Julio and Carletta Caesar
with Joshua and Yosha

Students

“We’re both studying computers—that's the way of the world. And with all these children, we'll need to land good employment.”

When the Caesar family makes its way across the SMC campus, it sometimes looks almost like a caravan. There are book bags, strollers, lunch pails, diaper bags, toys and whatever else they need to carry with them to make it through a day of study. But with two young kids and another one on the way, Julio and Carletta report that, even with all the baggage, they couldn't be happier about what they’re doing.

“I love this college, and Julio just can’t wait to get here in the morning,” says Carletta. “We’re both coming back to school after many years, because—since having children—we’ve realized that learning is something you have to do continuously. And we’re both concerned about educating our children too.” Both Caesars are studying computer science—Carletta to get her certificate in programming and Julio on a work/study program. “Julio is really working hard and studying hard,” says Carletta proudly. “He’s from the Dominican Republic, so naturally his primary language is Spanish. So he’s also studying English because he’d really like to speak it much better. He has a very good mind,” she continues, “and both of us want to do all we can to better ourselves.”

Carletta is also studying guitar to “put a little professional polish on my playing,” and can sometimes be found strumming on campus. But wherever you find the Caesars, you’ll also find their children. “Whether you’re old or young, there’s a place for everyone at SMC. And that includes the kids,” she says. “We usually stagger our classes, so one of us is always with them. But once Julio had to take them into class, and they just sat there quietly and doodled until I could pick them up. Sometimes I think they think their home is SMC.”

Back