Mulitply that by three in one year, and it becomes quite the occasion for all involved.

That’s the situation one Gustine family proudly experienced this spring. Cindy and Jess Lindo of Gustine saw three of their children earn college degrees this spring. Justin Lindo received his masters degree from Fresno State and twin brothers Jared and Jason Lindo received their bachelors degrees from Fresno State and Cal Poly, respectively.

[Cindy] Lindo believes that their academic accomplishments - and the success of older brother Jess Lindo Jr., who runs his own cattle business in Idaho - are testament to their roots in local schools and a caring small-town environment.

All four Lindo boys began their educational journey at Our Lady of Miracles School where they each were involved in student government and community service.

They all attended Gustine High School where they continued their involvement in leadership, sports and community activities, which proved to be valuable in preparing them for an active lifestyle in college.

Small schools are limited to the variety of classes they can offer students but the educational opportunities are still available, the Lindo sons told Mattos Newspapers.

“It comes down to your own personal will; it’s the effort you put into it,” Jared noted. He said the schools provided the tools he needed for the future, but it was up to him to put them to use.

He credits his family for instilling in him the belief that he can do and be whatever he wants to be as long as he puts the effort into it.

“It’s the way we were raised,” Justin added, “They taught us good work ethics and manners and encouraged us to always strive to do better.”

The brothers agreed that having a strong support system of family, school and community has been an essential element to their educational success.

Jason, who graduated from Gustine High in 2005, attributes his decision to pursue a passion for literature to his parents fostering early on a love for reading and writing. He received his bachelors degree in English from Cal Poly in the spring with a double minor in German and psychology. He will be attending CSU Stanislaus this fall in the English Literature masters program. “Ultimately I would like to earn my PhD and become a college professor, possibly spending some time in Germany teaching English,” he shared. Jason lived there for a year as an exchange student.

His twin brother Jared graduated from Fresno State this spring with a bachelors degree in civil engineering with an emphasis in structures as well as a minor in math. He is currently waiting for results from the EI training test, expected sometime in August.

He has been in contact with engineering firms and anticipates finding a position soon. He will be working under an engineer for two years before he is eligible to take the Professional Engineers Exam. Jared feels positive about his career choice and looks forward to the possibilities ahead of him.

Justin, who received his diploma from Gustine High in 2002, graduated with the honor of Summa Cum Laude from Fresno State in May with his masters in physical therapy. He is currently completing his internship with a final clinical rotation at a facility in Sacramento. He then will apply for the licensing exam and hopes to be licensed by October or November of this year. Justin is anxious to get to work and said he has already received job offers. He plans to pursue a doctoral degree in the future. Justin would like to further pursue his specialty in orthopedics.

Education in and out of the classroom has always been important to the Lindos’ proud parents. They say it began with being involved with their children’s education as parent volunteers and following up on school work at home.

“It wasn’t easy juggling work, home and school,” Cindy explained, “but we always managed.”

The choice to enroll the boys in OLM was financially challenging, especially when Leprino Foods had closed and Jess Sr. was out of work. “It truly was a sacrifice to choose to pay the tuition to have them attend a catholic school,” Cindy noted, but it was a choice they gladly made. “OLM School provided the type of education that instilled what we started at home,” she pointed out. It was the right combination of academics and religion that worked hand in hand for their family.

When the boys graduated and went on to Gustine High School, the parent involvement and support continued as it has throughout their education.

Jess Sr. and Cindy worked hard to provide opportunities for their children to pursue their individual interests. “We have helped financially as much as we can but they, (the boys) have taken the responsibility to pay for the majority of their college tuition,” Cindy credited, pointing out they each have earned incomes since their high school years.

Their sons are the family’s first generation of college graduates.

"My parents always told me they wanted me to have more than they had," Jess Sr. reflected. "I expect my kids to have a better life than me and asked them to instill that in their children as well."

LINK: http://www.westsideconnect.com/content/view/2592/140/