Duo getting ready to celebrate as they graduate side by side.
“Do it at your own pace.”
That’s advice from Gypsy Bramel, a student at Front Range Community College who’s achieving something truly special this year—graduating alongside her daughter Aubree Barlow.
Gypsy is earning her Associate of Arts degree in early childhood education. Aubree is graduating with both her Early Childhood Teacher and Early Childhood Assistant Teacher certificates.
The mother daughter duo has supported each other throughout their educational journey. Aubree says her favorite part of being an FRCC student is “getting to do it with my mom” and that her mom motivated her to return to school when she was ready to give up.
“Every time I get to tell people, ‘I’m going to school and I’m doing it with my mom. We’re in class together,’ it’s just been so much fun,” Aubree says. “She’s like my best friend, so getting to do this part of life with her, it’s just been amazing.”
Why FRCC?
The mom and daughter came to Front Range for different reasons. For Gypsy, a four-year college didn’t feel realistic when raising children. FRCC offered the flexibility she needed. For Aubree, the variety of programs drew her in, and her mom helped seal the deal.
“The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been keeping up with it,” Aubree says. “I’ve gone back and started my degree over so many times, and I feel like every time I’ve gone back, something came up—mental health, COVID, having a baby.
Aubree Barlow
“I just feel so relieved to finally be at a point where I can feel successful and proud of the work I’ve done.”
The Key to Their Success
Now, this family team is preparing to walk across the commencement stage, cheered on by their family. It’s a moment they say is exciting not just because of the milestone, but because they’ll share it. And the resources FRCC offers made a big difference along the way.
“My advisor helped me every semester,” Gypsy recalls. “She literally put all my classes together for me, so all I had to do was hit ‘register.’ If it wasn’t for her, I’d still be trying.”
Aubree cites the advising and financial aid teams that were a key part of her journey, adding “they’ve been so helpful in helping me stay in school and figuring out what I’m going to do next.”
A Transformative Class
One course in particular—Childhood Guidance Principles—transformed how she teaches and parents.
“I feel like that’s the class that I took the most away from so far,” Aubree says. “I tell everyone when I’m talking about my school journey, that class alone has changed how I teach and, most importantly, how I parent. If every parent could have that class, I think parenting would be so much easier.”
Bumps in the Road
The path wasn’t always smooth. For years, Gypsy struggled to balance school with raising her two kids, one with significant health problems.
“It was a challenge but they’re the reason I’d say that I’ve gotten so far,” Gypsy said. “They’ve really pushed me to show them that you can still do it no matter what.”
Aubree, who is also a mom, echoed that sentiment, calling her young daughter her motivation.
“Every time I have class, she says ‘Come on, Mommy, you got to do your schoolwork.’ And it is always when I don’t want to do it. That little voice … always helps,” Aubree said.
Gaining Confidence
Both women say FRCC gave them more than just knowledge. It gave them confidence, encouragement and a chance to pursue something meaningful.
“I feel like high school, you have to do it,” Aubree said. “Here, you’re doing it because you want to be here, you want to learn and you’re passionate about what you’re learning about.
“The teachers are so amazing at lighting that passion and helping you keep it instead of just burning out.”
Aubree Barlow
What’s Next for These FRCC Grads?
Now that graduation is nearly here, their family is planning to be in attendance.
“I originally said I didn’t want to walk [at commencement], but they have been so excited for me that they’re like, ‘No, you have to walk. This is such a big moment. You’re not going to miss it,’” Aubree said.Gypsy adds that walking together makes the moment even more special.
Even as they celebrate, they’re already looking to the future. Now that she has earned her certificate(s), Aubree is starting her Associate of Applied Science degree in early childhood education at FRCC, with plans to pursue a bachelor’s next. She also hopes to eventually begin a role with Jefferson County Public Schools.
Gypsy, too, is continuing for her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Their advice to others? Don’t be afraid to start and don’t be afraid to start again.
Sage Advice
“Even when it feels impossible, and like all the cards are stacked against you, don’t give up,” Aubree advises. “What’s hard now won’t be hard later, and it’s going to feel so good when it’s finally done.”
Gypsy adds, “You don’t have a time limit. Just do it.”
And if you’re lucky, you might even get to do it with your best friend by your side.
