The McCollum family’s march toward the graduation stage

Mike McCollum Jr. (son) on his first day of kindergarten.

Years ago, the McCollums waved goodbye as mom Kesha dropped son Mike off at his first day of kindergarten. Nowadays, they're walking from UCR's Lot 30 together and waving goodbye as they part ways to their individual classes. You see, this mother-son duo is attending the University of California, Riverside at the same time. Kesha is a business management major, while Mike is a business information systems major.

Michael Sr. (dad), served in the United States Marine Corps from 1998-2006.

Both of their university educations are being made possible by the family patriarch, Michael Sr. After serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1998 through 2006, Michael used the Cal Vet fee waiver along with Chapter 35 benefits to pave the way for his entire family to pursue higher education. Michael Sr. is pursuing his master's at Cal Baptist University, wife Kesha and son Mike Jr. are attending UCR's School of Business, daughter Aaliyah is pursuing her bachelor's at Cal State San Bernardino, and the youngest son, Jayden, will be graduating from Rancho Verde High School. He has applied to UCR and is patiently awaiting his acceptance letter.

The McCollum Family (left to right): Jayden (son), Aaliyah (daughter), Michael Sr. (dad), Mike Jr. (son), and Kesha (mom)

As if being students at the same time wasn't impressive enough, they all plan to cross their respective commencement stages during the same year - as members of the Class of 2026.

Kesha reminisces about the early days when she spent weekends visiting her then-boyfriend Michael at Camp Pendleton.

"We made the most of every day to catch up since our weekdays were so hectic," Kesha said. Being college peers with their children wasn't something they planned, she said.

"No, it was not planned to start and finish together," Kesha said. "I decided to begin college while Mike was in his senior year of high school to encourage him to continue his education. In the end, he inspired me to keep improving myself. Because of my children, I became a first-generation college graduate."

Kesha McCollum with son and fellow Highlander, Mike McCollum Jr. as an adult. Kesha McCollum with her son Mike McCollum Jr. as a baby.

Now she's sitting side-by-side with her son as they study or grab a quick bite between classes. "We try to have at least one class together each quarter. We sometimes study together and help each other out if we have questions or get stuck on a problem," Mike said.

With some of the McCollums choosing other campuses (we won't hold it against them), why did Mike choose UCR?

"I used to come play basketball on campus with friends before I transferred from Moreno Valley College, and I always liked the vibe at UCR," Mike said. "That's why I chose it. The great location, friendly atmosphere, and strong support for military families are all added bonuses."

Staff at the UCR Veterans Resource Center, or VRC, which supports veterans and military-dependent students, have been great allies for Kesha and Mike.

"The VRC supports me by being a reliable source whenever I have questions about my education benefits," Kesha said. It offered me a work-study position that helps me gain experience for my resume and gives me a safe place where I can study, grab a snack when I'm hungry, and connect with my community. I'm truly grateful for everything this campus has to offer."

After years of individual and familial sacrifice, the McCollums hope to finally celebrate together next spring as they attend each other's commencement ceremonies and cheer them on as they pursue their next set of goals.

U.S. Marine Michael McCollum Sr. with daughter Aaliyah McCollum.

And how are the McCollums celebrating Veterans Day?

"I get to watch my husband plan out all the free and discounted meals he's going to enjoy on Veterans Day," Kesha said. "It always makes me laugh seeing how carefully he maps out each stop. The funny part is, he never actually follows through with his plan."

Thank you to Michael Sr. and all the veterans for their service.

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