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From Ranch to Recognition:
What’s Next for CPS Graduate J. Martin Molinos ‘24

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If you ask J. Martin Molinos what his motto in life is, he’ll most likely say, “What’s next?”

Raised on a cattle ranch in Venezuela, Molinos knew from a young age that what came next in his life was a college education and a future in the United States. But his journey to a bachelor’s degree was not without its challenges. At 17, he left Venezuela’s soaring inflation, depreciating currency values, and volatile geo-political landscape. He landed in Ocala, FL, hoping to experience American college life. However, he lacked a solid support network and faced income instability and financial hardship, making it difficult to commit to full-time studies. Molinos eventually dropped out and found work painting houses and waiting tables. Tempted to return to his home country, he pressed on, never losing sight of his goal.
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After three years of inconsistent employment, Molinos met his now-wife, Stephanie, and moved to a new city to be with her. “Philadelphia was a breath of fresh air,” notes Molinos, “there were so many more job opportunities.” He took on myriad jobs, including restaurant server, painter, car wash attendant, and construction worker. Though he finally had a steady income stream, manual labor took its toll, leaving him so exhausted he often found it difficult to follow his passions outside of work. “I would come home after being on my feet all day and just didn’t have the energy to do anything other than sleep.”

In 2019, a new job in data entry changed his 12-hour shifts to 9 – 5, marking a significant turning point in Molinos' life. This transition was the start of his professional career. With a stable job and better working hours, he could finally pursue the education he had come to the US seeking. “My mind and body were ready to take the next step towards my future.”

For the next two years, Molinos worked tirelessly to earn his associate's degree from Montgomery County Community College. But Molinos’ life motto was always at the forefront of his mind: What’s next? His relentless pursuit of knowledge and personal growth wasn’t going to stop with his associate’s degree. Just a few weeks before completing his coursework, he had decided what’s next was a bachelor’s degree from ����ֱ�� University.

Looking for a place where he could make connections, build a personal network, and access post-degree career opportunities, ����ֱ�� rose quickly to the top of the list. “I wanted to go to an institution that would connect me with successful industry leaders. I knew ����ֱ��’s alumni network was really strong, so that was enticing.” Though he applied to other competitive universities in the region, ����ֱ��’s rigorous academic programs and adaptability for adult learners became the deciding factor in choosing to obtain his degree at ����ֱ��’s College of Professional Studies (CPS).

“Because ����ֱ�� was so flexible, I was able to do the things outside of work and school that were important to me.” Molinos managed his coursework and full-time job and was still able to contribute to his community, serving as a volunteer firefighter and playing soccer. This determination and diligence drew praise from his academic advisor, Robyn Dooley. “Martin’s focus on improving not only his life but the lives of others around him is commendable.”

His accolades didn’t stop with his advisor. Molinos excelled academically at ����ֱ�� and was inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda, a national honors society representing the top non-traditional students across more than 300 institutions nationwide. At the CPS Evening of Celebration, Molinos received the Medallion of Academic Excellence, awarded to the CPS student showing exemplary performance and receiving the highest academic standing within their major. On Friday, May 17th, Martin Molinos received his bachelor’s degree in information systems and technology.

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“My ����ֱ�� degree is more than just an academic achievement; it symbolizes confidence and is a testament to my commitment to achieving great things,” says Molinos. So, what’s next? On his horizon is graduate school and earning his MBA. Further down the road, he looks forward to starting a family and one day working for a start-up or early-stage company. The future is bright for Molinos, and with his degree from CPS, what’s next is endless possibilities. As far as his career trajectory goes, Dooley says, “Martin’s ability to stay agile and think strategically has, and will continue to, contribute to his success: personally, academically, and professionally.”

Molinos believes that purpose, passion, and hard work are at the root of success. “There’s always room to improve; I never want to be content to stay where I am; I always want to achieve more.”

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^{About ����ֱ�� University’s College of Professional Studies:��Founded in 2014, the College of Professional Studies (CPS) provides academically rigorous yet flexible educational pathways to high-achieving adult learners who are balancing professional and educational aspirations with life’s commitments. The CPS experience embodies ����ֱ��’s century-long commitment to making academic excellence accessible to students at all stages of life. Students in CPS programs engage with world-class ����ֱ�� faculty, including scholars and practitioners, explore innovative educational technologies and experiences, and join an influential network of passionate alumni. In addition to its industry-leading programs at the nexus of theory and practice, CPS has built a reputation for its personal approach and supportive community that empowers adult students to enrich their lives, enhance their value in the workplace, and embark on new careers.}

^{PURSUE THE NEXT YOU™ and visit cps.villanova.edu for more information about the college, including a full list of education and program offerings.}