For Cynthia Garcia, 2021 was a year that marked the beginning of a new chapter. That was the year when an ad came through her phone, immediately catching her eye. The ad was from the University of St. Thomas – Houston (UST). Its message sparked a flame that had been slowly burning in the back of Cynthia's heart and mind for decades.

"It was always my dream to be educated," said Cynthia.

Cynthia paid attention. She applied to St. Thomas and was accepted. With discipline and perseverance, she followed through. Now, this mother of three grown children will graduate in May with an Associate of Applied Science in General Business degree from UST’s Kolbe School of Innovation and Professional Studies.

“In the beginning, it was surreal,” Cynthia said. “My experience has been wonderful! I have learned so much. Everything that is done here is top-notch. All my professors, my career coach, the UST career advisors, and the clergy of the campus ministries are all extremely knowledgeable and compassionate. They go above and beyond with their teaching and advice. They have always been there to help me whether on the phone, through an email or even seeing me on campus. I a grateful and thank God for them accompanying me on my journey.”

In fact, Cynthia's academic experience has been so positive that now she will pursue a four-year bachelor's degree in finance at UST's Cameron School of Business. But she will not be alone. Her thirst for knowledge and achievement became so contagious that Cynthia's daughter Sydney also enrolled at UST.

For Sydney, who is part of the Rising Stars Program at UST, and also is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business, her source of inspiration came after seeing the transformation in her mom.

Sydney said, "My mom would always tell me amazing stories, and I would always hear her professors online speak when she was in class. I now experience the truth of those stories myself. I have met so many intelligent professors who are passionate about teaching."

Currently, as part of her Rising Stars internship, Sydney works in the taxing and auditing department at an energy company and goes to school.

On a personal level, attending college together has further strengthened their bond of love and admiration for one another.

"After classes," Cynthia says, "we go to mass together, eat lunch before my next class and attend some exciting events together. It's a good feeling to be able to see her all the time."

"We have always been close since I was a little girl,” Sydney recalled. “She guided me on the right path and has always inspired me to maximize my full potential. I know I would not be in college if I weren't raised by her."

Mother and daughter will graduate at different times, since Sydney has another year before she completes her degree. However, sharing the path of knowledge with her mother has been fantastic.

For this mother-daughter powerhouse in the world of business, the sky is the limit. Sydney, who will continue to work and study, is scheduled to graduate in 2024. As for Cynthia, who has served as an administrator of properties owned by her family, she is confident that, no matter what her professional endeavor may be, she will always approach it with a perspective prized and taught at UST.

Cynthia explained,  “It is beautiful to follow God, love one another, and forgive one another. I have learned to do everything in an ethical way and treat others with human dignity, This is the only wat to be. It is the Catholic way.”