Like Mother, Like Son: CNM Instructor and Her Son Graduate from Welding Program Together
For Elizabeth Hernandez, a CNM Fire Science instructor, and her son Isaiah Torrez, enrolling in CNM’s Welding program started as an opportunity to learn a trade. Now, graduating together is one of their proudest accomplishments.
“I’m proud of myself for finishing the program of course, but more importantly, I feel such pride as a mother to know that my son and I have completed this milestone together,” Elizabeth says.
The duo started classes in January 2024, and they both felt a little intimidated because they didn’t have any welding background. But with the support of each other and their instructors, they quickly found their footing.
“I was only a sophomore in high school when we started, and I was honestly a little scared because I was in classes with adults,” Isaiah says. “But we kept each other motivated and now I’m so confident in my welding skills.”
“The instructors truly want their students to succeed, and their passion for what they teach makes this program excellent,” Elizabeth says.
Along with being a full-time welding student at CNM, Isaiah is a full-time high school student and will graduate from Volcano Vista High School on May 19.
After graduation, Isaiah plans to continue his education in CNM’s Engineering program and is considering applying for a welding apprenticeship. Elizabeth will continue to teach fire science courses at CNM.
As the two prepare to walk the stage at CNM’s graduation ceremony on May 2, they are excited to celebrate this unique accomplishment.
“I never thought that I would graduate college with my mom, but it’s honestly pretty cool and something not a lot of people get to say they’ve accomplished,” Isaiah says.
“We took every single welding class together, and I got to the point where I couldn’t imagine being in class without him,” Elizabeth says. “When we started out my plan was to support him, but I hope he knows that he supported me in a way I never expected, and I couldn’t be more proud.”