CHULA VISTA.- “A testament to your hard work, dedication, and perseverance, despite facing challenges and obstacles.” In these terms, Dr. Mark Sánchez, Superintendent of Southwestern College (SWC), described the effort made by graduating students to reach their graduation goal. As in previous years, DeVore Stadium was the setting for the 63rd Annual Graduation Ceremony, where the educational official opened his speech with a resounding phrase: “¡Lo Hiciste!” (You Did it!). “By achieving your personal goals, overcoming obstacles and challenges in your life, and being able to enter university, you will be able to overcome them in the future with family support,” said Sánchez in a motivational message where he congratulated the graduates. Indeed, in a brief interview, some randomly chosen graduates were asked to express their feelings upon completing this study cycle.
WORTH IT
Ana Karime Mercado, who will transfer to San Diego State University, affirmed that for her, completing her studies at SWC (which took her more than the typical two years) means “that every bad day was worth it, and I’m going to keep going; it’s a small step of what’s to come.”
BECOMING AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN
Graduate Victor Sosa, who obtained his certificate in Automotive Engineering, mentioned that he would not transfer. “With my associate’s degree in hand, my goal is to enter a workshop and become a ‘Master Technician,’ the highest rank.” Regarding his feelings upon graduation, he responded, “I receive it with great joy, with great happiness; finally, fulfilling one of my dreams took me two and a half years. Dreams can come true; keep fighting for your dreams. If I could, everyone can,” leaving a message for other students.
“A LOT OF TIME AND A LOT OF WORK” Marcelino McClain, at the end of this cycle of his studies, agreed with his classmates Angélica Valdovinos and Clovi Maryglu that it took them “a lot of time and a lot of work” (from 2.5 to 4 years) to graduate. Counselor Jessica Hernández emphasized in an interview, “I am very proud of all these students because they have put in a lot of effort, and it is a moment for them to celebrate with their families and the people who love them very much.”
“ONCE A JAGUAR, ALWAYS A JAGUAR.”
“It is also a special moment,” continued Counselor Hernández, “because we have worked with them for many years, and seeing them realize this dream fills us with great joy.”
And it’s because the words spoken by the Superintendent, who was a student of this college, “Once a Jaguar, always a Jaguar” resonated loud and clear at the sixty-third graduation ceremony of the community college.
