READING, Pa. — Marialys Serrata walked across the stage at Reading Area Community College’s 2025 commencement ceremony expecting to receive her nursing diploma — but she left the stage with something even more unexpected: an engagement ring.

The emotional moment came when her longtime partner, Junior Castillo, surprised her with a proposal during the graduation celebration.

“Graduating was a big deal to me because I had to do it all alone, without family support—except for him,” Serrata said. “He was always there, especially with English not being my first language. Going through nursing school was harder because of it.”

Serrata said she had a feeling a proposal might be coming soon, but never imagined it would happen during such a meaningful night. “I felt like the most special graduate that night,” she said. “I got to walk through that stage as a new RN, a fiancée, and an accomplished mother — and we are also expecting. I’m 20 weeks pregnant with a baby boy.”

Her story became a highlight of the ceremony, which celebrated nearly 600 graduates — the largest RACC class in 15 years.

The moment captured the spirit of determination, joy, and new beginnings — proving that some graduates truly get everything they dreamed of and more. Article and Interview by Michael VanZetta Video Source: Reading Area Community College