When Yavierlis Martinez graduated from Esperanza College in May, she accomplished the dream of a lifetime.
In 2010, as a teen mom, Yavierlis became captivated by her daughter’s development and wanted to turn her passion into a career. Encouraged by her high school nurse, Noelia, she enrolled in Esperanza College’s Early Childhood Education program.
While completing her associate’s degree, Yavierlis experienced many challenges. “It was kind of tough because nobody [expects] to be a teen mom, pregnant, and single living at home,” she said. Yavierlis withdrew from the program, but she never gave up on her professional goals.
In 2023, now a mom of three and a seasoned teacher, Yavierlis knew it was time to complete her associate’s degree at Esperanza College. She re-enrolled, and earlier this year, she graduated! “It felt amazing,” she said. “Like, going back and finishing something that I started when my daughter was 3 years old. She’s starting her 10th grade this year.”
Yavierlis is grateful to Esperanza College and her professors for always encouraging her. “Esperanza means a lot,” she said. “It makes me happy being part of that community.” Yavierlis’ currently completing her BA in Early Childhood Education with a Certification in Pre-K-4 at Eastern University. She’ll graduate in spring 2026. Given her untiring tenacity, Yavierlis is proud of all she’s accomplished – and all that is to come.