I want to speak and help people, especially immigrants. I want to be a person who changes the lives of many people.
Magdalena De la Torre knows all about being a stranger in a strange land.
Born and raised in Mexico, she earned a college degree there and worked there for decades. In 2000, she and her husband moved to the United States to make a better life for their children.
“We had many challenges to overcome,” she said. “The language barrier was hard. But we found help.”
Now, thanks to Milwaukee Area Technical College, she’s ready to provide the assistance.
On Tuesday, May 20, earned an Office Technology certificate through the college’s Integrated Education & Training (IET) program.
In IET, students take college courses while simultaneously completing their alternative high school credential, like a High School Equivalency Diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.
De la Torre took English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at MATC, and now serves as a student ambassador in the college’s Student Life office. Someday she wants to be an advisor at MATC.
“I want to speak and help people, especially immigrants,” she said. “I want to be a person who changes the lives of many people.”
De la Torre was one of nine MATC students who received IET completion certificates at the MATC Education Center at Walker’s Square. MATC administrators and IET instructors joined the students to celebrate the occasion.
“We strive to support students like you,” said Josephine Gomez, Ed.D., dean of community education and strategic engagement. “We offer not only education, but encouragement, resources and community.”
The students received certificates in Office Technology, Healthcare Customer Service, and Entrepreneurship.
Eric Gass, Ph.D., dean of the college’s Healthcare Academic and Career Pathway, urged the students to continue their educational journeys at MATC and attain a technical diploma or associate degree. “You have a head start,” Dr. Gass said. “You have set yourselves up for future success.”
“Your commitment is honored today,” said Clavon Byrd, Ph.D., associate dean of community education. “You will always have a home here at MATC and Walker’s Square.”
Like De la Torre, Maria Casillas-Moreno grew up in Mexico. She had a large family and college wasn’t an option. “We didn’t have a lot in material wealth, but we were rich in principles and morals,” she said.
She got married and the couple came to the United States in November 2000. She took ESL classes at MATC and then discovered the GED and IET programs. She earned an Office Technology certificate and served as a student speaker with De la Torre on Tuesday.
“The IET program gave me the confidence to believe in myself,” she said. “It’s never too late to start again. I discovered I still have much to offer.”
Learn more about MATC’s IET program
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. Nearly 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; and 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.