Mother of two reaches milestones toward goal of rewarding careerApril 27, 2023

When Maria Quintana graduated from Legacy High School in 2014 at the age of 18, she was pregnant with her oldest daughter Jazlynne.  

“I was a good student and wanted to go to college after high school graduation, but it was also important for me to take care of my baby girl,” Quintana explained.  “So, I waited a few years, and in 2017 I enrolled in classes at Midland College.”

Quintana said that when her second daughter Evangelyne was born, she was taking classes at Midland College, but it was a struggle with two young children, so she had to quit for a while.

“I knew that I would eventually go back to college, but I needed to be sure that I had things organized in my life,” she said.  “I was raised by a single mother. We always had food on the table and clothes to wear, but it was a struggle for her.  My mother pushed my two sisters and me to do better.  She is the person who convinced me to go to college.  The second time I enrolled in college, I needed to be sure that nothing stopped me.”

In 2021, Quintana returned to Midland College (MC) and is working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Office Systems Technology.  She will be a first-generation college graduate. She also plans to pursue MC’s bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management.  In addition, she is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society and serves as Director of Public Relations for the Midland College PTK chapter. In addition, Quintana is a member of Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society. She works 15 hours per week at MC’s Cogdell Learning Center where she assists the outreach and continuing education scholarship coordinator.

“A lot of Midland College programs allow you to complete credentials in stages, which is what I’m doing,” she said.  “First, I received an Administrative Clerk certificate. Second, I will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in a couple of weeks, and I have already started courses towards my bachelor’s degree. This progression has really helped me reach milestones in my overall goal to attain a rewarding career.  

“Even though I go to school and work, I make sure that I’m available to pick up my daughters from school.  Family will always come first.”

Quintana is financing her college courses through the Bill Pace Cogdell Scholarship (BPCS), which pays for full tuition, fees and books.  This scholarship will continue to be awarded to Quintana as long as she is enrolled in college through the completion of her bachelor’s degree at MC. 

It was at the Cogdell Learning Center that Quintana discovered the opportunities available at Midland College.  

“I used to live near Cogdell, and one day I went in there and visited with the staff,” Quintana explained.  “Josie Samaguey [outreach and continuing education scholarship coordinator], helped me complete paperwork and told me about the Bill Pace Cogdell Scholarship.  My husband and I also took advantage of the free services provided by the Business & Economic Development Center at Cogdell.  Through their credit counseling, we were able to save enough money to make a down payment on a home in Central Midland.”

Her husband Adrian is a diesel mechanic with AM PM Diesel Services.

“We both believe in the value of hard work,” Maria said.  “We started with nothing—not even a car.  We had to rely on family for transportation.  We now have two cars and our own home in a nice neighborhood where the girls can ride their bikes and play outside.

“Some stay-at-home women with children think that there is no way to obtain a good career and stop struggling to make ends meet,” Quintana said.  “I hope to be an example for them and for my daughters.  I’m blessed to be a college student and a mom. There is a chance for everyone, but people have to look for it.  Women like me can change their lives.  I have discovered that my passion is sharing with others about the opportunities available at Midland College. Living a better life is possible, but we have to be willing to make the necessary changes, even when we are afraid. After all, we will not grow if we stay in the same spot. At MC, I have learned that opportunities will be presented, but one must be prepared.”