06/01/2026
We are always excited to showcase the successes of our graduates:
MY STORY OF PERSEVERANCE
By Maria Gonzalez
My name is Maria Gonzalez. I am a proud Mexican woman and the mother of four beautiful children, and this is my story.
When I moved from San Antonio to Houston, I found myself starting over once again in 2010. Life has not always been easy for me. I have faced many hardships while trying to provide for my family. I worked countless jobs, many that others might overlook or dismiss. I have waited tables and cleaned houses. I did whatever it took to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. At that time, I was a single mother raising three children. The weight of responsibility was heavy, but giving up was never an option. Like so many mothers, I discovered a strength within myself that simply would not allow me to quit.
Speaking only Spanish made me feel limited—my dreams seemed so far away, almost unreachable. Still, I made a promise to myself: I would learn English and earn my GED. It seemed impossible at first, but I knew that if I wanted a better future for my children and myself, I had to sacrifice, persevere, and push through every obstacle.
Through faith and determination, I accomplished my goals. I earned my GED, and six years ago, I began speaking English. This step opened the door to something even bigger: the chance to pursue my education in Business at Interactive College of Technology. What I learned there gave me the courage to take one of the greatest leaps of my life.
Today, I stand proudly as a U.S. citizen—a dream that once felt so distant, but now represents freedom, belonging, and opportunity not just for me, but for my children. Gaining my citizenship is more than paperwork; it is proof that every sacrifice, every late night, every whispered prayer has been worth it.
At the same time, my son and I are opening Good News Café & Bakery, a dream that combines our hard work, education, and love for family and community. This is not just a business, it is a symbol of perseverance, of creating something lasting to pass down to my children, and of giving back to the city that gave to me.
Looking back, my journey, is paved with sleepless nights, silent tears, whispered prayers, and countless sacrifices. But when I reflect, I don’t just see struggle—I see strength, faith, and determination.
If there is one message I want to leave with others, it is this: no matter how far away your dreams may feel, with hard work, faith, and perseverance, they are within your reach. ICT has been more than a school to me—it has been a stepping stone, a reminder to believe in myself, and a push toward endless possibility.
If I can do this—if I can build a business, raise a family, and reach for citizenship—you can too. Never stop believing in your dreams, and never give up.
https://fb.watch/HtnnSR2U0U/
