Haivyl Lopez’s life has never been about quick success. She believes in doing things the right way, no matter how long it takes.
Twenty-four years ago, the Cuban immigrant enrolled in classes at Wolfson Campus.
Two Generations: Haivyl Lopez and her son Sebastian Vera pose for a photo during graduation on April 26 at loanDepot Park. PHOTO COURTESY OF LUIS ILLESCAS/MDC MEDICAL CAMPUS MEDIA SERVICES
She faced various challenges, including dealing with her eldest son’s brain surgery and grappling with the sudden death of the father of her two children.
“No matter the challenges and setbacks that life throws at you, you just have to keep on,” Lopez said. “Do it right, with integrity, no shortcuts.”
On Saturday, the 48-year-old, who is a senior vice president at Truist Bank, was one of more than 14,000 Miami Dade College graduates from more than 120 countries who received their degrees at three different ceremonies at loanDepot Park in Little Havana.
Lopez, who earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration supervision and management, graduated next to her 20-year-old son Sebastian Vera, who received an associate degree in business administration.
“Regardless [of] what I go through, I will continue to be in school, and I’m looking for my master’s degree after this,” Lopez said. “That inspired my kids to say ‘okay, my mom did it, why would I not do it?’”
Festivities were fueled by WEDR 99 Jamz’s DJ She-J Hercules. She set the mood with remixes of songs like Nokia by Drake and DtMF by Bad Bunny.
On the stadium screens, the word “JUMP” flashed to encourage students to dance and cheer while families roared as the graduates’ countries of origin were announced.
Scholars were greeted by a flurry of white and blue streamers, bursts of smoke and strobe lights as Pitbull’s Don’t Stop The Party played. Wide smiles and selfie cameras were in abundance as students prepared to walk the stage.
Among them was 16-year-old Jaiel Langston, an 11th grader from Miami Northwestern Senior High who received a pre-bachelor of arts degree.
“I’ll just be very honest with you, I sometimes don’t even understand how she’s able to do it,” said Rhonda Gaines-Miller, Langston’s mother and principal at Miami Norland Senior High. “But, I think because she looks at the ultimate end goal, she’s able to stay focused.”
Langston will begin to work toward her baccalaureate degree at MDC in her senior year, and looks to receive her certified nursing assistant and electrocardiogram technician certificates by the end of this year.
“Even if I’m scared, I just do it,” said Langston, who is the captain of the volleyball and flag football teams at her high school. “Diamonds are made under pressure, so might as well just keep it up, right?”
Bull To Shark: Sophia Gaines fixes her niece Jaiel Langston’s cap after she graduated with a pre-bachelor of arts degree from North Campus. PHOTO COURTESY OF RAYNIER DUQUE/ WOLFSON CAMPUS MEDIA SERVICES
The ceremony also featured star power. Commencement speakers included Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and CEO of Moms First, who offered motivational words for graduates from the North, West and Hialeah campuses. Patrick Gelsinger, head of technology at Gloo and former CEO of Intel, spoke to graduates of the Wolfson, Medical and Homestead campuses. Kendall and Eduardo J. Padrón campuses were addressed by Fred Voccola, co-founder and vice chairman of the board of directors of Kaseya.
“Today you become graduates of democracy’s college,” New York Times bestselling author Saujani said. “You know something about using your voice to make a difference, and so hear me when I say it is time to shape the world and our nation in Miami Dade’s image.”
Gelsinger spoke about the importance of community.
“None of you are here just to make something of yourselves, you’re here to change the lives of others and the communities that you’re in,” Gelsinger said. “Have your own audacious moonshot, but bring others along with you.
For Nicole Miller, the moonshot was taking on her dream of working in the medical field as a physician assistant.
The 25-year-old completed the Medical Campus’ rigorous PA program in 27 months.
“Late nights and early mornings, exams twice a week, it was a lot to get used to and I’m really proud of myself and I’m proud of everybody in my class for being able to get through that,” Miller said.
Fourteen-year-old Noah Thomas achieved a significant milestone most kids his age can’t phantom.
The young scholar received his associate’s degree in electrical engineering, making him the youngest graduate in the College’s history.
He started his college journey as a 10-year old, following in his older brother Nathan Thomas’ footsteps. Nathan also graduated from MDC when he was 14.
“[Nathan] was definitely a factor in reassurance that I could get through it successfully because he also did it, and he was there to help me out with that stuff,” Thomas said.
Young Scholar: President Madeline Pumariega congratulates Noah Thomas as he walks the stage during commencement on April 26. The 14-year-old received an associate’s degree in electrical engineering, making him the College’s youngest graduate ever. SAMUEL TORRES/THE REPORTER
Kendall Campus Student Government Association President Yosdany Angulo-Cartas, one of the last speakers of the night, addressed his fellow graduates one last time.
“This moment, this stage, this diploma—it’s not just a piece of paper. It is a symbol of sacrifice, of resilience and of faith,” Angulo-Cartas said. “If we made it this far, just imagine how much more we’re capable of.”
Staff writers Ivette Gomez and Pietra Romano contributed to this story.
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Streaming Success: White and blue streamers are shot into the air during the Wolfson, Medical and Homestead campuses graduation at loanDepot Park on April 26. LUCA LAUSELL/THE REPORTER
