Watch the 2025 Commencement Ceremony Live: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Rachel Romero was a top student with big dreams— until life threw her off course. Dropping out of high school wasn’t part of the plan, but becoming a mom changed everything. Now she’s a proud Rio Salado grad and this year’s student commencement speaker, ready to tell her story of turning setbacks into a comeback.
“Growing up, I was always a smart kid and an A+ student,” Romero said. “I had goals to attend university after high school. Everyone expected great things from me. On paper, everything looked great.”
Then everything changed.
“My family underwent a traumatic event that affected us all for years,” Romero said. “I struggled to get to school most days. I suffered from depression during freshman year. By junior year, I had lost my passion for school and eventually dropped out.”
In 2021, everything changed again - but this time for the better.
“I welcomed my daughter in October 2021, and instantly fell in love with the most beautiful girl I have ever laid eyes on,” Romero said. “My sweet daughter, Nova, became my reason for existing. I grew up in an instant, as if the fog had cleared from my jaded mind.”
With a newfound purpose, Romero knew what she had to do.
“One night while I was looking at this delicate and pure child, I realized I would have to tell her that I was a high school dropout,” Romero said. “I knew then and there that my shortcomings needed to be addressed head-on.”
Romero, who had earned her high school equivalency diploma from Rio Salado in 2017, decided to fill out a financial aid application and enroll in college.
“I chose Rio Salado College because their classes start almost every Monday,” Romero said. “Everything from the starting dates to the coursework accommodated my busy life and continuously changing schedule.”
Romero found online classes difficult at first, but then found her groove.
“Being in charge of my own schedule not only allowed me to complete classes at my own pace, but it taught me how to be disciplined and focused,” Romero said. “I also had wonderful instructors who offered guidance and support.”
Romero decided to pursue an associate in arts degree with an emphasis in psychology at Rio Salado.
One of her favorite classes centered on serial killers and mass murderers (AJS192).
“I did not know you could take such a class,” Romero said. “But not only was this class informative, it reminded me how much I enjoy being challenged and taught me to think critically.”
Romero recently completed her degree program, and is looking forward to the Rio Salado College commencement ceremony in May.
“This graduation means so much to me because, for a long time, it felt completely out of reach,” Romero said. “I sat at the bottom of a dark abyss and managed to climb out of that hole to not just live, but to thrive.”
Romero’s next step on her educational journey has already started. She was recently accepted at Arizona State University where she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She also hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing for her future career.
“I want to work as a pediatric mental health professional and help children who struggle with mental health disorders,” Romero said. “I eventually would like to open my own practice that includes therapists and primary care doctors to provide patients with well-rounded care.”
Romero credits the birth of her daughter, support from her family and Rio Salado College for her putting her on the path to success.
“I started this journey for my daughter and I am continuing on this journey for myself,” Romero said. “Thanks to Rio Salado, I have been able to reach unimaginable new heights. Rio helped me to unlock my true potential and become the person that I always wanted to be.”