Mara Diaz

Mara Diaz is the first person in her family to go to college, and she wants to make her parents proud. She came to Delaware Tech by utilizing the SEED Scholarship Program.

Mara feels "grateful and blessed" to be featured on Student Spotlight. "I always saw other students featured and would read their answers, wishing I was up there, but I never actually thought I would be."

When she first came to college, she was undecided about which major to choose. When she finally discovered respiratory care, something in her clicked. "I just knew that's what I wanted to do."

Since coming to college, Mara noted she has changed drastically. "I've become more responsible, mature, and goal-focused. I realize how much I want to succeed and how much I care about my future. I've become a better version of myself."

Mara advised other students to never give up. "No matter how far away graduation seems, or how fast you want to finish school, do not lose faith. It'll all pay off in the end. You just have to be optimistic and keep striving."

Mara gives a lot of credit to Amy Thomas, respiratory care department chairperson, for her encouragement. "I had no idea if I was even going to get into the program, but something told me to go meet with Ms. Thomas. She encouraged me to apply to the program and see where it led me. I don't think I would be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for her and her optimism."

After graduating from Delaware Tech, Mara plans to pursue a bachelor of science in respiratory therapy. She wants to become an advanced respiratory care practitioner working with children.