For many Latino families, college graduation ceremonies are a big deal – especially if you’re a first generation college student who has worked tremendously hard to attain your diploma. Not only is this graduation ceremony about the graduate, but about all of their loved ones who have worked hard to help make this accomplishment possible.

Overall, these graduation ceremonies get emotional AF, and here are pictures that prove it…

Here’s a picture that captures the heart warming moment of meeting your family at the end of the stage.

Along with this picture, 2018 graduate Jessica said, “Getting here was not easy. I had many bumps, detours, and moments of self doubt, but I stuck to it and without adversities I wouldn’t be the strong mujer I am today.”

And if there’s one picture that illustrates your family’s pride and joy, it’s this one.

After graduating from University of California, Riverside, graduate Eric Gonzalez said, “I owe every single blessing and opportunity I’ve had in life to them.”

It’s these types of hugs that make the best graduation gifts.

University of California, Merced graduate Karina Franco celebrated with her family and said, “Today, after a lot of hard work and struggles, these photos are a testimony to [my parents’] resilience and determination.”

At the end of your graduation ceremony, it’s hard not to smother your loved ones with kisses.

After walking the stage, graduate Yisela Saenzpardo emphasized, “For those of you who are doubting yourself, don’t. Because anything is possible and you are capable. I couldn’t have done it without my family. They should’ve been the ones to walk the stage. Especially my parents.”

And the smiles you see on your family’s faces is absolutely priceless.

Graduate Andreina Small celebrated her moment by stating, “Grandpa this one is for you! Familia, this is for you! Mi raza, esto es para ti.”

Considering the sacrifices your parents have made for you to have a better life, come graduation it’s a very emotional moment.

In a Twitter post, graduate Camila Silva explained why this moment was especially special to her. She described, “When my school discovered I was undocumented, my scholarship and in-state tuition were taken away. I told my papi that I was going to drop out and work instead. My papi told me he’d cut his arm off before I dropped out. Today I graduated and he’s why.”

You can’t help but to smile, shout and celebrate.

College graduate Jeff Ibar celebrated with his mom in receiving his doctorate from the University of Houston.

It’s little moments like this that make your graduation day 100x more special.

College graduate Erica celebrated receiving her Bachelors from California State University, Long Beach.

Graduation day is an explosion of joy for many Latino families, and here’s a photo that proves it.

College graduate Wendy Mares leaped into her dad’s arms in celebration and said, “This was made possible because of my amazing parents who sacrificed everything to lead me to a path of success. I can never thank them enough for everything they have done for me. For crossing the border, years ago, to give me a better opportunity. I came to be because of their struggles and sacrifices.”

There’s really nothing like receiving a hug from your parents while dressed in your cap and gown.

Here’s a special moment captured between a mom and her daughter.

And it doesn’t matter how many flowers and balloons you receive, it’s the warm hugs that make you the most happy.

This college graduate celebrated with her family and said, “I dream it, I work hard till I own it.”

In every single way, it’s a beautiful moment making your parents proud.

College graduate Gaby Arroyo celebrated and thanked her mom by saying, “I did it all to make her proud, to let her know that her sacrifices were all worth it, this one is for you Mamá.”

And for some, it’s about making their children proud.

College graduate Araceli Cueva celebrated receiving her Bachelors degree and thanked her son by saying, “To my son: Thank you for sitting next to me all those nights while I did homework, for waiting up for me after my night classes, for understanding I couldn’t play catch because I had to study, but most of all, for giving me the drive to be ambitious. For giving me a never ending goal of giving you the best life possible. I hope you are as proud of me as I am of you. Mommy loves you and everything I am, everything I do and will do is always going to be for you.”

How cute is this dad rocking his daughter’s university apparel?!

This proud college graduate gave a shoutout to her parents and said, “Para mi Familia. Blessed to have the most amazing family. This wouldn’t have been possible without your guys undying love and support. This ones for you.”

If there’s one thing these graduation ceremonies are for, it’s to celebrate all of your hard work.

College graduate Esmeralda Galan held her diploma up high and said, “These past few years have been crazy. I’ve been balancing work, life, and school & for that reason I feel extremely proud and grateful. This is not and end, as I am dedicated in continuing my education. It may take me time to reach my goals, but it takes as long as it takes. Aunque seamos Latinos eso no signifíca que no podemos.”

And it’s also to celebrate the people who helped you and supported you along the way.

This educated Latina celebrated her accomplishment by holding her parents’ hands up high.

After all, your graduation day is ultimately dedicated to your loved ones who have made this accomplishment possible.

College graduate Gabby Guera celebrated her graduation with all of her loved ones and said, “It has been their unwavering support that has kept me working hard all of these years. But this degree is for my parents. It’s a small way for me to give thanks for all their hard work and sacrifices they have made in this country.”

And the more difficult the journey was for you, the more valuable the diploma becomes.

CSU Channel Islands graduate Crystal Renee hugged her family tight and said, “I still can’t believe this happened this past Saturday. I’m still in awe of myself, for completing something so challenging but yet so worth it.”

Come graduation day, it’s all about smiles, hugs and laughs.

Adrianna Duran joined her best friend at her graduation ceremony and said, “I’m incredibly proud and I cannot wait to see what your next chapter will consist of. Go change the world.”

And it’s also a day to leap up in joy.

Even though this was a throwback picture for college graduate Chris Galeno, he does admit that it was one of the happiest days of his life.

One thing for sure, is that graduation day is an emotional day and one of the best days of your college career.

This educated Latina graduated from Sacramento State University and thanked her dad for being a part of this accomplishment. “My pops and I have our ups and down but I love this man. Ironically, we clash heads because we have the same character but I am thankful because like him I don’t give up, I don’t take no’s for an answer, and I always go after I want. Gracias papa!,” she said.

READ: These 25 Graduation Caps Will Make You Proud To Be A Latino

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