From Night School to the Graduation Stage: How CNM Helped This Mother-Daughter Duo Achieve Their Goals Together

Abby Garcia had a lot to be proud of this graduation season.

Her daughter, Kianty, was graduating from high school—a milestone in itself. But Kianty was also earning a degree from CNM in Integrative Studies and Film and Digital Media, along with certificates in Film Crew and Post-Production Technology.

But Kianty wasn’t the only one graduating - Abby was, too.

“It took me 10 years to finish,” Abby says. “I work in childcare, so I started at CNM in 2014 to get the required Child Development Certificate for my job. But I wanted to continue and work toward my associate degree.”

Abby moved to the United States from Cuba with her family in 1992, and English is her second language. Most of her Child Development Certificate classes were offered in Spanish, but as she progressed toward her associate degree, the required classes were only available in English.

“It was really hard at first,” Abby says. “At one point, early on, I was taking a writing class and emailed my teacher. I wrote, ‘I feel like a fish out of water—I’m not sure I belong here.’ But that teacher told me not to give up. She said she believed in me. And if she believed I could do it, I had to try. So, I stuck with it.”

In addition to the language barrier, Abby was taking classes while working full-time and raising two young children—Kianty and her older brother. She had a lot on her plate, taking classes whenever she could. Sometimes it was two at a time, more often just one.

After 10 years and 38 classes, Abby joined Kianty this year on the floor of Tingley Coliseum on May 3, cap and gown ready, to receive her associate degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education.

“Watching my mom graduate was really emotional,” Kianty said. “I remember seeing her go to night classes when I was little, staying up late to finish projects. I was proud of her then, and I’m really proud now. She’s put so much into this.”

“Graduation day was really beautiful,” Abby said. “To have the opportunity to graduate with my daughter was so special. I’m so proud of her, and I’m also proud of myself. It’s been a long journey—but we made it.”