Omayra Diaz

A mother of two, Omayra Diaz is earning two associate degrees at Laurel Ridge – one in computer science and one in computational data science. Though her present is busy, she’s making the choice for a brighter future.

“I knew that I needed a degree to get further in my life, and I wanted to change careers. I decided the best way to do this is to go back to school. And I’ve always wanted a degree, and this was the best way for me to move forward and to get the education and be able to say, ‘You know what? I’ve earned it.’ That’s why I’m here.”

Omayra is a first-generation college student. She was raised in a home with 11 kids. College was neither thought about nor emphasized. She says Laurel Ridge eased her return to school.

“Laurel Ridge will guide you every step of the way. Your professors, your advisors, and the school offer everything that a student will need,” Omayra explains. “Laurel Ridge has given me the confidence as a woman, as a mother, and as a professional to know that I can succeed.”

Omayra gives the computer lab at Laurel Ridge high marks. She’s learning coding, SQL, C++, and Python, among other computer skills. She’s in the honors program and is preparing to transfer to Old Dominion University, which, conveniently, has an office right on Laurel Ridge’s campus.

“I have no doubt that I’m going to be moving forward and doing what I love to do for the rest of my life because of the start that I’ve had here,” Omayra says.