De La Rosa Family's Midland College Journey Opens Doors to 3 High-Demand CareersFebruary 20, 2025

For the De La Rosa family, education is a priority, and with three family members set to graduate from Midland College in May 2025, their hard work and dedication have paid off in a big way. A family of five, the De La Rosas juggle busy schedules, balancing work, school, and extracurricular activities. But despite the chaos, two things remain consistent: their commitment to learning and their support for one another.

Father Auden, a student in the Petroleum Energy Technology program and current employee of Exxon, is set to graduate with a Petroleum Energy Technician Certificate that will further his career in the energy sector. Stating, “There’s so much opportunity right now … it’s really just deciding which direction you want to go in the industry,” Auden encourages others to follow in his footsteps and continue on their path to achieving their goals. 

His wife, Mari, is working towards her Associate of Arts in Teaching degree, a program she is glad to have rejoined after the inspiration of a high school history teacher she observed during her coursework. “He was very helpful, he would talk with the students, they loved him, and that just kind of made me realize,you know what – I think this is where I fit.” She loves that the teaching profession will open so many doors to a rewarding career, stating that even if her husband gets transferred to Africa, she’ll be able to find a job that helps students learn because she believes “teaching is universal.” 

Meanwhile, their daughter Abby, who has already earned a certificate in phlebotomy, a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate, and a patient care technician certificate through Midland College’s dual credit programs with MISD, is on her way to completing an associate degree through MC’s Radiologic Technician program.Though Abby admits that the coursework is difficult, she still says that she loves the challenge. “Just knowing that I can prove to myself that I can overcome something with hard work and dedication really makes it all worth it.”

Balancing school, work, and family life can be challenging for the De La Rosa family. Their days are packed with responsibilities, and it’s not always easy to find time for each other. However, they make the most of the moments when they can be together. Evenings are often spent doing homework together — sometimes turning into friendly competition when they share classes. “We’re pretty competitive for sure, so it’s been interesting to see who gets the best grades,” said Mari. “But at the end of the day, we all use it as motivation to keep us going.” 

The De La Rosas chose Midland College for several key reasons: the welcoming environment, convenience, and affordability of the programs. Auden and Mari were both drawn to the small class sizes, where they could receive individual attention from instructors. Abby, who started taking dual credit college courses while still in high school at MISD, has found MC’s offerings to be a perfect fit for her career path, helping her build a solid foundation in the healthcare field.

“What’s great about Midland College is that they really work with you to ensure success, and it’s a place where everyone feels welcome,” Auden said. “It’s been perfect for us — whether it’s for an older adult like me or someone younger like Abby, MC makes education accessible for anyone.”

For the De La Rosa family, the journey to graduation has been a team effort. With each member taking their own unique path, they’ve found strength in each other’s perseverance and dedication. “If we can do it, anyone can,” Mari said, reflecting on the challenges they've overcome together. “Education is something that never stops, and it’s never too late to start.”

As the family looks ahead to May 2025, they’re excited to walk across the stage together, each having completed their academic goals. Their story is a testament to the power of education and the importance of family support, proving that with determination and a solid support system, anything is possible.