MADERA, Calif. (FOX26) — While most high school seniors are preparing to receive their diplomas, 17-year-old Shaira Castillo-Ponce is celebrating two academic milestones.
The Liberty High School senior graduated from Madera Community College with an associate degree in May. This month, she will walk across the stage again to receive her high school diploma.
Her rare accomplishment makes her part of the two percent of students nationwide who earn a college degree before graduating high school.
For Castillo-Ponce, the achievement is just the beginning.
“I plan on attending Fresno Pacific and getting my bachelor’s in health sciences and then hopefully attending medical school and getting my doctorate,” she said.
The first-generation college student says her goal has always been to push herself beyond expectations.
“Just going above and beyond was my goal because I really wanted to set the bar high,” Castillo-Ponce said.
Her parents and younger sisters served as her biggest source of motivation throughout her journey.
“Obviously, my parents, but I would also have to say my sisters,” she said.
As the first in her family to navigate the college process, Castillo-Ponce faced challenges and uncertainty along the way.
“It was challenging because I’m the first one to go up,” she explained.
Now, she hopes her success will help create a roadmap for her younger sisters and inspire them to dream even bigger.
“My sisters can come in and even set the bar even higher,” she said. “I just want them to have their plan set and not be as confused as I was.”
Her mother, Antonia Ponce, says watching her daughter reach this milestone has been emotional and rewarding.
“It’s a feeling of pride to see your daughter achieve this,” Ponce said. “We experienced that moment at Madera College, and it’s hard to believe. You look at her and think, ‘That’s my daughter.’ At just 17 years old, look at what she’s accomplished. We’re very proud of her.”
The family recalls moments when earning both a high school diploma and a college degree at the same time seemed impossible. They say some counselors questioned whether the workload would be manageable.
But Castillo-Ponce remained focused and determined.
Now, she encourages other students to take advantage of opportunities and seek help when needed.
“No matter how small or big it is, get involved,” she said. “Don’t worry about whether your friends are doing it or not.”
She also emphasizes the importance of asking questions and using available resources.
“Always ask questions and go to tutoring, whether that be early in the morning or staying after school,” she said.
This fall, Castillo-Ponce will attend Fresno Pacific University as a junior, bringing her one step closer to her ultimate goal of becoming a pediatrician.
“I’ve always loved working with kids,” she said. “I want kids to come to me feeling comfortable, not scared or worried about coming in. I just want them to feel loved.”
Her mother hopes to one day watch that dream become reality.
“I’m so excited,” Ponce said. “God willing, I hope her dream of becoming a pediatrician comes true. She absolutely loves working with children. When that day comes, we’ll be there to celebrate.”
Castillo-Ponce is scheduled to graduate from Liberty High School on June 10 before beginning classes at Fresno Pacific University this fall. She hopes to eventually return to the Central Valley as a pediatrician and serve as a role model for future generations of first-generation students.