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After leaving Puerto Rico as a single mother, working two jobs, and delaying her studies for decades, Irma Garcia graduates in Public Administration encouraged by her eight grandchildren
Irma Garcia, grandmother of eight grandchildren, is about to receive her bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from George Mason University in Virginia. At 72 years old, she completes a journey that began after leaving Puerto Rico in 1978, when she arrived in the Washington, D.C. area as a single mother of three young daughters.
The grandmother left Puerto Rico to study and provide a better life for her daughters
Garcia moved from Puerto Rico to the Washington, D.C. area at the age of 25. According to reports made to Fox 4 Washington D.C. and NBC 4 Washington, she arrived in the United States with three young daughters and the desire to study.
After settling in Virginia, she worked in different roles and obtained a degree in general studies from Northern Virginia Community College.
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At one point in her life, she recounted working during the day in the office of a community college and at night at a Wendy’s restaurant to support her family.
To NBC 4 Washington, Garcia stated that leaving Puerto Rico was directly related to her studies and the desire to provide a better life for her daughters.
Professional journey was delayed by the routine of a single mother
The grandmother’s academic journey did not follow a straight path. She told Fox 4 Washington D.C. that balancing work, studies, and raising her daughters became very difficult and exhausting.
At George Mason University, Garcia said she wanted to help people and began to get jobs closer to that area, providing services to those in need.
However, her professional aspirations had to be put on hold while she took care of her family.
Garcia stated that seeing her daughters grow up and form their own families was the best reward for the sacrifice made over the years.
Eight grandchildren encouraged the return to university
Five years ago, Irma Garcia‘s eight grandchildren encouraged her to apply for the senior citizen waiver program at George Mason University, an initiative that helps older people pay for their studies.
According to NBC 4 Washington, Garcia accumulated notebooks full of notes during her preparation for a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, with a specialization in Spanish.
She told George Mason University that she received tips from her family and that everyone was happy to see her return to college.
About studying with young people in their twenties, she said she felt accepted, made friends, and saw the classroom as full of grandchildren.
Graduation will be attended by the family
Garcia is expected to take the stage this weekend to receive her diploma, with her family present. She told NBC 4 Washington that she will cherish the moment in her heart and that she will be very happy.
After graduation, she plans to travel with her daughters before seeking a part-time job in the nonprofit sector. Garcia also said that her daughters and grandchildren were part of the journey.
Speaking about what she learned, she told George Mason University that even when something doesn’t happen immediately, it’s possible to find ways to achieve a dream. She added to NBC 4 Washington that the secret is to believe in yourself and dance a lot of salsa.
This article was prepared based on information from Fox 4 Washington D.C., NBC 4 Washington, and George Mason University, with data, numbers, and statements preserved as per the consulted material.
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