Meet the Class of 2023: Karina Quintanar, Come Back Kids Charter, RCOE

At seventeen years old, Karina Quintanar encountered struggles beyond her ability to control – primarily the loss of her brother -- which led to her dropping out during her senior year.

“When my brother was murdered, it was the worst feeling ever. I was pregnant at the time,” Karina stated.

Years later, Karina took on the role of mother to a three-year-old and caretaker for her husband, after he suffered a stroke in 2016. At this time, she became the sole provider for their growing family as well.

While caring for her young daughter and her husband, Karina worked at Planned Parenthood, where she was introduced to Come Back Kids Charter (CBK) and ultimately was able to continue her education and pursue an associate degree in nursing.

“I used to work for their [Planned Parenthood’s] educational department, so I used to see CBK a lot. I would do a lot of outreach, go to events, and do work out in the community,” Karina said. “They were very supportive of me – they knew about my anxiety and they were like my second home – I would go home, take care of my husband, and work.”

Family is Karina’s main motivation in her journey to continue her education and pursue her degree.

“My daughters are very supportive. They tell their teachers, ‘My mom’s gonna graduate – she’s gonna have a cap and gown,’” Karina said excitedly. “It's very motivating to hear them say those things to their teachers.”

Karina also credits her sister as her biggest supporter throughout the duration of her struggles with loss, anxiety and depression.

“They would always support me, especially my sister with my children. I was going through so much,” Karina said. “When depression hit me really hard, I didn’t have much interest in doing certain things, but they were always supportive and would say ‘Come on, let's go to the park.’”

Karina’s efforts in pursuing her education after several years away were recognized by her teacher Amy Flaherty when she nominated Karina for the Reaching At-Promise Students Association (RAPSA) Courage Award, which honors students who demonstrate courage in overcoming obstacles and pursuing academic excellence and dreams.

As she discussed her future, Karina stated that continuing her education has made an impact on her children as well. They see her perseverance and understand how important it is to do well in school – especially with her oldest child.

“Her teacher knew about me going back to school and she noticed a big difference with my oldest,” Karina said.

When Karina ultimately received the RAPSA award, she noticed how it not only encouraged her, but also her daughters.

“They were struggling in school, especially my oldest – she wasn’t doing well in school,” Karina said. “This award has changed not only me, but her. She’s started doing better in school.”

In her student nomination form for Karina, Flaherty wrote,“Karina faced many unusual barriers to come back and finish her remaining credits for her high school diploma.” Flaherty continues, “She graduated as an exemplar CBK student, and after she obtained all of her credits and graduated, she immediately enrolled in the Riverside City College (RCC) Nursing Program.”

Through CBK, Karina was able to graduate early this past December and is currently enrolled at RCC to earn her associate degree in registered nursing, beginning in the fall. After finishing there, Karina plans to further explore her options as a registered nurse and intends on setting an example for her youngest daughter, who is interested in becoming a nurse just like her mother.

“It's never too late” is Karina’s advice to others who share a similar experience to her. “I've been through so much,” she emotionally exclaimed, “but I’ve graduated now.”