Faces of Our Strategic Plan: The Lopez-Cortez Family

Before Luz del Carmen Lopez moved to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 22, a college education felt very out of reach. “I come from that culture where the women don’t study and so when I came to the United States [I thought] maybe I can make my dreams a reality,” said Lopez. Lopez’s dreams included becoming a teacher. At age 35 when she set out to make that happen, her friends told her about the Transiciones program at Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC).

“When I entered the Transiciones program at Mt. Hood…I discovered that Transiciones is a pathway for my studies, my dreams, and my family,” said Lopez.

Transitions and its sister program, Transiciones, are career planning and college preparation programs available at MHCC for those who may find it challenging to begin or continue with their college education. The program provides students the support they need to develop career goals, get comfortable with the college and its resources, make friends within a support network of professionals and peers, and develop time management skills and study strategies. Students also learn how to apply for scholarships and to develop lifelong career development skills. When Lopez started in the program she was introduced to Jenny Ruelas who at the time was a programs assistant and is now the Transiciones and Matched College Savings Program coordinator.

“[Lopez has] always been very organized and on top of her goals,” said Ruelas. Through Transiciones, Lopez received help figuring out which classes to register for, how to sign up for the Federal WorkStudy program, and how to apply for scholarships.

“The money was a barrier,” said Lopez, “but it’s not impossible when you are determined, when you have goals, it’s not impossible.”

Lopez started her academic journey in English as a second language classes and eventually earned her associate degree in early childhood development in 2021. Her education helped her secure a position as a teacher at a local preschool.

“I love the kids and I feel happy…seeing their face when they [learn] something,” said Lopez. “I love when I support families when their child has some barriers like autism or problems with the language. That’s my favorite is that I can do something for their kids and their family.”

Because of her positive experience, Lopez encouraged her two daughters, Catherine Cortez and Caitlin Cortez to participate in the Transitions/ Transiciones program.

Catherine Cortez graduated from high school in 2018 and with the support and guidance of her mom, became the first person in her family to enroll in college immediately after high school. To her, it seemed like the right thing to do.

“Growing up I knew that my dad didn’t finish high school and my mom did finish high school but it took her a very long time to go back and finish college and I saw how difficult it was for her to kind of manage family and school and work,” said Catherine Cortez. “I also kind of wanted to set an example for my siblings…because I knew that my siblings would be looking up [to] that.”

When deciding which school to attend, Catherine Cortez followed in her mom’s footsteps.

“My mom was in the Transitions/Transiciones program a few years back and she recommended that I take that program. So, I joined the program in the fall of 2018,” said Catherine Cortez.

Catherine Cortez enrolled in the Transitions program and through that, was able to participate in the Federal Work-Study program to help fund her education. Catherine Cortez said Transitions also helped her figure out courses to take and which career path was best suited for her interests and goals.

Catherine Cortez ultimately decided to pursue a degree in criminology and criminal justice. When she decided to transfer to Portland State University (PSU) to continue down her chosen career path, Transitions helped her with the transferring process as well.

After graduating in December 2022 from PSU with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Catherine Cortez secured a position as a legal assistant at a Portland immigration law firm.

“It’s going good, I’m learning a lot. I’m hoping to become an immigration lawyer after deciding on law school,” said Catherine Cortez.

Lopez’s other daughter Caitlin Cortez graduated from high school in 2020 and is currently studying at MHCC and is working toward a degree in general studies.

“I’ve seen that my mom has been able to do it, that my sister has been able to do it, and it shows that if they can do it, I can do it, and so can anyone,” said Caitlin Cortez, “you just have to put in the work and not be afraid to reach out and have to believe in yourself.”

Caitlin Cortez shared that she has grown a lot in various ways since enrolling in classes and securing employment through the Federal Work-Study program.

“I’m definitely a shy person and I’ve gotten out of my comfort zone and out of my bubble,” said Caitlin Cortez, “I found out that I enjoy helping others.”

“MHCC has made a huge impact on me,” said Caitlin Cortez.

The Lopez-Cortez family is a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of support systems for those who may face challenges in pursuing their academic and career goals. Through the Transitions/ Transiciones program at MHCC, Luz del Carmen Lopez and her two daughters Catherine and Caitlin Cortez were able to overcome barriers and achieve their dreams of higher education and career success. By sharing their experiences and encouraging one another, the Lopez-Cortez family has shown that with determination, hard work, and a support network, goals that seem out of reach are attainable.