Double happiness: Mother and son earn matching sociology degrees in CAL
Second and third generation SDSU grads excelled in their studies and supported one another to foster growth and academic achievement.
On Mother’s Day 2026, this mother and son posed on the steps of Hepner Hall for graduation photos — in matching academic regalia. Carina Hernandez-Carrillo and Matthew Carrillo both graduated from San Diego State University College of Arts and Letters with degrees in sociology on May 15.
Hernandez-Carrillo began her SDSU journey some 24 years ago, but was sidetracked by her pregnancy with Carrillo. She had to postpone her academic aspirations due to being put on bed rest — this was before there were online options to complete a degree. As time went on, family life, work life, and single motherhood all sidelined her education goals — until her son transferred to SDSU. “I kept thinking, I’ve gotta get there. I felt a sense of urgency to get there,” she said.
In 2024, Carrillo transferred from Southwestern College to SDSU where his mom was already on her path in women’s studies. His mom extended her stay to add a sociology major and two minors (one in Chicana and Chicano studies and one in social work) in order to continue with her son.
At Viejas Arena, together their degrees were conferred where Hernandez-Carrillo was honored as the Outstanding Graduating Senior in women’s studies. Instead of sitting next to her son during commencement, she was seated onstage with her Most Influential Faculty Irene Lara, associate professor of women’s, gender, and sexuality studies.
After the ceremony, they celebrated their academic achievements with their extended family of more than 34. “We have three generations of SDSU graduates — my father, my sister, my brother, and three nieces and nephews in our immediate family.”
Carrillo’s grandfather and Hernandez-Carrillo’s father, Nicholas Hernandez, a labor leader and founder, with wife Connie, of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, graduated from SDSU with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1981.
His encouragement to seek continued learning is a beacon for the family. “Education is the great equalizer,” was the message Hernandez imparted on his children and grandchildren.
‘Symbiotic Learning Environment’
For the past two years Hernandez-Carrillo and Carrillo have enjoyed the ability to talk about their sociology coursework across the dinner table. Both have been “each other’s biggest fans,” according to Hernandez-Carrillo. Because of their busy schedules, though, they only had three classes together during their time at SDSU — which could have been awkward, yet the close connection between mother and son helped them overcome any uncomfortable moments. “We're super close — it's been the two of us, we're a pair, and as Matthew gets older, the dynamic between us evolves,” Hernandez-Carrillo said.
It was helpful to have her son’s guidance in navigating the generational divide in regard to technology, she said. Being in class with students who were Carrillo’s age helped her bridge communication gaps with him. “It helped our relationship grow, because I had a different understanding of this generation, and I'm so thankful for that, and grateful for the acceptance of my peers,” Hernandez-Carrillo said. She didn't feel like the “old lady” in class. “I'd come home and I'd say, ‘Matt, they're so nice to me, they're letting me be in their group’ And he'd say, ‘It’s because you're a mom.’” Hernandez-Carrillo jokingly said, “I thought it was because I was cool.”
Class discussions at home helped further their knowledge of the material, and created a “symbiotic learning environment.”
Leading By Example
“It's been an amazing experience,” Hernandez-Carrillo said. “And I love seeing him evolve into, not just my son, but my peer in school, and to watch us both grow in our knowledge and to do it together is just amazing. It's been super helpful, because I found that I held myself to a higher standard, because I felt like I needed to lead and set the best example I could.”
Hernandez-Carrillo said that when Carrillo was a child he told her that he wanted to go to school where his Tata went to college, so when he was accepted to UCSD, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Riverside and UC Irvine, he already knew the deal was sealed — he would wear red and black to become an Aztec for Life.
Now both mother and son can inspire the next generation to lead by example and shine a light on social justice issues. And, they might even head back to SDSU to earn their master’s degrees — however this time they will take separate paths of study — one in sociology and the other in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies.