When Karen Ramos and Joshua Torres walked across the commencement stage at Antelope Valley College this spring, it marked more than just the end of a chapter; it was a shared milestone.
The mother-and-son duo not only earned their associate degrees together, but both were also awarded scholarships from the Antelope Valley College Foundation to help them pursue the next steps in their academic journeys.
Their story began in 2022 with a simple conversation about Joshua starting college. In that conversation, Karen admitted that she had started college in 2001 but never finished; she assumed it was too late to go back.
Joshua, who enrolled to pursue an Associate of Science in Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly (AFAB), said that his early experiences at AVC helped him realize college wasn’t as intimidating as he had thought. That realization gave him the confidence to encourage his mother to enroll. Within hours, Karen discovered that her 19 college credits were still intact. She enrolled immediately, and a new chapter began.
“I was just worried we would be taking the same class together,” Joshua joked. “But seriously, we both agreed going to school would be beneficial in the long run, so we committed to staying in.”
Joshua remembered seeing his mom head off to her first class, rolling backpack in tow, beaming with excitement. “She had the biggest smile, amazing outfit, and all the pens and notebooks you could fit in a backpack,” he said.
Karen leaned on her sons for help navigating online assignments and technology, while Joshua gained a new appreciation for adult learners pursuing education later in life.
“I have a deeper understanding and respect for the mothers, fathers, and even grandparents who come to AVC seeking an education,” he said.
For Karen, going back to school while raising a family and working full-time came with its challenges. Late nights studying, early mornings with little sleep, and balancing responsibilities often felt overwhelming.
“There were days I’d start reviewing material at 8 p.m. and finish around 2 a.m.,” she said. “But in the middle of the exhaustion, I’d hear the encouragement of my sons.”
Both Joshua and Karen point to one particularly memorable moment, attending the AVC Foundation Scholarship Breakfast together and realizing how far they had come, but Commencement was the most powerful moment of all.
“Standing side by side, both of us in our caps and gowns, hearing our names called, the contentment and gratitude I felt was like no other,” Karen said. “As a mother, there’s no greater joy than seeing your child succeed. To walk that journey together, earning degrees on the same day, will forever be a moment we hold close to our hearts.”
Joshua is now preparing to apply for AVC’s Bachelor’s degree program in Airframe Manufacturing Technology, while also gaining work experience on campus. Karen has transferred to California State University, Bakersfield, where she is majoring in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Her goal is to work in a field where she can support families and communities.
Now, Karen’s older son Giovanni is attending AVC to pursue a degree in Respiratory Therapy.
“AVC has truly prepared us for this next chapter,” Karen said. “Because of the environment AVC creates, we are stepping into our next season equipped, encouraged, and full of purpose.”
