First-Gen sisters overcome barriers, find understanding – and graduate together

By Karen Villarreal

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MAY 11, 2026 – This spring, Gabrielle Black and her sister, Alisha Atkinson, will share their family’s first commencement — an achievement years in the making for two sisters who once struggled to understand one another.

Black will earn a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services, while Atkinson a Bachelor of Science in Biology. For Atkinson, though, graduation represents more than earning a degree.

“I’m here now because of her — literally. She filled out my application,” Atkinson said of her older sister. “I’m so glad she did, because it’s what I truly wanted — to study and actually be happy for once.”

Black and Atkinson, who are 10 years apart, grew up using American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with their Deaf parents. As the eldest, Black often served as a bridge between her family and the hearing community, interpreting for her parents and later helping raise her three younger sisters as Children of Deaf Adults (CODA).

Although both sisters understand ASL, Black considers it her primary language, while Atkinson gravitates more toward English. Those differences often led to communication clashes growing up.

However, after moving from Austin to Edinburg to attend UTRGV, and living together during college, the sisters rebuilt a stronger bond and a deeper understanding of each other’s experiences.

“It took time, even between us, but we learned to truly understand one another,” Black said. “I know at times she probably finds me annoying, but it’s only because I care.”

Atkinson admits she once saw Black as a “mean, old sister,” but now considers her a “second mom.”

Black, who balanced school, work and raising two children, including one with autism, said she’s proud of both of them for taking a leap of faith and moving to the Rio Grande Valley, where the family has thrived.

“A lot of parents might be scared to go into the unknown, but we all want what’s best for our children,” Black said. She has seen her daughter embrace her Afro-Latina roots in ballet folklórico, and she’s watched her nonverbal son begin to speak and build meaningful friendships.  “Granted, I pushed her, but Alisha has also blossomed so much as a person since we’ve moved to the Valley.”

Atkinson said working as a Trailblazer in the Office of Student Success and connecting with other first-generation students helped her realize that despite the challenges she overcame, she was fortunate to have her sister by her side throughout her academic journey.

“I don’t say it a lot to her, but I love her so much,” Atkinson said, wiping a tear from her eye. “She’s my best friend.”

On Friday, May 15, at 10 a.m., Black will participate in the College of Health Professions commencement ceremony. That same day, at 3 p.m., Atkinson will walk the stage with graduates from the College of Sciences.

A FRESH START

Four years ago, Atkinson was living in Austin, feeling stuck working two part-time jobs and attending community college.

“I felt stagnant,” Atkinson said. “I was never going to finish school that way.”

At the same time, Black, who has dyslexia, was rebuilding her life after leaving a difficult relationship.

“I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and give my kids a better future,” Black said.

Encouraged by a lifelong mentor and chosen family member — Dr. Hill-Troglin Cox, her former high school ASL teacher — Black spent months researching programs that could support both her academic goals and her children’s needs.

Black was initially drawn to UTRGV’s interpreting program. She also found that Edinburg CISD offered strong family-oriented support, including breakfast in the classroom, free lunch, after-school programming and special education services for her son.

“It was everything I needed. I told Alisha I was going — and that she was coming with us,” Black said.

Atkinson said moving in with her sister allowed her to pursue school full time and experience college in a way she never had before.

“It was a fresh start for both of us,” Atkinson said. “She deserves all the credit for that.”

Alisha Atkinson, left, and Gabrielle Black embrace during a portrait session on the UTRGV campus ahead of UTRGV’s Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies. The sisters will celebrate becoming the first in their family to earn college degrees. (UTRGV photo by Silver Salas)