A Degree Deferred, Not Defeated

In working towards a long-term life goal, there comes a moment when you can finally see that the end is in sight. Your efforts have paid off, and with piercing clarity, you know the years of hard work and overcoming challenges are leading you to the realization of your dream.

For Tabitha Hernandez, that moment of razor-sharp insight came almost at the end of her journey at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. The spring 2026 graduate faced hardships that might have deterred others on the way to a bachelor's degree in education (social studies 4-8) but Hernandez realized she would make it shortly after starting her student-teaching internship at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Junior High School in Alvin.

"Originally, I was nervous but during my fourth observation, I felt everything fall into place," she said. "My supervisor DeeDee Baker looked at me and said, 'You got this!' and I just knew it was going to happen."

That confidence took some time to manifest itself. Hernandez, a 47-year-old wife and mother of four, faced financial hardship, saw her father battle cancer, was a full-time caregiver for her mother, and dealt with her own cancer diagnosis while on the path to her degree. Any one of those challenges could have derailed her, much less all of them.

Hernandez said resilience, transformation and purpose guided her throughout her journey.

"Returning to college changed my life. Every experience led me to where I am now, as a teacher ready to help students."

Moved by the students she was teaching, Hernandez saw her purpose. "A lot of the kids said they weren't going on to high school. But I had a teacher who inspired me when I was their age, and I thought I could do that for others who needed it. For me, it's all about the kids."

The years leading up to enrolling at UHCL saw Hernandez experience numerous changes. Working as a medical assistant for 22 years and earning an associate's degree at Alvin Community College, she saw her father battle cancer and then lose his job and almost lose the family home. And then her mother contracted swine flu in 2009. The after-effects of the illness caused seizures and blindness.

Bolstered by her husband Edgar, Hernandez became a full-time caregiver to her mom for 15 years until she passed away. She then enrolled at UHCL to complete her teaching degree because of its reputation for educating and training teachers.

Nervous to be back in the classroom at first, Hernandez cites the support she received from fellow students as crucial to her success. "At my age, going to classes with students just coming out of high school seemed intimidating. But it didn't matter about my age; they were great. I loved the sense of support and community at UHCL."

Professor of Curriculum and Instruction Kent Divoll also inspired her. "I was quiet and too nervous to speak in front of class. But Dr. Divoll opened that window for me. He told me I had a voice and helped me learn how to use it."

She also was able to continue her education through UHCL's online curriculum even as she herself battled cervical cancer. "I was able to go to school throughout my treatment doing the online program since I was on bed rest." UHCL's online process coupled with her own determination to keep going kept her on track.

"When the journey required me to keep going, I kept going."

The hardships she faced gave her strengths that proved to be meaningful for her life as a student. "Being a caregiver to my mom and facing cancer myself taught me patience and compassion. It also taught me to show up for myself and my family and gave me a level of maturity and perspective."

The significance of her accomplishment culminated at UHCL's Ring Ceremony, held shortly before her graduation. The event hit her deeply, resonating all the more because it was held near the fourth anniversary of her mother's death. With her entire family present, Hernandez found that receiving her Class of 2026 ring was a deeply personal experience, representing not an endpoint to her education but a significant step toward the future.

"I got very emotional at the Ring Ceremony," she said. "I want my family - my children and now my grandson - to know that it is never too late to go after your goals."

Cancer-free now for a year-and-a-half, she hopes her children - Marretta, Joselinne, Angellica and Junies - take her life as an example to keep going, even when the end isn't yet in sight, Hernandez said.

"Life doesn't happen in a straight line. You just need to persevere, no matter what season of life you are in."