19
May
2022
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16:54 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

A Shared Dream … Mother and Daughter Graduating Together from Del Mar College’s Nursing Program on May 20

Claudia Martinez and Selina Flores walking stage at American Bank Center as part of Class of 2022; duo cited Florence Nightingale Pledge and received pins during Nursing ceremony on May 18

Article by Jessie Chrobocinski, Digital Services Coordinator 
(Updated June 10, 2022 with video)

mortar board and diploma_illustration

Mother Claudia Martinez and daughter Selina Flores are Level 4 Nurse Education students at Del Mar College. With a few days until graduation, the mother-daughter duo reflected on the incredible success they’ve achieved together. 

Flores noted that the mutual encouragement between her and her mother fueled their choice to come back to school. After taking together the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), which is a standardized examination for students applying for nursing school in the United States, they began the College’s nursing program simultaneously. 

Motivating one another helped the two persevere and remain headstrong when the fatigue of challenging coursework set in. Flores shared what it’s meant to have her mother with her through this experience.

I wouldn't have chosen anybody but [my mom] to be with me,. I know that we pushed each other the entire way. We morphed each other; we cried with each other, but yet, we persisted, and we made it through.

Selina Flores, DMC Class of Spring 2022 Nursing Graduate

Martinez’s pride for her daughter inspired her to stay strong when the nursing program’s rigorous study discouraged her determination.  

 “Nursing school is a challenge,” Martinez said. “[Fortunately], we have been able to study together. It was difficult in the beginning because we had different ways of studying. We found where we could meet in the middle, and it worked for us. I think that's why we're both in the honor society for nursing school, which is not an easy thing to do.”

She added, “I’m just grateful that I was able to have my built-in study partner from the beginning.” 

The two say that the tremendous support they received from their families and professors also helped them focus and succeed in the program. 

“I know for me it’s going to be really emotional [at graduation], walking across the stage and sharing this experience with my mom,” Flores continued. “How many chances do people have to do that with their parents? I can't wait to be there and share the experience with my kids, with my family. I'm just so overjoyed with everything right now.”

Mother_Daughter DMC Nursing Graduates Claudia Martinez and Selina Flores

Last night (May 18), they both recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge, lit and carried their ceremonial lanterns and received their pins from the College’s Nurse Education Department during a pinning ceremony at Richardson Performance Hall. Both Flores and Martinez are among the 17 students in their graduating class of 69 who are 2022 inductees of Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society.

Martinez noted, “Knowing that [my daughter is] finally coming to the end of that rainbow and that I’m able to walk it with her … I was there when she came into the world, and this is a new beginning for us. It’s really amazing. It’s beyond words.”

That “new beginning” is this Friday, May 20, when Martinez and Flores walk the stage during Del Mar College’s “Viking Commencement” at the American Bank Center as part of the Spring Class of 2022. The College’s first “in-person” commencement ceremony in more than two years begins at 7 p.m.

Hear in their own words what it means to graduate together in the video below:

About Del Mar College

Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.