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The story of a Cuban-Mexican couple of dentists went viral in Puerto Rico after a family photo was published showing them celebrating their graduation day.
The Cuban Aarón Ávila and the Mexican Vianeth Velarde renewed their dental degrees in San Juan after two years of intense study, while keeping their jobs and balancing these efforts with raising their children, Ana Paula and Danilo.
His example of effort, sacrifice, and filial love has touched many immigrants who experience firsthand the struggle of studying, working, and caring for their children in a country where they lack family support.
The passion for dentistry began in Havana
Aarón is from Havana and began his studies at the Faculty of Dentistry in the Cuban capital. In his third year, he left the country after obtaining a scholarship at the University of Baja California, Mexico, where he completed his degree.
Later, he specialized in Endodontics at the same prestigious institution. There, he met Vianeth. Together, they started a family. After living in Mexico for a while, they decided to emigrate to the United States, settling in California. They had to start from scratch, but they did not give up on their goal of fully practicing their profession.
Revalidating the degree: The challenge that many immigrants give up on
"The issue of studying to validate the degree while having children is complicated. We don't have family here. We've struggled because there is no aunt or grandmother to help with the childcare," Aarón shared in an interview with CiberCuba.
Vianeth was the first to apply to the validation program. She was accepted in Puerto Rico, and shortly after, Aarón was also admitted. "That was a huge accomplishment for us. It's not every day that two people get the chance to enroll in the same program, in the same state, and in the same year," the Cuban explained.
The couple graduated as Doctors of Dental Medicine (DMD). Vianeth will pursue a second specialization in Endodontics, also in Puerto Rico.
Aarón, for his part, completed a General Practice Residency (GPR) program and will continue his training with work trips to Florida.
A cover photo with good news
The viral image that brought this lovely story to light was taken by the studio Bea Fine Art Photography and shows the family celebrating the graduation of the dentists, featuring a charming gesture from Danilo, their youngest son.
The photographer accompanied the post with a heartfelt message: "I am very pleased to congratulate this young couple who show us that we can achieve everything we desire (...) They have beautiful children who are their greatest motivation. They are an example for many," the text states.
Aarón and Vianeth feel happy in this new chapter. "Puerto Rico opened its doors to us and it has been very rewarding to see the warm reception our experience has received."
However, this couple of dentists has worked hard to get ahead, and they know that life isn’t a bed of roses; that’s why they say that sharing their story has a clear purpose.
"There is a myth that you cannot validate your medical degree in the United States when you have children or when you are working a lot. We want other immigrants to see that it is indeed possible to achieve this. It is a challenge, but success can be attained and dreams can be realized while keeping your family united and happy."
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