Efrain Nuñez, 32, of Berks County, will receive his master’s degree in counseling from Arcadia University (Glenside/Wyncote) on Thursday, May 15, WFMZ reported.

Nuñez learned that he has Stage II colon cancer in November. He finished his internship and had surgery before the start of the spring semester.

“I was like, ‘I don’t know if I’m going to finish my degree in time.’ And [my mom] was like, ‘let’s fight cancer first. Like, let’s relax and let’s deal with this. And everything else will happen’,” he told WFMZ. “And of course, she was right. She’s my mom.”

Now in remission, he’s the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree, and now he’ll be the first to earn a master’s. You can watch his interview here.

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.

Screengrab: WFMZ.com