Mother Works 84 Hours a Week While Earning Degree (in Spanish): “At SUNY Empire, It’s Possible”

42 years old and from Peru, Lidia Lizarraga is an Empire State University student balancing an intense work schedule, motherhood, and the unpredictability of living with a chronic health condition while pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in her native language. “I decided to continue chasing my dreams despite my age,” shares Lizarraga. “Starting is easy. But finishing or staying consistent is what’s hardest,” she points out.

Lizarraga is from Pucusana, a coastal town south of Lima where most people work in the fishing industry, including her father and brother. “I grew up watching my mother continue her studies while working and raising four children, eventually becoming a literacy teacher,” she recounts. “This example deeply impacted my view of education as a tool for betterment,” she adds. Her older brother’s commitment to his education also inspired Lizarraga— “He would teach me and help me prepare for exams at school,” she says.

At the end of elementary school, her family life was turned upside down. Lizarraga’s parents separated, which affected her academic performance. “That turning point made all the difference—I went from being a very good student to an average one,” she explains.

It wasn’t until later in life, once she was already a mother raising young children, that Lizarraga obtained a banking certificate in Peru, graduating first in her class. “My main motivation was my children. I think with academic studies, like with anything one does, you always have to find your motivation to do things,” she reflects. Her hard work resulted in being awarded a scholarship to continue her studies.

Unfortunately, her exceptional academic standing was not the only factor. Because her commute to campus spanned such a great distance, “transportation costs and my responsibilities prevented me from doing it,” she explains. Lizarraga declined the offer, taking comfort in the thought that “at some point, my opportunity will come,” she tells.

Lizarraga’s mother’s status as a U.S. citizen facilitated their family’s migration to the U.S., where Lizarraga has since lived as a head of household. “I am the main support of my home,” says the mother and student. She works as a home attendant, holds a real estate license, and does tax preparation. “I always worked at night, so during the day, I would do courses and certificates,” she explains. “I work seven nights a week, 84 hours—it’s a lot,” says Lizarraga.

She found herself constantly in search of educational opportunities in Spanish, as it’s “the language in which I can give 100%, because it’s my first language, the one in which I can best express myself … English hasn’t come easily to me yet,” Lizarraga shares. Her responsibilities at home, English proficiency in-progress, and her age are all factors that made any career pursuits more challenging— “I competed with people who had none of those responsibilities, and they spoke English,” she says. Nonetheless, she took every free moment to browse YouTube for any learning she could engage with in Spanish.

That is where she found out about Empire State University, and the Spanish Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). A promotional video explaining how the program works and how it was designed to serve Spanish speakers immediately piqued Lizarraga’s interest. She comments that she remembers thinking “I am going to do everything humanly possible to enroll at this university” as soon as she saw it and contacted the university that same day. “It was very difficult, but it was achieved,” says Lizarraga, who faced many obstacles while obtaining the necessary paperwork from her former institutions in Peru.

Among the many support staff that eased Lizarraga’s transition into SUNY Empire, she names Armando Flores, bilingual enrollment and partnership outreach officer, and Maria Vega, bilingual student success coordinator. “I never became discouraged,” says Lizarraga.

Since enrolling in the Spanish BBA, Lizarraga has continued maintaining her family and work responsibilities. “You are the one who has to put in the discipline,” she says, adding: “I have managed to stay focused on my goals.” The online delivery of the program requires discipline, as Lizarraga has to balance school, work, family life, and a chronic health condition, which sometimes affects her ability to study. “There are days when I cannot continue,” says the student. “But the flexibility of the program makes me understand that I will be able to do this,” she adds.

Looking ahead, Lizarraga feels that obtaining the Spanish BBA will be a game changer for her— “I think opportunities are for those who know how to take advantage of them,” she comments, emphasizing that she sees the degree as a catalyst for professional growth. Motivated to be a role model for her children, Lizarraga asserts: “I need to prove to myself that I can achieve everything I set out to do.” The 42-year-old plans to continue improving her English as she earns the Spanish-language business degree. Cheerfully, she adds, “At SUNY Empire, it’s possible.”