Marcela González Arinello

Marcela González Arinello was 31 years old, married, and raising two children when she recognized her deep desire to pursue new professional and personal goals.

“It happened while I was listening to Dr. Pedro Shuck describe the master’s of education degree at Cambridge College Puerto Rico,” she explained.

Soon after that, with the support of her family, her new journey began.

“I traveled to Boston for five weeks of accelerated classes and then took courses back in Puerto Rico with the help and mentoring of local faculty members. To tell the truth,” she admitted, “this whole adventure was unimaginable and intimidating for me. English language was not one of my strengths. Yet I was doing it.”

While working full-time, Marcela gradually completed 38 credits.

Reflecting on that time, she stated, “I gained extensive knowledge and experience that immediately helped me in my career.”

At some point, she shifted her focus away from studies to deal with work and family needs, expecting it to be a short and temporary hiatus. However, many years passed and “I unwittingly neglected to close the small gap of credits I needed to complete my degree. I felt like I had failed at my goal,” she confessed.

Marcela’s children grew up and completed post-secondary school. Her professional achievements increased as she participated in constant training in education.

“I felt passion, love and joy about my work with students, “she stated, “and yet that little voice inside reminded me that I had something pending.”

Marcela was close to turning 50 when she decided to do something important for herself and try to complete her degree. She explained what happened next: “I headed to Cambridge College. To my surprise, and certain I was guided by the hand of God, I met a young professional and enthusiastic Christopher Santiago Rosas, who received me at CC-Puerto Rico. When he heard my testimony, he smiled and said, ‘This is your time! I am sure our academic and visionary director Dr. Santiago Méndez-Hernández will study your case and you will soon be back with the Cambridge College family.’

And so it was!

“I thought I was dreaming but my goal was now only 4 months away. My classes were in my primary language with highly qualified teachers both in the classroom and through digital platforms. Undoubtedly, everything I needed was in place to conclude my dream goal,” shared Marcela.

On December 8, 2019 – after 17 years from when she had begun – Marcela crossed the finish line of her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership! She added, “Not only that, returning to the classroom brought me up to speed on new models and skills of teaching practices, leadership and administrative processes that are at the forefront and tempered to the challenges of the 21^st century. I told the little voice inside me, ‘This is truly my time!’”