Alumna Angelica Selvas dedicates degree to daughters

A mother of two girls, Angelica Selvas stepped out of her comfort zone to pursue a dream. As a result, she graduated with her elementary education degree from Newman University in December 2023.

The path to get there was challenging and overwhelming at times, but Selvas worked hard to find her way through.

She now teaches first grade at Georgia Matthews Elementary in Garden City, Kansas.

“I love every minute of it and I thank Newman and all my instructors for helping me learn to love what I do and do it well,” said Selvas.

Shifting back into a student role was tough for her at first, but once she got into her routine, she felt like she could accomplish anything. She attributes that to her professors, who Selvas said helped her believe in herself.

She began to enjoy the busyness of being in school, including the long nights of homework that resulted in new knowledge.

“It’s funny. Now I feel like I’m missing something … and wonder if I should just go back for my master’s because I feel like I need more to do.”

A one-of-a-kind educational experience

Selvas said Newman felt like home, adding that Newman was a place to start and just keep growing.

Selvas poses with her two daughters on the Newman University campus.

Walking across the stage to receive her diploma was a very proud moment for Selvas — especially to do so in front of her children. She wanted to show them that no matter what is happening in life, they could do anything they set their minds to.

“I feel honored to be able to show my kids. And this bachelor’s degree, I dedicated to my kids because if it wasn’t for them, I would have given up pretty much the first week,” explained Selvas.

Her children witnessed many late-night study and homework sessions and often joined her to complete their own homework alongside her.

“My degree, truly, is for my daughters,” she said. “It signifies everything for me. I did it for them and now they see me and say, ‘My mom’s like super mom.'”

Becoming a teacher has given Selvas a new perspective on parenting as well, helping her be more attentive to her own children’s educational needs.

“I love every minute of teaching,” she said. “Not just the teaching, but also, it follows me home. We teach our children too.”