A family of graduates, and a mother’s dream deferred

Cristina Flores-Villarreal watched with pride as her sons, Gueriel and Eduardo Mendes-Flores, walked across the stage at Texas A&M University in College Station, earning degrees in environmental studies and political science. Both went on to attend law school, building impressive careers. To anyone watching, her story was one of a mother whose sacrifices were worthwhile.

But she had unfinished business with her own dreams.

On May 25, at age 58, Flores-Villarreal donned her cap and gown and walked the stage at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas—earning her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. As the oldest graduate in her class, and possibly in the program’s history, she brought more than a diploma—she brought decades of quiet strength, fierce love, and unstoppable perseverance.

“I always wanted to finish my bachelor’s degree,” Flores-Villarreal said. “But I was raising my kids, taking care of my parents, and running a printing business.”

A childhood rooted in dentistry

Growing up in a family of dental professionals in Mexico, Flores-Villarreal once envisioned a future in oral health. Her father was a general dentist, and her siblings became specialists—one an oral surgeon, another an orthodontist, and yet another a pediatric dentist. However, after her divorce and while raising her children, she had to put that dream on hold.

“I couldn’t give my children everything financially,” she added, “but I could give them vision, discipline, and belief in themselves.”

The spark to start again

After the passing of her father in 2013 and the loss of her mother during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Flores-Villarreal found herself at home in Mexico and all of her children grown. She decided to return to school.

With both family encouragement and financial support, she completed her associate degree and additional science courses at Laredo College and was subsequently accepted into the College of Dentistry.

“When you are out of the loop for such a long time, it’s hard to believe that people would be interested in what you have to say,” said Flores-Villarreal, whose college records date back to 1987.

Her resilience and perseverance continue to impress Professor Maureen Brown, the interim executive director of the dental hygiene program.

“She made no excuses for her age, but she did comment many times how it took her longer to study and retain information than her younger counterparts,” Brown said. “Even with this knowledge, Cristina still volunteered her time to serve as one of the class technology chairs.”

Backed by her biggest supporters

Going back to school wasn’t easy—but Flores-Villarreal didn’t go it alone. Her sons, now both attorneys, and her daughter, Maria Cristina Mendes-Flores of Lewisville—currently studying cybersecurity at Western Governors University—were her biggest supporters. They say she’s always been their greatest teacher—an excellent example of how learning runs deep in the family.

All of her children, along with nearly 40 extended family members, came together in May to watch her graduate.

“My mom is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to follow your dreams,” said Eduardo Mendes-Flores, who recently passed the bar exam. Mom celebrated by giving him a dental cleaning at the college.

What comes next

Today, Flores-Villarreal’s degree is more than a credential—it’s a symbol of second chances, lifelong dreams, and enduring purpose. Her story reminds us that education has no age limit—and that mothers, too, deserve to chase their dreams.

Flores-Villarreal is already looking ahead. She hopes to one day teach in the dental hygiene field, in a role that would require her to earn a master’s degree first.

“It’s never too late… Everything has fallen into place exactly as it should have,” she said.