Brothers Henry and Ceasar Rios see college as one more step in achieving their life and career goals, most of which they happen to share. Henry, 24, is a fireman/paramedic in training with the Dallas Fire Department and a college graduate. Kid brother Ceasar, 19, is following in his footsteps, on his way to earning a college degree and training to be a firefighter.
Both began their college educations at El Centro College, too. Henry attended classes there for two years before transferring to Dallas Baptist University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies with an emphasis in biology and sociology.
“I went to El Centro for its location,” he says. “I also really enjoyed my time there.”
Then, while at DBU, he went back to El Centro. “I went back to finish my associate degree even though I was getting my bachelor’s degree,” he says. “I wanted to finish what I started. And it’s a good thing to pile on all the degrees you can.”
Ceasar has one year of college at El Centro under his belt, taking day classes so that he can attend evening classes at a private fire training academy. He, too, plans to earn an associate degree. “I really like the professors at El Centro — they know their stuff,” he says. “The classes aren’t too expensive, and it’s a good way to get started on college since I plan to earn my bachelor’s degree. The quality is great, and everyone’s been good to me, from the faculty to counseling to all of the resource areas.”
Both brothers have also attended El Centro with help from the Rising Star program, available from the DCCCD Foundation to Dallas County youth who graduate from high school, demonstrate a modest level of academic potential and have specific financial need. The Rising Star program provides academic support services and up to $4,000 for tuition and books throughout students’ education in any of the seven DCCCD colleges.
Though they’ve followed similar paths so far, Ceasar wants to make at least one departure from his brother. “My career goal?” he says. “To make battalion chief before my brother does.”
For Henry and Ceasar Rios, it all began here.