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A 48-year-old Cuban woman is celebrating the Mother's Day in an unusual way this year after graduating at the same time as her son from Miami Dade College.
Haivyl López, a resident of Matanzas who arrived in Miami in 2000, and her 20-year-old son Sebastián Vera, attended the graduation ceremony of that educational institution in Florida on April 26, reported El Nuevo Herald.
Originally from Matanzas, López said she felt excited and told the professors on stage that her son was walking behind her.
The woman decided to leave the island with her husband, initially heading to Spain, just before she was about to graduate with a degree in Biology from the Juan Marinello Higher Pedagogical Institute, at the age of 22.
“She has been in school longer than I have. I was super, super happy for her… super proud of her,” said the boy.
Haivyl went through several jobs after her arrival in Miami until she was hired by Colonial Bank as a cashier, after taking courses to improve her English skills.
After a career spanning more than two decades, she serves as Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Truist Bank, a position that involves catering to high net worth clients in Florida.
But the path to success for this migrant was complicated. A divorce, her son's brain surgery at 14, and then the death of her ex-husband, who died while riding his bike on the Rickenbacker Causeway in 2022, were some of the obstacles to overcome.
Even so, while raising her children, this matancera would sometimes take one class per semester to also fulfill her goal of graduating from university.
"I had to build a life. Pay the bills. I had children and was building a successful career. But I never stopped taking classes," she clarified to the Herald.
Finally, Jeanette Campos, López's university advisor, realized during a meeting about the missing credits that her son also needed one more subject to graduate.
López finally graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Sciences in Supervision and Management, specializing in Leadership and Managerial Innovation, which is more aligned with his new job. His son, for his part, obtained his Associate's degree in Finance from Miami Dade College and will now continue his studies at Florida International University (FIU).
"I could see that, wow!, this woman has been working hard her entire life. She hasn't stopped for the last 20 years that I've been able to see her," said the young man, who also runs the custom upholstery business his father left him when he passed away.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Graduation of Haivyl López and His Son
Who is Haivyl López and why is her graduation significant?
Haivyl López is a 48-year-old Cuban who graduated alongside her son Sebastián Vera from Miami Dade College. Her story is significant because it represents the effort and personal triumph of a Cuban immigrant who faced numerous challenges, including a divorce and the death of her ex-husband, in order to ultimately achieve her academic goal.
What obstacles did Haivyl López overcome on his path to graduation?
Haivyl López faced several obstacles, including her son's brain surgery and the death of her ex-husband. Despite these challenges, Haivyl continued to work and study, which ultimately allowed her to graduate in Supervision and Management with a specialization in Leadership and Managerial Innovation.
What studies did Haivyl López and his son Sebastián Vera complete?
Haivyl López graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Sciences in Supervision and Management, while his son Sebastián earned an Associate's degree in Finance. Both attended Miami Dade College, and now Sebastián plans to continue his studies at Florida International University (FIU).
How has Haivyl López's story impacted the Cuban community in the U.S.?
The story of Haivyl López is an example of overcoming challenges and determination that resonates with many Cuban immigrants in the United States. His academic achievement alongside his son symbolizes the opportunities available in the U.S. for those who are willing to work hard and persevere, despite the difficulties.
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