WSSU education pays off as first-generation student and new mom earns Doctor of Physical Therapy degree against all odds

Gisela Acosta juggled being a new mom, wife and a long commute to class 

When Gisela Acosta walks across the stage at Winston-Salem State University on December 12 to receive her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, she won’t be walking alone. She will carry with her the sacrifices of her parents, the unwavering support of her husband, the resilience of her community, and the inspiration of being a new mom.

A proud Mexican American and first-generation college graduate, Acosta entered WSSU’s rigorous Doctor of Physical Therapy program with a two-month-old son, Danilo, in her arms and a determination that pushed her forward even on days when the weight of her responsibilities felt crushing.

“I remember my mom telling me my son will always need me, but that I needed to do this for him as well. I want to be able to tell my son that I completed my journey because of him. I want him to know that when hard situations happen in life, you can still overcome them,” Acosta said.

Acosta, who lives in Granite Falls, commuted 1.5 hours each way to campus, a sacrifice she made willingly. When exhaustion and doubt crept in, her family stepped up.

“My mom and husband didn’t let me doubt myself,” she said. “They told me I could do it and reminded me this was a family effort.

Her mother even rearranged her own work schedule to care for baby Danilo. Her husband shouldered financial responsibilities. Friends called to quiz her on notes during her long drive, or she would use that time to listen to recorded lectures. She studied while her son slept.

“How could I not do it?” she said. “My family believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.

Her perseverance paid off. Acosta “will graduate with a 3.64 GPA despite having a long commute and extra family responsibilities,” said Dr. Sara Migliarese, professor and assistant chair of WSSU’s DPT program.

“At WSSU, we understand that students come to us with complex lives and real responsibilities,” Migliarese said. “Our commitment is to meet them where they are and empower them with the resources, flexibility and encouragement they need to succeed. Gisela is an extraordinary example of a student who used that support to rise above every challenge.”

Acosta describes her journey as a constant exercise in compartmentalizing, prioritizing and leaning into her faith.

“I am a daughter, mother and wife,” she said. “God gave me the strength each day to keep up with it all.”

The pressure of doing it all came with its own emotional cost. “The biggest challenge was feeling like I couldn’t be part of everything, especially when it came to family events,” she said. “Some days were better than others, and I had to learn to be OK with that.”

One early moment stands out for Acosta. She had a breakdown during her first semester, soothed only by a supportive classmate who reminded her she could do hard things.

That moment made her realize that life is hard, and “you just get to choose your hard,” she said.

Giving voice to her community
One of the most meaningful parts of Acosta’s WSSU experience was serving as a Spanish interpreter at a pro bono clinic. As a Mexican American woman whose own parents struggle with English, she felt a calling to ensure Spanish-speaking patients received the care and dignity they deserve.

“The way someone smiles and seems so relieved when I start speaking Spanish is so warming,” she said. “I see my mom and dad in each of these people.”

Her bilingual skills helped to affirm her purpose. “I don’t believe I will feel accomplished if serving Spanish-speaking communities isn’t part of my job in the long run,” she said.

After graduation, Acosta will begin a new role in acute care at an outpatient clinic in Morganton and Valdese.

WSSU “did great with being accommodating with my very busy life,” she said, providing the flexibility and support she needed to thrive.

As her parents prepare to watch their daughter become the first in their family to earn a doctorate, their pride is immeasurable.

“My mom and dad can’t believe it,” she said. “My husband is grateful I’ll be less stressed. They are very proud.”

From surviving the intensity of clinical rotations to juggling motherhood and marriage, Acosta learned one undeniable truth: “I can do hard things. Anyone can. You choose your journey, and you make your sacrifices count.”

Danilo became both her motivation and her reward. “His hugs and cuddles when I got home reminded me my hard work would pay off,” she said. “If I did this, he could do so much greater.”

Click here to learn more about WSSU’s DPT program. In a recent report by the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, WSSU's DPT program was ranked among the top 20 most affordable programs in the nation.