He also helps his dad do small things around the house and accompanies him to the grocery store and hospital, but sees those activities not as work, but as ways to bond with his dad.
Many other students might not see living on their own while balancing school and work as an “opportunity,” as Puerta called it, but he said he tries to have mature and optimistic view of the world.
“I know that I’m working really hard and I know it’s going to pay off. Everyday I wake up and learn something new,” said Puerta, pointing to school, work, and just observing city life as learning opportunities.
While Puerta has learned how to take care of himself, he’s quick to point to the support he’s received from his family, co-workers, and teachers.
“You go through a tough situation, but different places are always going to try to make you feel better,” said Puerta, citing his boss who would let him go home early if he had a big test to study for and his teachers who would offer extensions if he was having trouble finishing an assignment on time.
He also recalls his father’s hard work that allowed the family to move from an apartment near Massachusetts and Huntington avenues to their house in Orient Heights more than ten years ago.
And when Puerta walks across the stage to receive his diploma Friday afternoon, his entire family–including his grandmother who flew in from Colombia just for the ceremony–will be cheering him on.
“I’m the first one in my family to go to college the right way, straight out of high school,” said Puerta, who hopes to set an example for his nieces, and push them to exceed his goals and accomplishments.
“My mom always says I’m the captain of the family.”
And with the start of summer, Puerta has no plans to slow down.
He hopes to get a job at Boston Sports Club to save money for colllege and has been busy chatting with his new classmates on one of Stonehill’s Facebook pages.
He’s still not sure what he’d like to study, but is interested in architecture and is excited to take business and psychology classes.
“I just want to explore some things,” he said.
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Twitter: @YTFenwayKenmore
E-mail: johanna.yourtown@gmail.com