A first-generation graduate dedicates her academic accomplishments to her grandfather
FORT WORTH, Texas — Grief has a way of clarifying what matters. For Yazid Martinez, grief came with a promise that honored her grandfather, Alejandro, who died on Oct. 17, 2021. Yazid was 14, a freshman in high school and ahead on her required school credits, which gave her a choice.
She could enjoy free time in her junior or senior year, or graduate early. At her grandfather’s viewing, the answer came into focus.
Turns out the decision wasn’t that tough.
Graduate early in honor of him.
A first-generation student, Yazid wanted her abuelo’s struggles to be worth it and to make him proud.
“For someone who didn’t really have one, an education was important to him,” she said.
The reason he didn’t have much formal schooling? He was too busy working to feed his family. In fact, when he was 14, he came alone to the U.S. to work.
“He did the best he could with what he had,” Yazid said, “and if there’s anything I know, his greatest joy was watching all of his sacrifices be worth it by seeing how far his family, including his grandchildren, have come.”
Yazid is quick with advice for first-generation students considering Tarrant County College. Take a leap of faith, she tells them.
“Step out of your comfort zone. Know your why.”
She believes first-gen students are pioneering the way for others. “Whether it be friends, family or acquaintances who look up to you, we are making that pathway to success. It’s okay to make mistakes. Take pride in the fact you have earned your way here.”
Yazid chose TCC because it was affordable, the Northwest Campus was close to home, and not having to commute gave her time to explore her goals. She started working on her Associate of Arts determined to keep her head down and graduate as soon as possible.
Then she met Ramon Mireles, an academic advisor who guided her through her first year, opening the door to opportunities she never expected, like working in Student Activities.
There she learned to open up and talk to people.
“I had to get involved. My coworkers became family. Other student workers became friends, and people at TCC Northwest became a community. TCC became like a home away from home.”
Yazid considers her TCC experience “amazing.” She believes attending college so soon after high school taught her skills that students her age usually don’t learn until they’re older. Such as:
She became a peer leader, responsible for New Trailblazer Orientation and campus tours. She was inducted into the TCC Northwest chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. She led the Association of Latin American Students chapter as president.
Next on the horizon is transferring to the University of Texas at Dallas and majoring in animation. She’d love to work for a large studio such as Disney or Pixar.
Having just received her TCC diploma, graduation is still fresh on her mind. So is her why — her grandfather.
“I wanted to be able to accomplish things my grandfather never had the opportunity to do. I wanted to show him and say, ‘Look, I did it, abuelito!’ which is why I dedicated myself to my studies, even when it felt hard at times.
“My sacrifices were not nearly as great as his. So, I honor him with this degree. Because without his story, I wouldn’t have mine.”
Tarrant County College serves nearly 100,000 students each year, offering accessible, affordable pathways to in-demand careers and university transfer. Across multiple campuses and TCC Connect — a fully online learning option — the College partners with more than 1,200 employers to help build the workforce that drives North Texas forward. Bold Steps. Better Futures.