By Maira Hernandez
For Jocelyn Rios, earning a college degree was never just a personal goal — it became part of building a future for her family.
This spring, Rios graduates from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in communication from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences after helping shape ASU Local – Long Beach during its inaugural year.
ASU Local is a hybrid program pairing online coursework with in-person coaching and mentorship.
Before joining ASU Local, Rios began her academic journey at another university. When ASU Local launched in Long Beach, she became one of just four students who took a chance on the new program and helped pave the way for future cohorts.
The flexibility of ASU Local allowed Rios to continue pursuing her education while maintaining her full-time role as a team lead at a medical diagnostics site. Balancing work and school required persistence and adaptability, but her college experience extended far beyond the classroom.
Throughout her academic journey, Rios also planned her wedding and became a first-time mother, welcoming a baby girl while continuing her studies full time.
The path to graduation was not always easy. Between the responsibilities of leadership at work, academic deadlines and major life milestones, Rios continually found ways to persevere and remain committed to earning her degree.
As part of ASU Local – Long Beach’s first cohort, Rios experienced firsthand the growth of a new educational model designed for students balancing careers, family responsibilities and education simultaneously. What began with just four pioneering students has since grown into a thriving program now serving more than 50 students at Long Beach City College. The program’s flexibility created an opportunity for her to continue progressing toward graduation while maintaining a full life outside of school.
Now, as she prepares to graduate, Rios looks forward to celebrating the milestone with her family and hopes her journey serves as an example for her daughter in the years ahead.
Learn more about ASU Local at asulocal.asu.edu.
