Setting an Example: Michelle Reyes the First in Her Family to Graduate from College

Michelle Reyes is the first person in her family to graduate college, and she did so at Central Washington University. She will be walking with the graduating class of 2022 this weekend, and her family will be in attendance cheering her on.

Michelle Reyes became the first member of her family to graduate from college Saturday at the CWU commencement ceremony in Ellensburg.

Family is a big part of Reyes' life, her mom worked three jobs to support the family, and her father passed away when she was young. Her mother and aunt were sent to the hospital last spring after being in a car crash with a drunk driver. Reyes said she wanted to stay home in Tacoma to take care of her mother, but her mom told her to stay in school and finish earning her degree.

"My mom has always been my superhero, and she told me 'no, you are not going to stop going to school just because of my situation,'" Reyes said.

To read this article in its entirety, visit the Ellensburg Daily Record.

Originally published by Jack Belcher in the Daily Record on June 11, 2022.