El Paso Community College (EPCC) is in celebration mode as one of their own, 22-year-old Alba Lucía Quintero García, is set to graduate with an Associate of Arts in Dance. According to EPCC News, Alba is a shining example of perseverance, an international student hailing from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. She has navigated the complexities of studying abroad and emerged as a key figure amongst her peers. Her journey in dance started as an unconventional remedy to her hyperactivity in childhood, and it has since flourished into her life's passion. "Dancing means that no matter where I am, I will always have that comfort with me," Alba told EPCC News.
Her path at EPCC has not been without its hurdles. Alba has been crossing the border twice a week to attend 6:00 a.m. cheer practices, a testament to her unwavering dedication. She’s more than just a student. Alba has taken on leadership roles, including the presidency of the Dance Club, and as a member of the Speech and Debate Team, she has honed her English and public speaking skills, a feat that culminated in her competing at collegiate tournaments as far as San Diego, California. Leonor Forrestal, the assistant coach of the EPCC Spirit Squad, praised her by saying, "Alba's resilience, passion for performance, and exceptional work ethic make her a standout student and a true highlight of our program." The grueling schedule and academic rigor define her time at the college, but to Alba, the region holds a special allure, despite the early challenges of commuting. "At first it was really hard, but in the end, you discover the magic of the border. You realize El Paso and Juárez are really one big city," she explained, as obtained by EPCC News.
Family stands as an unfailing pillar in Alba's narrative of success, with particular gratitude directed towards her mother, whose encouragement has been vital. Looking ahead, Alba aspires to impart her passion for dance to others, as she plans to roll into the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) to continue her education, eyeing a future master's degree and a teaching career.
