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| Leopoldo Torres Reyes, Associate of Science in Political Science, 2023 |
Leopoldo Torres Reyes patiently waited in line to enter the Maverick Center for the 2023 commencement ceremony with a smile as bright as the sun. By the look of Leopoldo's smile, one would never guess that he considered not attending the commencement ceremony.
As a first-generation, non-traditional college student, Leopoldo started his academic journey amid the pandemic. "My roommates and I were watching tv, and I blurted out to them, what if I go back to college," says Leopoldo. A thought that went from a random idea to a reality.
Although starting college during a pandemic may seem frightening, Leopoldo had a different outlook. "During the day, I was working my corporate job, and after work, I was going to college," says Leopoldo, whose mentality helped him succeed academically. Due to the global pandemic, learning had shifted into a virtual world, which meant no formal college events for students to socialize. For Leopoldo, that meant that he would strictly concentrate on his schooling. "I was a laser focus on my educational path, and it became my coping mechanism during the uncertain times," says Leopoldo, "but in retrospect, I wish once it was available, I would have taken some of the opportunities to attend social events."
As he waited in line in his gown and regalia, including the Mexican flag, to honor his mother- his biggest motivator- he hoped to help inspire his younger siblings to believe in themselves. As for why he decided to walk: "All my mother ever asked from my siblings and I was to get an education, and today I am doing this for her. Her dream was to go to college, which was impossible, so I am not walking for myself; I am walking for my mother, whose sacrifices and support have led me here today."
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