Celebrating the Class of 2026: Student Makes Her Mother's College Dreams Come True for Both of Them

When Monroe University student Illiana Rodriguez receives her degree at commencement at Radio City Music Hall on June 11, she will be fulfilling more than just her own hopes and dreams -- she will be realizing her mother’s wishes, too.

Illiana, a Monroe Career Pathways (MCP) student and Medical Assisting major, is set to earn her high school equivalency and associate degree this year. For her, getting here was much more than a few years of work -- it’s an achievement that’s been generations in the making.

Her mother, Esperanza Perez, attended Monroe in the 1980s when it was still “Monroe Business Institute,” but ultimately did not complete her credential. When she became pregnant with Illiana, she wanted to dedicate her time to her daughter and withdrew from Monroe just three credits shy of completion.

Although Perez made the choice not to complete her degree, like all parents, she hoped for more and better for her daughter. Perez stressed the importance of education throughout Illiana’s childhood, adolescence and teenage years. To her mother’s dismay, Illiana was not particularly interested in college. She gave it a try in her late teens, but it did not motivate or excite her. Making money, starting businesses, and finding ways to carve out her own independence were more alluring.

Illiana would not give college another try until she came to Monroe as support for a friend looking to enroll in the MCP program. There, she met Alvelena “Abby” Mills, Monroe’s Career Pathways Program Director, who remembered Illiana from her earlier time at Monroe, when Abby served as her academic advisor and encouraged her not to give up.

This time, after a meaningful conversation, Abby walked Illiana and her friend to a First Year Experience event for refreshments and encouraged them both to apply to the MCP program. Both began the application process. Illiana passed the ATB test and moved forward.

That is where her journey truly began.

“It’s hard to explain, but I had a good feeling about her; she just radiated strength and resilience,” Abby said.

Even Illiana was surprised that she said yes to enrolling that day.

“But I’m really glad I did,” she said. “I’m looking forward to receiving my diploma and finishing what my mother started.”

Illiana expects graduation to be both joyful and heart-wrenching because her mother won’t be there to see her cross the stage. She passed away just weeks before seeing her daughter complete the same program that had once been part of her own Monroe story.

But her mother will be there with her in spirit. Monroe will honor Perez with a posthumous degree, allowing her to graduate right alongside her daughter.

The 24-credit accelerated initiative is designed for adult learners to earn a New York State High School Equivalency diploma while simultaneously earning college credits toward an associate degree in as little as 16 months. MCP offers personalized support, tutoring, career seminars, financial literacy workshops and flexible learning options designed to fit the lives of adult learners, who typically have responsibilities beyond college: families, jobs, bills and more.

As a Medical Assisting major, Illiana has maintained a 3.40 GPA while becoming one of the standout students in the program. She has also become an active member of the Monroe community, participating in clubs and taking advantage of professional development opportunities that have helped her grow both personally and academically.

Illiana has also recently become a certified phlebotomy technician. She went the extra mile to secure her National Provider Identifier and personal liability insurance so she can work independently, and she is now collaborating with a doctor as they explore locations for a future outreach clinic.

“I think my mother would be proud,” Illiana said. “She knew what Monroe meant. She knew what it was like to try, to work hard and to want something better. I wish she could be there in person, but I know she will be with me.”

Abby said Illiana’s story reflects the deeper purpose of MCP: helping adult learners recognize that their past does not define their future.

“So many adult learners come to us with a goal in mind, but they wonder if it’s too late,” Abby said. “Illiana’s story shows what is possible when students receive the right support and believe in themselves.”

Illiana now hopes her story encourages others who may not see themselves as “college material” to reconsider what is possible.

“I would recommend MCP to anyone,” Illiana said. “Monroe has people who really care, people who push you and people who want to see you succeed. I didn’t have to do this alone, and that made all the difference.”

As she prepares for Commencement, Illiana is looking ahead with pride in how far she has come and gratitude for the people who helped her get there. She is also honoring the woman whose own Monroe journey helped inspire hers.

On June 11, when Illiana Rodriguez graduates from Monroe University, it will be more than the end of one chapter. It will be a full-circle moment -- a daughter completing her own path and a mother’s dream honored at last.