008.
From summer to fall, he served as a tutor and participant of the Student Support Services, a federally funded program of the U.S. Department of Education.
The program assists students comply with basic college requirements, and helps motivate them to complete their post-secondary education.
“I was able to utilize the resources in the program for my studies,” Indalecio said. “The program offered many resources that benefited me and helped me earn excellent grades in each of my classes. Having the chance to be a tutor is the greatest reward. I tutor students in every subject area, but I mainly focus in math.”
He said attending college is the greatest experience anyone could go through.
“I feel completely proud of myself, and especially my mother,” he added. “Going to school opened many doors for me that I thought would benefit me in the future. It is a bumpy road, but once you’re in, you find yourself riding in a smooth road down to ‘success’ lane.”
He is proud seeing is mother’s progress each day. “What she learns in school, she brings home to share with us,” Indalecio said.
Having had the experience to attend college made the son realize what his true passion is —education.
“Going to school with my mother is the greatest experience,” he said. “ At first, I thought it was weird, but it took me a while to get over it. I feel confident knowing she’s here beside me.”
