Texas college student, 23 years old, said that she was “overcome with emotion”She was on the same stage as her grandfather, a 88-year old grandfather, when they graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
“Everything was silent. I didn’t hear any clapping or applause but I was told that the whole stadium erupted,” Melanie Salazar, told, “Good Morning America”of the University of Texas San Antonio Dec. 11 Ceremony
The ceremony was a major accomplishment for both, but for Salazar’s grandfather, Rene Neira, it was a life’s dream that took him nearly 70 years to complete.
Neira was first admitted to college in 1950. He had been working towards his bachelor’s degree but fell in love, got married and started a family, Salazar said, The New York Post reported.
Salazar received her bachelor’s of arts in communications. Her great-grandpa received his degree in economics.
Salazar claimed that Salazar and Salazar both enrolled at University of Texas at San Antonio in 2017.
She said between her grandpa’s role as a husband, a father of five and a community activist, as well as his job at a local bank, he would take classes.
Although they never had a class together, the pair studied in the library together, carpooled together and on some days, have lunch together. Salazar also helped her grandpa to navigate remote classes.
The pair of graduates, who were both dressed in matching blue caps & gowns, took a group photo.
“I’m so proud of my grandpa and I’m so thankful I was able to have this moment, this memory, with him,” Salazar said.