Walking hand and hand with your son or daughter makes graduation a little bit more sweet—the icing on the cake.

For some students the burden of education and taking care of a family is too much to withstand. But for several students at SF State, perseverance, encouragement and a center would be the remedy to all ailments.

About 100 people were in attendance at the 5th Annual Student Parent Graduation in the Science Technology and Theme building at SF State. The event was hosted by SF State's Stay-In-School Family Resource Center, which captured and framed the sheer joy of graduation.

“I’m very enthused. I feel like I can go out there and be a good role model for my son and the African-American community," said 48-year-old sociology graduate, Herbert Hatcher.

The celebration was full of excitement. From jamming keyboard pianos, tearful testimonial speeches, food and an emotional singing performance—the graduation was a hit with all in attendance.

“I think it was beautiful, everything came together very well. It was touching for the graduates and the guests that attended," said Kelly Komasa, program coordinator of the San Francisco Urban Institute and the Family Resource Center.

Jenny Negron, a graduate from the Child and Adolescent Development program couldn’t hold in her tears of joy when she spoke about her journey through school while raising a son.

“To my son, I love so very much, you changed my life,” said Negron. Her son would eventually run to the stand and grasp her leg with a hug.

“And for the kids out there I want to let them know they can do whatever they want. With every struggle there is a goal to achieve.”

Author, activist and teacher Elizabeth Martinez, the keynote speaker, showed her appreciation by delivering a speech to the graduates about becoming the next role models in the fight for fairness in the United States.

“This event is the all time best and unique that I have attended and I’m not just saying that,” said Martinez.

The 2005 nominee of the Nobel Peace Prize referred to the immigration debate and told the audience that minorities should aligned together to start the next revolution.

The Stay-In-School Family Resource Center is dedicated to serve and provide support, advocacy and services for low-income CalWORKs and all student parents to fulfill their goal of achieving a college degree.

“The center gives us (student-parents) a chance to focus on our studies and also motivates us to continue with our education,” said Hatcher.

Still working on her thesis, soon-to-be masters graduate Deanna Sklovsky said the Family Resource Center is an excellent program that she stumbled upon while using their room for nursing.

“(Family Resource Center) sets the right path for student-parents on their future,” said Sklovsky. “This program is needed on all campuses because many women and people with children need the services that they provide.”

Diana Spatz and Roma Guy were leaders in creating the Family Resource Center. With SF State’s student population growing, Guy and Spatz advocated with CalWORKs and the Department of Health Service to establish the center in 1998.

The Stay-In-School Family Resource is located in room 120 of the HSS building.