A remarkable graduation ceremony took place on Saturday, 27 June, as Melody Carrizosa and her son, Cecil Carrizosa, walked across the stage at Haven Church in Glendale, Arizona, to collect their high school diplomas. The mother-son duo completed their studies at the Excel Center, a unique institution providing tuition-free education for adults.
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Melody, 42, a mother of eight, had previously not completed high school. Her son, Cecil, had opted to leave school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they took the brave step of enrolling in the adult education programme offered by Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, which allowed them to pursue their educational goals side by side.
The Carrizosas faced significant challenges during their studies, including financial difficulties. Melody, while caring for her seven other children, would drive for about an hour daily to attend classes at the Excel Center. Her determination to succeed in her educational pursuits did not go unnoticed. “They paid for it, they did everything,” she shared with 12 News, expressing her gratitude for the institution that enabled both her and her son to graduate.
Studying together proved a collaborative effort, with Cecil often assisting his mother in subjects like mathematics. “He helped me a lot with math and stuff like that,” Melody recalled. The two exchanged knowledge, which fostered a deeper connection throughout their learning journey. Their mutual support underlined the importance of family in overcoming obstacles.
In addition to her diploma, Melody earned a certificate in phlebotomy. Since graduating, she has already applied for potential jobs in her new field. Cecil, on the other hand, has his sights set on a career in animation, a passion he displayed adorning his graduation cap with designs from the popular anime series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Melody’s own cap showcased her ties to her culture, featuring the Puerto Rican and American flags alongside an inspirational quote from the anime series Demon Slayer. She cited, “You keep going no matter what, even if no one’s watching,” illustrating her resilient spirit and commitment to her educational journey.
During the ceremony, both graduates donned green caps and gowns. A tearful Melody expressed her heartfelt gratitude to family, friends, and the steadfast support of her boyfriend. “Thank you to all my friends and family members who helped me,” she said emotionally. “My children supported me so much through this, and I thank all of them.”
Reflecting on their achievement, Melody celebrated the shared experience, saying, “We’re finally graduating. It took us a while, but we got here together, and that’s the most amazing part — we did it together.” She emphasised the effort that went into their education, noting it was not always easy, but the hard work was rewarding. “It was a lot of studying, a lot of sitting in class — but it was fun.”
What Melody will miss the most about their time at the Excel Center is the quality moments spent with her son. The daily commute offered a unique opportunity for bonding and shared experiences that went beyond academics. “That’s one of the things I’m going to miss the most, spending time driving to school with him, because we hang out the whole time.”
The graduation of Melody and Cecil Carrizosa is a testament to perseverance and the familial bonds that can be strengthened through shared challenges. Their achievement not only signifies personal triumph but also highlights the importance of educational opportunities for all, demonstrating how community resources can impact lives positively.