Tampa native, Edith Dominguez, is a first-generation full-time college student who put her educational journey on hold to care for her family. Despite life’s trials, she enrolled at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) and graduated in spring 2024.
Edith’s story starts with a tragic change in her home life after losing her dad at age 14, drastically shifting her family’s financial stability. At age 16, Edith dropped out of Leto High School and immediately started working to support her family. For two years, she worked multiple full-time and part-time jobs, caring for her 90-year-old grandfather until he was placed in an assisted living facility for 24-hour care. Without having to worry about her grandfather as much, Edith decided to shift her focus to her future.
Edith always knew she wanted to create an impact and before entering college full-time, she pursued acting. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic forced those plans to come to a halt, but it helped her realize she could accomplish much more.
“If I can put my mind to that, I can put it to anything. If I could pursue that, then I can pursue college,” she said.
Edith was introduced to HCC by her friends and their experiences. She was inspired by their faculty relations and found the College convenient and cost-affordable. She registered for both online and in-person classes on the Dale Mabry Campus for business administration and management, enrolling in 2021 after receiving her General Educational Diploma (GED) within the same month.
“I thought it was the best route, and it was,” she said.
When describing her HCC experience, Edith saw her journey as impactful. She had made lifelong connections with her peers, as well as HCC faculty and staff through her inclusion in the business program. Edith knew she wanted to further her education to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of South Florida (USF) and eventually focus on her career and impact on others.
Her educational journey was not the easiest – her grades were affected when her grandfather contracted COVID-19. During that time, she was in constant communication with her professors and received the support needed to succeed in her classes.
“Network with your teachers,” she said. “I found out the more you email them and talk and ask questions, the more familiar they are with you.”
Before graduating, Edith received the opportunity to give a speech at HCC’s annual Presidential Showcase, hosted by the
HCC Foundation. The Presidential Showcase is a banquet that gathers College leadership, community partners, faculty, staff, students and alumni to network and see the numerous college resources and programs that have benefited HCC students. This annual event helps raise money for scholarships and has received over $3 million in funds since its inception to support first-generation college students like Edith.
Denise Godfrey, HCC Major Gifts Officer, believed in Edith, pushing her to pursue the opportunity to share her story at the Presidential Showcase.
“I was trying not to be judged or show vulnerability. I didn’t tell anyone for four years that my dad died, and no one knew it changed the projection of my life. I was afraid to face judgment and prejudice,” Edith said. “The process changed my way of thinking, challenged the fear of what others thought of me to gain that confidence and self-esteem.”
Edith had never attended an event like the Presidential Showcase and was both excited and nervous to come face-to-face with community leadership.
“Coming to terms with vulnerability and being comfortable with who I am as a person changed my life,” she said. “It was hard and motivating with mental and physical challenges to overcome and be true to myself to let that shine.”
Edith’s speech touched the hearts of many in attendance.
“A lot of them had stories like mine. Seeing those in the community come from my background, helped me expand my mirrored view,” she said. “I left feeling inspired. It helped me come to terms with who I am. That helps you successfully step into who you are as a person.”
The relief and success in forming connections pushed Edith to finish her degree and finalize her ideas of what she wanted to do to impact others. Her family were immigrants and were never taught the importance of life insurance and savings which directly impacted them when their financial situation changed. Edith’s plans for the future include opening a non-profit for anyone who wants to learn financial literacy at no cost.
“Put yourself out there,” she said. “I was scared in the beginning and scared of judgment. Even if you’re a people-person, it’s scary, but it’s worth getting over that fear and putting yourself first and being your number one motivator.”
Edith is currently enrolled at USF and is pursuing a finance degree. She has already been looking into their master’s program. To this day, Denise continues to be a stable support beam in Edith’s life. She’s gone as far as walking with Edith in line at the 2024 commencement ceremony when her mom was unable to attend. From the beginning, Denise told Edith, “The world is your oyster.”
Her HCC journey has concluded, but she has left with lifelong connections that continue to mentor and guide her through her educational impact and drive.
“Stay humble, stay true to yourself and come from a mentality of wanting to learn,” Edith says. “Life and people will surprise you.”