Going back to school wasn’t just for me, it was for my family, especially my children ... I wanted my children to see that no matter the challenges, it’s never too late to rewrite your story and break generational curses.
Three years ago, life was coming at Carina Gray fast and hard.
In March 2022, she had her second child, a son. She didn’t have a high school diploma. She had an unfulfilling job. Seven months later, her father passed away.
“There were many times I felt like I didn’t have any control over my own life,” Gray said. “But all those events that happened to me in 2022 had a profound effect on me. It made me reflect on my life and what I wanted to do with it.”
She decided to return to school and get her High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). She enrolled in the HSED program offered at Literacy Services of Wisconsin, through MATC, and earned her diploma in May 2023.
That fall she started Business Management classes at MATC. She made the President’s List for the Spring 2024 semester. She earned a Foundations of Leadership Certificate from the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), the nation's largest leadership honor society, in April 2024. And in December 2024, Gray will earn a technical diploma in business management.
For her perseverance, her academic achievements and leadership qualities, Gray was honored with the Outstanding Technical Diploma Graduate award for Fall 2024.
“If someone had told me three years ago that I would be standing here today, I would have never believed them,” Gray said at the college’s annual Academic Honors Recognition ceremony on December 4, 2024.
“I am so proud that I have made it through and could get this done. I chose to attend MATC because they offer affordable education with flexible schedules,” Gray said. “But most importantly, it offered me a second chance. A second chance to do something differently with my life.”
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Gray attended the Northwest Opportunities Vocational Academy, an alternative, school-to-work program for at-risk students from the city’s northwest side, but she eventually dropped out and took a job at Walmart.
After Gray had her son, she became an event marketer with LeafGuard, a company that manufactures gutter systems. When her father died, she knew she had to change things. Getting an HSED was the start.
“Going back to school wasn’t just for me, it was for my family, especially my children,” Gray said. “My son gave me direction, and my daughter gave me motivation. She’s so enthusiastic about learning, and I wanted to be the kind of role model who shows her that education opens doors to endless possibilities. I wanted my children to see that no matter the challenges, it’s never too late to rewrite your story and break generational curses.”
At MATC, Gray thrived in the classroom, according to her instructors.
“Carina has shown commitment and dedication to her studies,” said business instructor Doris D. Fatima Spredemann. “I was impressed with her clean presentations of her work and summaries presented through the class.”
Amarilis Martinez, an English instructor and chair of Curriculum Learning and Assessment faculty, effusively praised one of Gray’s research papers, an examination of the intersection of systemic racism and poverty.
“It was a standout project — an in-depth and thoughtfully constructed examination of two critical societal issues,” Martinez said. “She approached this challenging subject with sensitivity and used strong evidence and analysis to convey complex ideas in a clear and persuasive manner. Her work was not only academically excellent but also showed a deep sense of social awareness and a commitment to addressing issues that affect marginalized communities.
“What truly sets Carina Gray apart, however, is the way she brings her personal experiences and values into her academic and professional life,” Martinez said. “As a dedicated Business Management student and a proud mother of two, she exemplifies resilience, balance and leadership.
“Her passion for learning and growth is evident in everything she does, from her coursework to her active engagement in classroom discussions, where she often brings fresh perspectives and real-world insights from her work in marketing and business,” Martinez added. “She embodies the core values of MATC and continually strives to make a positive impact in both her personal and professional endeavors.”
Such support was crucial to Gray’s success, she said. “Their dedication to student success and willingness to provide extra help made a significant difference in my learning experience,” she said. “Their guidance encouraged me to stay motivated and confident in my studies.”
She did so well at her studies that she was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), a prestigious organization that honors top-performing students in technical education fields. “Being part of NTHS is a testament to the hard work I’ve put into my education,” Gray said. “It motivates me to keep striving for excellence in everything I do.”
Originally, Gray planned to earn an associate degree. Instead, advisors encouraged her to enroll in the technical diploma program and get an Ellen and Joe Checota Scholarship, a full-ride scholarship designed to remove financial barriers so students can earn their technical diploma or certificate and advance in careers faster.
Thanks to the Checota, Gray could concentrate on her classes while raising her two children, ages 2 and 5, and working full time.
“The scholarship was a great help,” she said. “Getting it was a victory. And for me, every small victory is a motivation. I had a lot to handle. I had a lot of sleepless nights, but I just tried to stay focused on my schoolwork as much as I could.”
Gray, a passionate music lover who writes, produces and performs her own songs, ultimately wants to establish a nonprofit organization for gifted children to nurture their creative and artistic talents, an outlet that can inspire their dreams.
“I want to give young people opportunities I didn’t have growing up and create a space where their potential can flourish,” she said.
Gray thought about taking a break from classes, but she plans to jump right back in to get her associate degree. “I finished my courses in October and ever since then I feel there is something missing in my life,” she said. “It turns out I really love going to school.”
About MATC: As Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. More than 30,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 180 academic programs — many that prepare students for jobs immediately upon completion and others that provide transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.