GRANDMOTHER OF EIGHT EARNS UNIVERSITY DEGREE AT 72 AFTER DECADES OF PUTTING FAMILY FIRST. (PHOTO).

 Grandmother of Eight Earns University Degree at 72 After Decades of Putting Family First

At 72, Irma Garcia is preparing to celebrate a milestone she has waited decades to achieve.

The grandmother of eight is set to graduate from George Mason University with a bachelor's degree, bringing to life a dream she first carried with her when she left Puerto Rico nearly five decades ago.

Garcia moved to the Washington, D.C., area in 1978 as a 25-year-old single mother raising three young daughters. Determined to build a better future, she settled in Virginia and worked a series of jobs while pursuing her education. Along the way, she earned a general studies degree from Northern Virginia Community College.

Life, however, demanded sacrifices. Garcia recalled working in a community college office during the day and taking shifts at Wendy's at night to support her family.

"It was very hard," she said, explaining that her decision to leave Puerto Rico was driven by a desire for education and a better life for her children.

While her original goal was to continue her studies and build a career helping others, family responsibilities eventually took priority. Balancing work, school and motherhood became overwhelming, forcing her to put some of her ambitions on hold.

Looking back, Garcia says watching her daughters grow up and start families of their own became the greatest reward for those sacrifices.

Her path back to the classroom began five years ago when her grandchildren encouraged her to enroll in George Mason University's senior citizen waiver program, which helps older adults pursue higher education.

Their support reignited a dream she had never fully abandoned.

Now, after years of dedication, Garcia is completing a bachelor's degree in Public Administration with a minor in Spanish. She credits her family for motivating her every step of the way, saying they were excited to see her return to school.

Far from feeling out of place among younger students, Garcia embraced the experience.

"I love school," she said, adding that she quickly formed friendships and felt welcomed by her classmates. Rather than seeing a generation gap, she joked that being in class felt like being surrounded by grandchildren.

"I was the abuela," she said with a smile.