“We leaned on each other for support,” Arturo said. “We studied together and worked on our own vehicle when things needed fixing. When we didn’t understand things, David would ask questions to our professors.”
David’s determination, paired with his father’s unwavering support, kept him moving forward.
“At first, I started on my own, and my journey wasn’t easy,” David said. “He decided to join me because I felt like quitting many times and he wasn’t going to let me be a quitter. This shared experience has meant a lot. It has shown me that I am capable of anything even if it takes me a little while longer to accomplish.”
The experience was equally meaningful for Arturo.
“It’s been a journey, but I had a blast,” he said. “The best part was working on cars together and walking across the stage side-by-side at graduation.”
Their academic milestone did not come without its sacrifices. Arturo juggled full-time work, classes and family responsibilities, often getting home late at night. One of the hardest parts was missing his daughter’s extracurricular events.
“It was an adjustment for everyone, especially one of my daughters who also has autism,” he said. “There were nights I didn’t get home until 9:30 p.m., but I was determined to show David and my other children that it’s never too late to go after your goals. We studied together and leaned on each other for support every step of the way. I was determined to prove to my children that hard work and sacrifice pay off.”
With their certificates in hand, Arturo and David plan to look for work in the automotive field, with hopes of one day opening a small mechanic shop together.
Arturo encourages other parents to consider taking the leap and going back to school, no matter the age or circumstance.
“It’s never too late. If you’ve never attended college or want to go back to pursue something that will benefit you and your family, go for it. It will all be worth it and they’ll see it’s never too late to chase something better.”
David credits his father for helping him believe in himself and considers him his greatest inspiration and advocate.
“The one thing I’ve learned from my dad is to never give up and keep following my dreams. Thank you for everything you did to help me succeed. Even though I have autism, anything is possible—not just for me, but for everyone else.”
This father-son duo not only earned a certificate, but they’ve also created a powerful legacy of love, resilience and shared purpose.
For more information on STC’s Automotive Technology program visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/automotive/.