Three members of the De La Rosa family are scheduled to receive degrees from Midland College in May at the Chap Center.
According to a news release, the family of five firmly believes that education is essential for prosperity. Despite their busy schedules, which include jobs and extracurricular activities, they have chosen to continue their educational pursuits while supporting one another.
Auden De La Rosa currently works for Exxon and is a student in the Petroleum Energy Technology program. He is expected to graduate with a Petroleum Energy Technician Certificate, which will help enhance his career. "There’s so much opportunity right now," he said. "It’s really just deciding which direction you want to go in the industry."
The news release states that his wife, Mari, is pursuing an Associate of Arts in Teaching. She was inspired by observing a history teacher during her coursework, who motivated her to pursue a teaching career. "He was very helpful, he would talk with the students, they loved him, and that just kind of made me realize, you know what – I think this is where I fit," she said.
Their daughter Abby De La Rosa is on her way to completing an associate degree through Midland College's Radiologic Technician program. Abby has already secured a certificate in phlebotomy, a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate, and a patient care technician certificate through Midland College’s dual credit programs with Midland Independent School District (MISD). "Just knowing that I can prove to myself that I can overcome something with hard work and dedication really makes it all worth it," she said.