Andrea Rubalcava, '25 BAE

My Sun Devil story is one of resilience, renewal, and proving that it's never too late to chase a dream. This Tuesday, I will be graduating with a 4.0 GPA at 50 years old, the first time I will walk across a stage since junior high. Returning to school through ASU Online while raising four children and working was not easy, but it has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

From day one, ASU Online made me feel supported, valued, and truly seen. My professors encouraged my voice and honored the lived experience I brought into classes, especially in the courses centered around inclusion, diversity, and designing learning environments. Those moments reminded me why representation matters and why every learner deserves access and belonging.

Being inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa and making Deans List every semester was a milestone I will always cherish. It proved that the late nights, long papers, and determination poured into this journey were worth it. ASU reignited a confidence in me that I hadn't felt since I was young.

My proudest memory is not tied to a physical campus but to the moment my children watched me succeed. Every assignment, every discussion board, every step forward has shown them that dreams don't expire, and that we are allowed to reinvent ourselves at any age. And now, the journey continues. I will be starting my master's program in Learning Design and Technologies this January, following a clear graduation plan to earn my M.Ed. next December. ASU has not only helped me complete a lifelong dream, it has opened the door to the next chapter of my future.

I am proud of where I started, proud of where I am now, and proud to be a Sun Devil.

Forks up, always.