Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
For Arturo Martinez and his son David Austin Martinez, their journey to earning Automotive Technology Certificates from South Texas College was about turning challenges into opportunities and proving that success can come at any age, under any circumstance.
David began his college journey independently in 2020. However, the shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic proved challenging.
“I took a break during the COVID-19 pandemic because I could not do online school,” David explained. “Once I decided to start up again, he wanted to join me.”
That “he” was David’s father, who enrolled in the same program to support his son who is on the autism spectrum and learn a new trade himself at 53-years-old.
“My main reason for enrolling in college was to help my son,” Arturo said. “He was having a difficult time transitioning and I didn’t want him to give up. I was scared, but I had to show him that anything is possible and autism shouldn’t stop him from pursuing a college certificate or degree. He is capable of anything just like anyone else. Yes, it took us longer to finish, but we did it and we did it together.”
They both pursued certificates in automotive technology and attended the same classes after Arturo got out of work. The journey was not easy, but their bond and commitment carried them through.
“We leaned on each other for support,” Arturo said. “We studied together and worked on our own vehicle when things needed fixing. When we didn’t understand things, David would ask questions to our professors.”
David’s determination, paired with his father’s unwavering support, kept him moving forward.
“At first, I started on my own, and my journey wasn’t easy,” David said. “He decided to join me because I felt like quitting many times and he wasn’t going to let me be a quitter. This shared experience has meant a lot. It has shown me that I am capable of anything even if it takes me a little while longer to accomplish.”
The experience was equally meaningful for Arturo.
“It’s been a journey, but I had a blast,” he said. “The best part was working on cars together and walking across the stage side-by-side at graduation.”
Their academic milestone did not come without its sacrifices. Arturo juggled full-time work, classes and family responsibilities, often getting home late at night. One of the hardest parts was missing his daughter’s extracurricular events.
“It was an adjustment for everyone, especially one of my daughters who also has autism,” he said. “There were nights I didn’t get home until 9:30 p.m., but I was determined to show David and my other children that it’s never too late to go after your goals. We studied together and leaned on each other for support every step of the way. I was determined to prove to my children that hard work and sacrifice pay off.”
With their certificates in hand, Arturo and David plan to look for work in the automotive field, with hopes of one day opening a small mechanic shop together.
Arturo encourages other parents to consider taking the leap and going back to school, no matter the age or circumstance.
“It’s never too late. If you’ve never attended college or want to go back to pursue something that will benefit you and your family, go for it. It will all be worth it and they’ll see it’s never too late to chase something better.”
David credits his father for helping him believe in himself and considers him his greatest inspiration and advocate.
“The one thing I’ve learned from my dad is to never give up and keep following my dreams. Thank you for everything you did to help me succeed. Even though I have autism, anything is possible—not just for me, but for everyone else.”
This father-son duo not only earned a certificate, but they’ve also created a powerful legacy of love, resilience and shared purpose.
