Perla (left) and Ayleen Grijalva
Some may remember Perla Grijalva from a December 2022 Donnelly College mailing. An exciting update is that Perla’s daughter, Ayleen, is pursuing a degree at Donnelly as well. Perla completed her associate degree in December 2023 while simultaneously taking classes to complete Donnelly’s bachelor’s degree in business leadership. Ayleen is in her second semester of Donnelly’s associate of arts program.
Why did you choose to attend Donnelly College?
Perla – I attended a college fair at Ayleen’s high school Sumner Academy of Arts & Science. We went looking for college options for Ayleen. I stopped at the Donnelly table and struck up a conversation in Spanish with the admissions representative. I expressed my dream of going to college as a first-generation student. The Donnelly representative encouraged me to go back to school and gave me her business card. A few months later, I found the Donnelly business card while cleaning my house and decided to call. Initially, I planned to attend classes for one semester to see if pursuing a college degree was feasible. It was! I am so glad I found the business card and called.
Ayleen – I came to Donnelly because of my mom. I attended a local university right out of high school and it was not a good fit for me. My mom encouraged me to try Donnelly because it is an excellent, small school. The faculty and staff are “on you” about your grades. That was the difference I needed – knowing someone genuinely cares about me. It was a great decision.
What is your favorite thing about going to school together?
Perla – I love seeing her every day so I can understand her better. We connect on a student-to-student level and have other things to talk about other than family matters. It has deepened our relationship. Going to school with Ayleen has provided support and a distraction from the loss of my other daughter Evelyn, who died of cancer at the age of nine.
Ayleen – At first, I was “iffy” about it. Since I moved out of her house and am on my own, it has been a good way to get together, connect, and build our relationship. She is my best friend.
What is the worst thing about going to school together?
Perla – Nothing.
Ayleen – That my mom knows when I am late to or miss a class.
What are your future plans?
Perla – After completing my bachelor's in business leadership from Donnelly, I plan to continue my work with our non-profit - Team Evelyn. I love to help others and will look for local volunteer opportunities, especially at Children’s Mercy.
Ayleen – I love working with kids. Because of a Donnelly career fair, I got a job at Corinth Elementary as a lead in their after-school program. I am also a Bloch Scholar. After I graduate from Donnelly in 2025, I will pursue a degree in elementary education from UMKC.
Is there anything else you would like to mention?
Perla – I am so happy and blessed to have found Donnelly. It is like therapy. It warms my heart to see Ayleen working on her dreams too. She needed time after the passing of Evelyn. But now we are on the same page.
Ayleen – I feel so lucky and appreciative when I think that my mom is at school with me. I am motivated by my mom. She is a better student than me. Some family members may be jealous of her, but I am proud of my mom. After the passing of my sister Evelyn, it was rough. Everyone grieves differently. School has reconnected me with my family.