Mother And Daughter Graduate College Together

Ana Lydia Chavez finished high school in 1986. She planned to graduate college after, but a pregnancy made it difficult.

"I was busy having her in 1990, when she was born and that was the year I should’ve graduated," Chavez said.

But now, more than two decades later, Chavez is wearing that cap and gown alongside that person she put her life on hold for, her daughter, Victoria Enriquez.

"But I guess God had a mission for me to graduate and walk next to my daughter here 25 years later," Chavez said.

Chavez now has a degree in criminology, and Victoria in psychology.

"When I told her I was going to apply to Fresno State she said ‘me too, imp going to apply to Fresno State,’ and so we started Fresno State together, and we’re ending Fresno State together," Enriquez said.

Chavez admits the journey was a difficult one.

"Staying focused was the hardest part for me. I was like I have to go wash dishes, no I have to go do homework," Chavez said.

But having a support system at home turned what seemed impossible into achievable.

"We told her you got to go. You have to do this. You already started this, and we know how bad you want it," Enriquez said.

"To accomplish this, I’m just very very proud of myself," Chavez said.

Victoria says she’s also proud of her mom, and so is Fresno State President Joseph Castro.

"It’s special to see a daughter and mother graduate together. We’re very proud of them. We’re looking forward to all the great things they’re going to do ahead," Castro said.