She’s 72, a grandma of 8 and just graduated with her bachelor’s degree
Irma Garcia, a 72-year-old grandmother of eight, graduated with a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government after decades of balancing motherhood and work, leveraging a senior tuition waiver program to complete her studies. She moved from Puerto Rico to Washington, DC in 1978, earned an associate’s degree in the 1980s, and later resumed her education, inspired by her family’s support and her own determination to achieve her lifelong goal.
Irma Garcia, 72, became the latest member of her family to graduate from college after decades of perseverance. She moved from Puerto Rico to the Washington, DC area in 1978 as a single mother of three young daughters, working multiple jobs to support her family while pursuing education. Garcia earned an associate’s degree in the 1980s but paused her studies due to caregiving responsibilities. Five years ago, she resumed her education at George Mason University, taking advantage of the school’s senior tuition waiver program, which allowed her three free classes per semester. Garcia walked across the stage on May 16 to receive her bachelor’s degree in policy and government, fulfilling a lifelong dream. She credited her family—including five grandchildren who also graduated from college—for their support, particularly with technology and study tips. Her daughters assisted with caregiving and finances, helping her balance school with health challenges. ‘This is a family accomplishment,’ she said, noting a tradition of late-life education in her lineage. Garcia’s career included helping people experiencing homelessness find housing, often supplemented by side jobs like working evenings at Wendy’s. She described the early years as difficult, especially without local family support, but her oldest daughter helped by supervising her younger siblings while she attended classes. Despite the challenges, Garcia emphasized resilience: ‘It’s not easy, but it can be done. I think all of us should aspire to have a better life.’ Now retired, Garcia hopes to inspire others, particularly women of color who faced barriers to education earlier in life. She advocates for resources to make college accessible, reflecting on her own journey: ‘When you’re young, you always think everything has to be done immediately. You don’t have to do it all at the same time. You can take your time.’ Her story highlights the power of determination and support systems in achieving long-term goals.
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