Griselda Garcia

Santa Ana College - School of Continuing Education

Nominated in 2025

I’m pleased to nominate Griselda Garcia, whose story highlights the importance of family, the unexpected turns life can take, and how determination and education have helped her navigate those paths with resilience and purpose. Born and raised in Santa Ana, California, she is the daughter of Mexican immigrants who came to the United States in search of a better life. As the first U.S. citizen in her family, she felt a tremendous responsibility to succeed academically. Her parents, who had not had the opportunity to pursue education in the U.S., placed all their hopes in her, and she vowed to one day earn a college degree.

From a young age, Griselda balanced the expectations of her family with the realities of financial responsibility. At 17, she secured her first job as a merchandising sales associate at Ross, determined to contribute to household expenses while keeping her education a priority. However, her academic path took an unexpected turn. After high school, she enrolled in a four-year university but left after a year due to uncertainty about her major and future direction.

Life continued to reshape her plans. She soon met her husband, and within a year, she became a mother. Choosing to stay home, she dedicated six years to raising her 5 children. By 2019, however, she felt ready to return to school and enrolled at Santa Ana College (SAC). Just as she was beginning this new chapter, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a sudden shift to online learning. Balancing virtual coursework while caring for her children, supporting their remote learning, and managing household responsibilities was a challenge. Despite the difficulties, she remained committed to her education.

Her journey at SAC led to an opportunity as an Outreach Specialist Assistant at the School of Continuing Education. This role allowed her to support and guide students from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate their own educational paths—just as she had once needed guidance herself.

Griselda’s ultimate goal is to earn her Associate’s Degree in Accounting and obtain a Tax Preparer certificate, with aspirations of becoming an IRS Enrolled Agent. Every step she takes is a move toward a more stable and promising future for her children. The road has not been easy—balancing school, work, and family often means long days and sleepless nights. However, she remains determined, drawing strength from the love and support of her family.

Her oldest daughter, Sindy, serves as her greatest motivation. Griselda is determined to set an example, showing her children that education has the power to transform lives and that perseverance can overcome any challenge. She firmly believes that success is not measured by how quickly one reaches a goal but by the resilience shown in overcoming obstacles. Though her journey is still unfolding, she is proud of how far she has come and looks forward to what the future holds.