DECEMBER 5, 2022 — Heading back to school to earn her degree was always the plan for Felicia Carrola. She attended college briefly straight out of high school, but left school without obtaining her degree. She worked full-time, married her husband Daniel, a UTSA alumnus, and had a daughter, Victoria – a roadrunner in the making.
A first-generation college student, Carrola’s determination to continue her education has paid off. She will earn her B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies this fall—an opportunity made possible by the UTSA Online program.
“I joined the program in the fall of 2021 after transferring from San Antonio College (SAC) and it’s been great having the flexibility to finish my degree and not have it disrupt my family life at home,” said Carrola, who describes herself as a 100% stay-at-home parent.
Like many students, Carrola’s path had obstacles, but her husband and close family helped her through. Her parents and mother-in-law took turns watching her daughter while she took courses online. Many nights, she stayed up late at the kitchen table finishing her homework. She says, though, that she wouldn’t change a thing.
“This program was so worth it,” she said. “You’re working on deadlines, trying to get things turned in and you’re studying when and where you can, but you’re not having to go to campus at a set time and you can be in the comfort of your home.”
Completing her degree was important for Carrola for a couple of reasons. She wants to make a difference in the lives of those who are experiencing youth homelessness. She also wanted to be an example for her daughter and show her the importance of an education.
Homelessness is an issue that hits close to home for Carrola. Her cousins struggled with abuse and homelessness from a young age, and as they entered their teen years, she lost contact with them.
From time to time, she’ll see one of her cousins around San Antonio and provide him with food and clothing when she can, but that experience has left her with a desire to do more.
“After graduation, I am looking for an opportunity in the nonprofit sector,” she said. “I’ve seen firsthand what homelessness can do to a family and I want to be of help and give back. Working for a nonprofit like Haven for Hope or The Children’s Shelter has always been a goal of mine.”
Fifteen years after first dropping out of SAC to enter the workforce, Carrola is on a direct path to reach her goal with her family by her side.
UTSA traditions have become an important part of their lives, and school pride is already rubbing off on their daughter. The Carrolas are big Roadrunners Football fans, and each fall they can often be found decked out in UTSA gear at their usual Alamodome space tailgating with relatives.
As she does, she knows how fortunate she is.
“I am grateful for the love and support of my family, and for the opportunity I’ve had in my life,” Carrola said. “For my daughter, I want to be the best person I can be moving forward, and I knew that by having this degree I could give myself the biggest advantage I could, going back into the workforce.”
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Join the PEACE Center and Wellbeing Services for Denim Day, a day of learning about the importance of consent and why we wear denim on the last Wednesday of the month each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Stop by our Denim Day display to take a photo in front of our Denim Wall, spin the "Is It Consent?" Wheel, and get a Concha or goodie.
Student Union Window Lounge, Main CampusLearn to use Zotero®, a citation manager that can help you store and organize citations you find during your research. Zotero can generate bibliographies in various styles, insert in-text citations and allow you to share sources with collaborators.
Virtual EventThis event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
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