A family milestone: Three brothers graduate side by side

When the Prieto Romero brothers arrived in the United States in 2024, culture shock left them feeling isolated — but they always had each other.

Two years later, that bond carried them to the same stage to receive their associate degrees together from Palm Beach State College in a rare, shared milestone for the family.

Originally from Venezuela, Nelson, Harold and Christian Prieto Romero spent more than a decade in Mexico before their father’s job brought them to Palm Beach County. Though they differ in age and academic paths, they turned a challenging transition into a collective success.

“We all started our professional education at different times in our lives,” said Christian, the youngest. “We knew we could graduate, but we never imagined we could do it together in the same ceremony.”

Nelson, 26, the eldest, previously earned a degree in mechatronic engineering and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Mexico, but those credentials are not automatically recognized in the United States. Seeking a new path, he enrolled at Palm Beach State in summer 2024 for its affordability, proximity to their new home and supportive environment.

After a successful first semester, Harold and Christian followed in his footsteps and enrolled at PBSC in the fall. Beyond academics, Nelson served as a student ambassador at the Boca Raton Campus, was a Kimmel Leadership Academy scholar and a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), where he served as Treasurer. He graduated with his Associate in Science in Business Entrepreneurship and plans to start a software development business or work in financial consulting.

Harold, 24, found his niche in sports photography. Graduating with an Associate in Arts on the motion picture track, he spent his time capturing the action as a photographer for the College’s sports teams. He will be transferring to Florida Atlantic University to study multimedia production.

Christian, 22, graduated with an Associate in Arts on the business track. A 4.0 GPA student and semifinalist for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, he served as senator for the Student Government Association and as treasurer of Students for International Understanding. He was also a member of the Dr. Floyd F. Koch Honors College, a Kimmel Leadership Academy scholar and a student worker in the Executive Office at the Boca Raton campus. He will be transferring to Columbia University  to study economics and eventually contribute to economic growth in Latin America.

“I am extremely proud of all three brothers who have worked diligently in each class, engaged in our campus community and have been the recipients of multiple awards,” said Helena Zacharis, department chair and professor for PBSC’s College Readiness Program and English for Academic Purposes (EAP). “But what really stands out to me is how well-mannered and kind they are. They are true examples of what is needed in this world, and I am confident they will go on to do such amazing things.”

Though they attended different campuses, Harold in Lake Worth and his brothers in Boca Raton, their close relationship remained a constant source of support.

“We’ve always been very family-oriented, and we are very close brothers,” Nelson said. “We always help each other, even if it’s not classes that we’re taking together.”

As they look ahead, they say the accomplishment belongs to more than just the three of them.

“Our parents are super proud of us,” Harold said. “This is also a family achievement that we have made here.”

For the Prieto Romero family, the moment marked more than three degrees — it was proof that, even far from home, they built something together.