Senior Spotlight: Delano’s Ruby Bravo Graduates High School with Three College Degrees

Thanks to the extensive early college programs offered by high school districts across Kern County, many local seniors can graduate with more than just a few college credits to their name. In fact, a growing number are earning full associate degrees before they even leave their high school campus. Ruby Bravo, who recently graduated from Delano High School, has earned three degrees: two Associate of Arts (AA) degrees from Bakersfield College (BC) and one Associate of Science (AS) degree from Cerro Coso Community College.

How did she accomplish this? Ruby says she just took the opportunities that came her way. 

“At first, I didn’t believe I was going to be able to do it,” Ruby said. I was expecting the one for Cerro Coso, but I only thought it was going to be one [degree] from BC. I just feel glad that I was able to do it, and it’s going to be a major help for me and my future education.”

Ruby’s path to higher education began when she started taking a few Bakersfield College courses at the Delano campus to get a head start on her general education requirements for her eventual transfer to California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB). At first, she didn’t realize that those classes would also qualify her for not just one, but two associate degrees—one in history and one in liberal arts.

Ruby says her teacher, Mr. Chavez, informed her about the AA degrees available, in addition to a three-year Health Academy, which enabled Ruby to pursue the AS degree in Medical Assisting from Cerro Coso. She is interested in becoming a nurse, but first, she wants to serve her country. 

“I’m looking forward to being a registered nurse and pursuing my bachelors in nursing, and I will eventually be going to CSUB for that,” Ruby said. “But that will be after I finish with the military because I recently enlisted in the Army Reserves.”

The nursing program and the AS degree provide Ruby with the qualifications to secure a job as a medical assistant during the summer. She said she likes nursing for the career benefits it offers, plus she has always had the desire to help people. 

“During the time I was in the medical program, they gave us the opportunity to go to externships every day for two hours at different sites,” Ruby recalled. “I was here in the community, helping the elderly and children.” 

Ruby goes off to basic training in South Carolina this August. It will be the first time she’s been this far away from home. Ruby chose the Army Reserves for the chance to serve, a free education, and because she would be working part-time with the opportunity to come home. 

“I’m able to study and still be with my family. I can see them and have time with them,” she explained. 

Saul Ayon has been a good friend and neighbor of Ruby since middle school. Also on track to join the military, Saul went through the nursing program with Ruby and knows how challenging it can be. He says he’s so proud of everything Ruby has achieved.

“Obviously, there were times where she had doubts, but I was always there to cheer her up, because it’s really hard,” he said. “Three AA degrees is not easy work. She pulled through, and I’m really proud of her.”

That same pride is also reflected in Ruby’s mother, Rocio Mendoza, who says Ruby has always been a dedicated and disciplined person ever since she was a child. Mendoza says she thinks parents should set an example for their children and try to inspire them to pursue higher education. Ruby remembers her parents telling her they were proud of her just for getting her diploma. 

“My parents come from Mexico, and the highest education they had was high school,” Ruby explained. “They were just happy with me trying to complete high school. 

Those three degrees are going to serve Ruby well when she reports for duty with the Army Reserves. 

“I could get more benefits out of it right now because I have the three AA degrees. They told me I could actually go into basic training as an officer,” Ruby said.

Mendoza says Ruby is now setting an excellent example for her two younger brothers and younger sister, showing them the path forward for their own futures. 

“I just want them to be aware that they can do anything they want,” Ruby said. 

Ruby’s advice to other students who are looking toward college while finishing high school: go for it. She says she didn’t even know it was possible until she had succeeded. 

“I actually never believed anything like this would happen; it’s shocking to believe that I got three degrees,” she said. “Don’t think it’s impossible because it is possible. If I was able to do it, anyone can.”