June 9, 2026 When Yesenia Salgado walked across the stage at Grand Rapids Community College’s 2026 graduation ceremony, the moment carried the weight of nearly two decades of unfinished chapters, sacrifices and perseverance. “It was very emotional,” Salgado said. “Knowing how many times I failed and got back up — only my parents and my husband really saw the whole struggle.” After completing her associate degree and following multiple attempts over 18 years, Salgado is preparing for her next milestone: beginning a bachelor’s degree program at Davenport University in fall 2026. For Salgado, the diploma represents far more than academic achievement. It symbolizes resilience, self-belief and the power of returning to a dream, even after life takes unexpected turns. A Journey Interrupted — and Reclaimed Salgado graduated from high school with honors and was accepted to several California State University campuses. She enrolled at California State University, Long Beach, but left after a few semesters. “I just couldn't do it anymore,” Salgado said.  “The balance between working, raising a baby, and then school was hard for me at the time, so I just stopped.” Over the years, she attempted to return to college a few times, often taking one or two classes before stepping away as the demands became overwhelming. While her education paused, her career advanced. Starting as a temporary employee at a healthcare company, Salgado steadily climbed the corporate ladder and eventually stepped into leadership roles. However, not earning a degree stayed with her. As she researched the job market, she found that, despite having experience similar to other candidates, her lack of a degree was a major disadvantage. She finally had the motivation she needed to make a change.  “There were positions I wouldn’t apply for,” she said. “Even though I had the experience, I didn’t feel qualified without having a degree to go along with it.” Finding the Right Time After moving from California to Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic, Salgado considered returning to school. Although her employer allowed her to work remotely, her salary was reduced because of a locality adjustment. It was time to open up more options. She enrolled at GRCC while working full time. Salgado now had support from her husband and her parents to help make the journey successful.  “I think it was trusting the timing,” she said. “I did my life out of order, not backwards. You have your own timing. You don’t have to fit the picture society paints for what your life should look like.” In addition to fulfilling a promise she made to her parents to finish college, Salgado wanted to set an example for her 17-year-old son.  “He saw me doing this with three kids and working full time,” Salgado said. “Now he wants to go to college. I shared how hard I struggled to move up in a company without a degree. I wanted him to see the importance of getting an education.” A Supportive Community at GRCC   Salgado credits GRCC’s flexibility and support system with helping her succeed. Counselors were accessible, professors responded quickly and courses were available in formats that were more convenient for working adults. “All my professors understood that people have lives outside of school,” Salgado said.  Salgado mapped out her degree plan during her first meeting with an academic adviser. Her advisor continued encouraging her as she progressed from taking one course at a time to eventually completing four classes simultaneously, all while working as a manager and raising three children. GRCC’s seven-week accelerated courses, remote and hybrid options, and multiple campus locations also made college manageable for Salgado as a busy parent and a working professional. Education Opens New Doors As a result of pursuing her degree, Salgado was promoted to a managerial position at her healthcare company, where she will reach 14 years of employment this summer. “This company has been so good to me,” Salgado said. “Getting my degree has allowed me to continue growing here. This time, going back to school has been for me to fulfill a commitment to myself and further my opportunities.” Now enrolled in Davenport University’s 3+1 program, Salgado plans to complete her bachelor’s degree within a year. She is already considering pursuing a master’s degree afterward. “I want to keep the momentum going,” she said. “It’s Never Too Late” Today, Salgado hopes her story encourages others — especially working parents and adults who may feel they missed their opportunity for education. “Keep trying,” she said. “It’s never late. Don’t age yourself, don’t limit yourself. Push through your limitations. It’s just never too late.” For Salgado, success was never about following a perfect timeline. It was about refusing to give up on herself. And after 18 years, that determination carried her across the graduation stage — and into a future she feels more confident in.  Apply to GRCC (it’s free!) to become a student and start your own academic journey.   This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell.