A young man, the son of Cuban immigrants in the United States, has touched the hearts of many on social media by celebrating his graduation as a software engineer from Florida Gulf Coast University. His achievement is not only an academic milestone but also a heartfelt tribute to his heritage and family.
One of the most touching images shared by TikTok user González Made, who is his mother, shows the graduate embracing his father while expressing his gratitude: “Dad, thank you for all your support. Thank you for always telling me not to worry, to focus on my studies, and for working so hard to pay for part of my education. Today, I give you the pride of having the first engineer in the family,” reads the text overlay on the image.
During the ceremony, held in a packed auditorium, the young man walked to the stage wearing a sash draped around his shoulders with the Cuban flag. In a display of pride and identity, he shared, “I am part of the 8.1% of Latinos graduating as a Software Engineer in the United States.”
Several photos capture the young man beaming with his diploma in hand, dressed in his cap and gown, proudly wearing the sash with the Cuban flag. Another image reveals his carefully prepared outfit, hung in anticipation, highlighting the patriotic colors and the university logo.
Prior to the event, he shared a symbolic image of himself holding the ensemble of cap, gown, and sash adorned with Cuba’s colors, accompanied by the message: “Proud of my Cuban roots. Cuba is present at my graduation.”
This achievement not only marks a personal milestone but also stands as a symbol of perseverance and belonging. In a time when Cuban migration seeks opportunities and stability in new lands, stories like these reinforce the pride of a community that remembers its origins.
Understanding Cuban-American Achievements in Education
What percentage of Latino students graduate as software engineers in the U.S.?
Only 8.1% of Latinos graduate as software engineers in the United States, according to the young man's statement during his graduation.
Why is this graduation significant for the Cuban-American community?
This graduation is significant because it represents a personal success and a broader symbol of achievement and identity for the Cuban-American community, emphasizing perseverance and cultural pride.