BROWNSVILLE, Texas — For one Los Fresnos family, graduation from Texas Southmost College became a celebration of perseverance, determination and the belief that learning has no age limit.
 
Hilda Martinez and her children, Brandon Guzman and Alexa Fernandez Sanchez Martinez, crossed the stage together on Saturday, May 16, 2026, each earning an associate degree from TSC.
 
“It was really exciting,” Martinez said. “It’s unimaginable. I’m proud that I was able to graduate with them.”
 
Martinez, who works full time for a local school district, said her children inspired her to return to college after many years away from the classroom.
 
“My mom is my top role model,” she said. “I wanted to show them they can do whatever they set their minds to. If I can do it after so many years, they can do it.”
 
Her return to school began with a challenge to her son, Brandon, after he completed an HVAC certification.
 
“I told him, ‘You go back, and I go back.’ That’s how it all started,” she said.
 
At the same time, Alexa was already earning college credit through dual-enrollment courses while attending Los Fresnos High School.
 
“My mom is my biggest role model,” Alexa said. “She’s everything I want to be and more. She inspires me so much. She’s the person I want to be like.”
 
Martinez earned an Associate of Arts degree in Social Work while balancing a full-time job and completing courses online.
 
“Having the online option made it possible for me to finish my degree,” she said. “For my bachelor’s degree, I’ll have to attend classes in person, and I’m excited about that.”
 
Brandon also credits his mother for motivating him to continue his education. He graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology.
 
“She shows it doesn’t matter how old you are or how busy you are—there’s always time for school,” Brandon said. “All three of us work and go to school.”
 
The family’s remarkable achievement attracted attention beyond the Rio Grande Valley, with their story featured in television newscasts across Texas.
 
Alexa completed an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in marine biology at a four-year university.
 
She said sharing the milestone with her mother and brother is something she will cherish forever.
 
“We honestly owe it all to TSC,” Alexa said. “As a high school student, for my mom as a working mom, and for my brother, who graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic, we wouldn’t have been able to do this without TSC.”
 
Their shared accomplishment serves as a reminder that education is a lifelong journey—and that with encouragement, determination and family support, it’s never too late to pursue a college degree.