Word from the Publisher/mensaje de nuestra fundadora Querídos lectores...

It means everything to see the success of so many of our students! And once again, we embark on another year of graduations, and I'm so proud of the families and their graduates for their continued tenacity!

I know that I've shared with you my high school graduation, but even more significant was my college graduation. It took me more than four years - more like six - in part because I worked full-time, as well as being a mother, and I had to balance everything in my life, and it was not easy.

In addition, I was named a Ronald E. McNair Scholar and it was the cherry on top of this journey.

I recall studying after work and truly burning the midnight oil. I worked hard and, in the end, it was all worth it - obtaining my degree, modeling for my family higher education, and achieving part of my goals.

This is why I also reflect on my dad's college graduation from South Plains College. I know the commitment it took for him to achieve his college degree. He worked a full-time job in construction, came home to have dinner with his family and then went on to night classes.

After night classes, my dad Jose J. Martinez, would study and burn the midnight oil. He even tutored a friend who he had encouraged to also take classes!

My dad was an inspiration to us. He worked during the day, and attended night classes in the evening and never gave up.

At his graduation ceremony, I was the one who photographed the event with the camera my parents had given me for Christmas. I was about 10 years old.

Thanks to my mom for keeping down the fort while dad worked, went to school, and studied. Later my mom, Janie Castañeda graduated and received her GED and even took some college courses. We were equally proud of her because despite being a nontraditional student, she applied herself and achieved something she always wanted. My parents were great examples for us because they proved that no matter the age or the time in our life, we had to be true to ourselves and strive for our best lives.

As a result, out of their six children, all of us have received degrees, and in some cases multiple! I was the first to obtain a degree from Texas Tech University. More so, the first to see my own daughter obtain her bachelor’s and then her master’s degrees. It doesn't matter about the circumstance, your age, your economic issues, your family situation - if you want a higher education bad enough it is achievable!

And once you obtain your degree, reach back, and help the next generation, or another family member. We truly rise by lifting others.

Latino Lubbock Magazine is committed to higher education and features scholarship info monthly, along with tips to prepare students, but again you got to seek the information and then follow-through. As can be seen the colleges universities in our area are committed to your education.

In our June issue we are very proud to showcase graduates who submitted photos. We wish them and all of the Class of 2023 the very best in their future endeavors and in their higher education aspirations.

Also, Latino Lubbock Magazine wishes all the dads a Happy Father's Day, Feliz D ía de los Padres, (June 18). Daddy, Jose J. Martinez, I love you! Also, as special shout out to my hubby, Frank Garcia/Pappa Bear, who is the best dad ever! May God Always Bless you!

I urge you to visit our website at www.latinolubbock.net for all the info you may need or to read Latino Lubbock Magazine. You can also reach us at (806)792-1212 or (806) 544-6526. And of course, please keep sending us your news and info.

Y como siempre, Latino Lubbock is committed to highlighting the numerous contributions of our Latino community. Thank you to those who support our publication. We are grateful to have 100,000 readers monthly.

Please continue to support our advertisers who help make it possible to keep our publication free. Thank you for your support and May God bless you! ¡Gracias por su apoyo! Que dios los bendiga. PEACE and random acts of kindness. Que las bendiciones de dios estén contigo en abril y siempre! ¡Happy Father's Day y Feliz Día de los Padres!

Sinceramente, Christy Martinez-Garcia Publisher & Latino Market Specialist

"Lubbock News from a Latino Perspective"

Celebrating 17 Years of Commitment to our Community