STEPHENVILLE, Texas — For Sharon Espinoza and her family, her forthcoming graduation represents not only a cause for celebration but a tremendous milestone. As a proud first-generation student, Espinoza’s accomplishment carries deep significance for her family.
Raised in Irving, Texas, Espinoza was artistically inclined, developing different worlds and characters with her vivid imagination. Her high school’s extensive art program allowed her to nurture and grow her talents, instilling her passion for character design and portraiture and leading her to Tarleton State University.
“I have always loved art,” Espinoza said, “and art has always been a big part of me.”
But tragedy struck Espinoza during the second semester of her freshman year when her grandfather passed away. He had been one of Espinoza’s most devoted supporters, and grieving his death while dealing with academic pressures nearly derailed her, but she found solace in her fond memories of his encouragement.
“When I was a kid and he saw me drawing at the table, he would tell me ‘Con ganas,’” Espinoza recalls, “which essentially means ‘with strength.’”
Espinoza graduates this Saturday with a bachelor’s degree in digital media studies with a concentration in game design and minor in computer science. For Espinoza, completing her education fulfills her promise to honor her late grandfather. In addition to her studies, Espinoza has remained committed to her artwork. She has been a winner at the President’s Circle Art Show for two years in a row and previously interned with an anime studio.
Her grandfather’s fiery passion has been a guiding philosophy for Espinoza’s journey and serves as the inspiration for her commencement speech. Espinoza hopes her grandfather’s words will resonate with the audience.
“Do everything to the best of your ability,” Espinoza recalled. “You may not be perfect, but when you do your best, that effort is shown.”
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.