2026 Graduate Spotlight: Lia Peralta Joa
From Perseverance to a Passion for Beauty
For Lia Peralta Joa, success is not just about achieving personal goals—it is about honoring the sacrifices of her family and paving the way for future generations. It is a philosophy that has guided her through a demanding but remarkably successful college career.
On May 21, Lia stood before hundreds of her peers, faculty, and families as the student speaker for the 2 p.m. ceremony at Bucks County Community College’s 60th Annual Commencement. Graduating from the honors program with an Associate of Arts degree in Communication Studies and a perfect 4.0 GPA, the Telford resident reflected on a transformative journey defined by hard work, community, and deep gratitude.
Staying Close to Home
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Lia immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of six. When it came time to pursue higher education, her decision-making process was deeply rooted in her family's journey and her desire to remain by their side.
“My life has always been centered around my family and helping support our family business,” Lia shared. “My parents worked incredibly hard to give me opportunities they never had themselves, so staying close to home was important to me.”
Lia initially began her college journey at Bucks in 2022 as a dual enrollment student while simultaneously attending and graduating from Bucks County Technical School. Choosing to continue at the College allowed her to pursue her dreams without placing an undue financial burden on her loved ones.
“Financially, it made the most sense for me and my family,” she said. “What also stood out to me was how welcoming Bucks felt. It truly is a place for everyone, no matter your age, background, or life story.”
Overcoming the Balance
Juggling the rigorous demands of higher education alongside external responsibilities proved to be one of Lia’s greatest hurdles.
“There were many days where I felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with assignments, responsibilities, work, and personal stress all at once,” she recalled. “At times, I questioned whether I was capable or whether college was the right path for me. However, every semester I completed reminded me that I was stronger and more capable than I originally believed.”
Despite the struggle, Lia found ways to get involved on campus. She joined the Phi Theta Kappa honors society, participated in the Hispanic & Latino Student Union, and wrote for The Centurion student newspaper. Her exceptional work with the newspaper earned her a first-place award for Excellence in Reporting on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation.
“What I loved most about Bucks was the sense of community and the diversity of people and experiences,” Lia said. “Everyone came from different backgrounds and had different struggles, but we were all united by the same goal of improving ourselves and earning a degree.”
Building an Entrepreneurial Future
Lia’s time in the classroom also helped her crystalize her ambitions, particularly during a social media marketing course.
“Using the skills that I learned, I want to grow a successful online presence for my business,” she explained, noting that she intends to adapt as technology evolves.
Lia has already laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial dreams. Having passed her exam in January to become a licensed cosmetologist, she is continuing her education at Metro Beauty Academy in Allentown and plans to become a licensed esthetician by September.
Ultimately, Lia aims to combine her communication degree with her passion for beauty by opening her own spa. Thanks to her time at Bucks, she feels fully equipped to handle the challenges of business ownership.
“With the help of my mom and the knowledge I got from school, I can confidently say that I will have a successful business that thrives,” she said. “Being at Bucks made me realize that if I can juggle school, work, and outside of school activities all at the same time, I can do it all!”
As the first person in her family to graduate from college, walking across the commencement stage represented the ultimate validation of her family's collective efforts.
"Getting this degree means proving to myself and my family that all of the sacrifices, hard work, and difficult moments were worth it," Lia said. "This achievement means everything to me."
Explore the Communication Studies A.A.