Christina Marquez is working to break generational patterns, and graduating from San Juan College is her first step toward reaching her goal!
Christina, a 32-year-old single mother of three, is graduating with her Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice. She’s the first in her immediate family to graduate college and wants to show her children that a college education is an important step in improving a person’s life.
Christina moved to the Farmington area from San Diego about a year ago. She was looking for an affordable community to raise her children and was familiar with Farmington because her aunt and uncle live here. In December 2022, she packed up their belongings and moved to her new community. She didn’t waste time starting classes, either. In January of 2023, she enrolled in San Juan College and was on her way to finishing her degree.
Since she had previously taken classes at another college, Christina already had some credits and was familiar with college life. However, she explained how beneficial it was to take SJC’s First-Year Experience class, “This was the first time taking a class that prepares you to know what to expect at college and sets you up for success. It was insightful, and it was great to see younger students in the class working on their goals.”
Christina is a true inspiration and role model for others who have faced adversity. She advocates, “Don’t let your past define you.” When Christina was in high school, both her parents became incarcerated. It wasn’t easy, but with her tenacious spirit and love for school and learning, she pushed on and graduated. Christina also faced a few challenges while pursuing her college degree.
“Being a single parent, trying to provide, and taking classes is tough. Then I broke my foot, so it added another hurdle. Keeping a schedule has helped me stay on track, and I’m thankful for the support of family, friends, and neighbors during it all.”
The SJC community—faculty and students—were also a great support system throughout her educational journey, “San Juan College provides great resources to its students. Everyone, from staff to students, was so helpful in accessing assistance. The staff really does care about the students’ future.”
Going forward, Christina is looking to further her education and has applied to Fort Lewis College. She’s leaning toward a career where she can help people because so many people have helped her along the way, and she wants to do the same for others. This last semester, she interned with the Farmington Police Department’s Victim Assistance Program and enjoyed learning about the criminal justice system.
Christina wants to encourage other students or those considering college: “Keep going! If college is something you’re truly looking to do, don’t stop. Life and other things come up but stick with it, even if you’re taking a few classes at a time. Don’t give up on your goals and dreams!”
