Journey of Resilience Creates a New Legacy for Future Generations

Small business owner. Family man. Prior unsuccessful college experience. Richard’s life is full of competing priorities that could easily stack against his pursuit of higher education. Yet, at 31 years old, Richard is deeply committed to completing not one, but two associate degrees from San Antonio College (SAC).

Richard stands alongside fellow volunteers, including SAC president Dr. Naydeen González-de Jesus, distributing food from the San Antonio Food Bank to community members.

Originally from Galveston, Richard’s family was displaced by Hurricane Ike in 2005. They wound up in San Antonio, homeless for a time.

“I probably lived in 15 different places by the time I was 13,” Richard said. “I don’t want anybody to feel bad for me, but growing up was a little rough.”

Richard attended university after high school, but admits he wasn’t ready to give his education the focus it deserved. Instead of continuing, he began working as a personal trainer and started his own business. When he decided to return to college in his late 20s, Richard knew he needed to be all-in to be successful. He got involved in volunteering and student clubs to enhance his resume but ended up benefitting in greater ways than he ever imagined.

“Getting involved created a leader in me,” said Richard. Through SAC, he’s volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House where he lived with his family after Hurricane Ike. “Heartfelt volunteering led to me finding my purpose and benefitting my future.”

Returning to college as an adult learner has not been without its challenges, and Richard says he’s had to embrace those challenges in order to be successful. He found that starting off on the right foot was a key to academic success, and he boasts a 3.96 GPA as a result.

Richard examines a specimen during his Anatomy & Physiology lab. He says A&P has been one of his more challenging courses, but he’s found the support he needed to be successful in the course.

“Academically it took a lot more resolve and effort. I had to find resources because it was so challenging, but the resources equipped me to succeed,” said Richard, referring to tutoring, advising and his involvement in student groups as contributing to his success. “I’m proud of the changes I was capable of. I’m proud of this person.”

During winter break in 2022, Richard welcomed a son who was born prematurely, resulting in a hospital stay for both his baby and partner. Still, Richard knew he needed to continue focusing on his classes and returned to school while juggling hospital visits with his loved ones.

“When you realize you don’t have a choice, you realize what you’re capable of. I know I had to provide. I had to get school done,” said Richard.

Currently pursuing degrees in kinesiology and psychology, Richard aspires to open his own home healthcare business and specialize in Occupational Therapy. He understands that education is the key to enhancing his credibility as a business owner. With unwavering determination, he's crafting his path to financial independence.

“I want to be more credible as a business owner and I know that education is a way to do that,” Richard said.

But Richard's story goes beyond personal success. He's made it a mission to extend a helping hand to others facing tough situations, just as he once did.

“Right now, I’m on the other side of the table that I was on,” Richard said. “I’ve been homeless, and I now know what it’s like to give something back.”

Richard is set to graduate with two associate degrees from San Antonio College in Spring 2024, and he plans to continue his education at the University of the Incarnate Word. His journey embodies the spirit of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of higher education.