38-year-old homeless mother of 3 survives challenges, bags degree at US university

In a heartwarming story of determination and resilience, Emma Lopez Ruano, a 38-year-old mother of three children, has triumphed over homelessness and drug addiction to earn her degree at Mount San Antonio College in the United States.Emma Ruano graduated from Mount San Antonio College with an associate degree in alcohol and drug counseling. She candidly shared her incredible journey in an interview with ABC, emphasizing the adversities she has faced along the way.

Emma's path to graduation was anything but easy. She had to confront not only her own personal struggles but also the responsibilities of raising three teenagers. Reflecting on her journey, Emma donned her graduation cap, which bore the poignant message: "The message is hope. The promise is freedom."

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She expressed, "I didn't think graduating college was even possible for me anymore. I have three kids who are all teenagers. My oldest is graduating high school this year, so this was something that I didn't think I could even do."

Emma's journey was marked by the challenges she faced in her 20s when she found herself trapped in a cycle of drug addiction and poor life choices. She recalled, "In my 20s, I started doing drugs and I started doing really bad, making really bad choices."

Despite numerous attempts to overcome her struggles, Emma found herself unable to regain control over her life, eventually leading to her homelessness. She admitted, "I couldn't manage my life anymore."

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Initially, Emma had modest goals, intending to earn a vocational certificate. However, her determination and the support she received along the way transformed her ambitions. "I didn't think I was going to graduate. I just wanted to go for a vocational certificate. And it just evolved little by little," she explained.

Studying in the United States provided Emma with numerous opportunities to transform her life and prove herself to the world. Scholarships and educational programs offer individuals like Emma the chance to rewrite their stories and pursue their aspirations.

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Emma attributed her success to the counselors at Mount San Antonio College who guided her and provided the encouragement she needed to persevere. Her story serves as a testament to the power of determination and resilience in overcoming life's challenges and achieving remarkable personal transformations.