August 18, 2005
(Editor's Note: Students will attend the Friday, Aug. 19, rehearsal at
1 p.m. in TAMU-CC’s Performing Arts Center. Media wanting to obtain early
interviews and footage may cover this rehearsal.)
Students’ Stories Make for Interesting Highlights During Commencement
After completing term papers and final exams, Del Mar College’s Summer
2005 prospective graduates look forward to receiving their well-deserved diplomas.
They will take center stage in Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s
new Performing Arts Center on Friday, Aug. 19, beginning at 7 p.m.
Del Mar’s Summer 2005 prospective graduates will receive rewards for their
efforts as the institution awards nearly 338 associate degrees and certificates
to over 310 individuals. Some students’ stories include:
Lee D. Cool
Lee D. Cool graduates Summa Cum Laude with an Associate in Applied Science degree
in child development/early childhood. As a father of three young children, the
35-year-old credits his fourth-grade teacher, Mr. Geoff, for inspiring him to
pursue a career in education.
After graduating from high school in 1989, Cool began attending a vocational
college. However, he found out that majoring in business management was not
what he really wanted.
When the Persian Gulf War began in the early 1990s, Cool decided he needed to
serve his country. In 1992, he joined the U.S. Navy and became a ship fitter
(welder/plumber) assigned to the U.S.S. Gettysburg.
Life was a little tough. But, Cool enjoyed his experiences. His tours of duty
included traveling around the world and seeing places like Israel, South Africa,
Norway and Italy.
While in the Navy, Cool injured his back and was “separated” from
military service with a permanent disability. As he spent time in a vocational
rehabilitation program, his inner thoughts lead him to what he really wanted
to do—become an example for young children and possibly make a difference
in someone’s life as an elementary school teacher.
In fall 2003, Cool enrolled at Del Mar College determined to reach his goal.
He became more involved in campus activities and joined Phi Theta Kappa (PTK),
the international honor society for two-year colleges. Among his accomplishments,
the College honored Cool during the annual Recognition Ceremony and awarded
him two “Outstanding Student” awards–one in geology and the other
for his interdisciplinary studies in early childhood.
Currently, he plans to transfer to Texas A&M University-Kingsville to earn
a bachelor’s degree so he can teach fourth or fifth grade—just like
his elementary school teacher, Mr. Geoff.
Jennifer L. Burke
Twenty-nine-year old Jennifer Burke will graduate with an Associate in Applied
Science degree in computer information systems with a network support specialist
emphasis. After graduating from Calallen High School in 1994, Burke enrolled
at Del Mar as a music major.
Her educational trek would take her to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
three years later and then Texas A&M University-Kingsville a year after
her transfer to the “Island University.”
In 1999, Burke joined the AmeriCorp Service as a volunteer and moved to Philadelphia.
She worked as a mentor and tutored for two years but realized teaching was not
what she really wanted to pursue.
Because Burke always served as the troubleshooter when computer problems surfaced
while she volunteered for AmeriCorp, she decided to learn more about computer
software and enrolled at a technical school in 2001. She loved the challenge
when delving into research and learning something new while also keeping up
with technology.
Burke decided to return to Texas and moved in with her parents so she could
continue her education in computer technology. In January 2004, she enrolled
in Del Mar College's Computer Information Systems Program. She held down two
jobs and completed studies using Del Mar’s flexible options, including
online and evening classes.
On Friday, Burke’s parents will attend the commencement ceremony to support
their daughter and cheer her on as she receives her diploma. Her next step is
to work toward a bachelor’s degree…and someday, maybe even earn her
masters.
Lisa Robles
Students work hard for their certificates and degrees, but sometimes they’re
not able to attend commencement.
Although 23-year-old Lisa Robles completed her Associate in Arts degree in social
work, she’s one of those students who won’t make this summer’s
ceremony. She’s a single parent, lacks child care and faces some financial
burdens. She also lives in Kingsville now.
However, of her experience at Del Mar, Robles says, “At first I wasn’t
sure what I wanted to major in, but my life experiences made me feel I needed
to be successful and help others along the way.”
Robles explains that her parents were divorced when she was very young. She
lived with her mother until age 12 when she was forced to move in with her father.
During her senior year of high school, Robles was again forced to live on her
own—this time by her father. But she was determined to finish school and
worked part-time to share expenses while living with friends.
After graduating from high school in 2000, the San Antonio native lived on her
own while working two minimum wage jobs. However, Robles decided that she needed
a “real” career, so she enrolled at Northwest Vista College for two
semesters.
In 2002 Robles married. A year later, she and her husband moved to Corpus Christi
with their infant son. But that did not stop Robles from continuing her higher
education. She transferred her college credits to Del Mar College and enrolled
for fall 2003.
Struggles and challenges of family responsibilities, employment and college
work became too much for the young couple. Recently separated, Robles completed
her studies at Del Mar and is now continuing her education at Texas A&M
University-Kingsville…on her own, again.
But she notes, “It seems that after having my son, there is a purpose for
me to become successful. I keep telling myself that all our sacrifices are only
temporary.”
She adds, “We may not be living a grand life right now, but we will a few
years from now when I earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.”
-DMC-rlr