September is National Student Parent Month, and South Piedmont is excited to spotlight several of the hardworking student parents who are reaching their educational goals while also providing and caring for their families.
Today we meet Enrique Caldera, a 37-year-old father of three who also works full time as a manufacturing engineer and coaches his daughter’s softball team. He enrolled at South Piedmont last year and is planning to transfer to the University of North Carolina Charlotte as part of the 49erNext program after he completes his associate degree in fall 2027. Ultimately, he aims to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, climb the professional ladder, and increase his ability to provide for his family.
His average day goes something like this: Get up, get the kids ready for school, drop them off, work a full day, get home around 4:30 p.m. and head to the softball field for practice, come home, kiss the kids good night, do homework until about midnight. Many weekends, he stays home and study while his wife, Catarena, takes Gabriel, 13, Isabella, 10, and Amaya, 4, to the park, the movies, or on other fun outings.
“The kids get a little disappointed, but they understand the importance of education and going to school,” Enrique said.
“That’s another reason I wanted to go to school. I wanted my kids to see that education is important and should be a top priority. I don’t want them to put it off. I want them to focus on their education when they’re young and they don’t have all the other responsibilities of life.”
Looking back, Enrique says he wishes he hadn’t put off enrolling in college, and he hopes his story can inspire other working parents who may be thinking it’s too late for them to earn a degree.
“For so many years, I hesitated to go to college because of my age. I felt like I was too old to start school. I want people to know you’re never too old. You’re going to have some long nights, but it’s worth it,” he said.
“The first step is always hard but it’s possible. You may feel scared or intimidated. I did too. I thought I couldn’t do it, but I was wrong. You can do it too.”
Caldera added that he wouldn’t be able to work, go to school and be a dad without his wife’s support, South Piedmont’s HyFlex classes, which allow him to attend online at times that fit his schedule, and the support of the College’s instructors.
“It’s still a lot of work, and there are some all-nighters, but it’s worth it, and I’m very grateful I am able to get my education while still working and taking care of my family.”
If you’re a parent interested in advancing your own education, we can help. Get in touch with us at spcc.edu.