(Harris County Department of Education’s GED Graduation 2017 is scheduled for May 20 at 11 a.m. at 6300 Irvington, Houston, Texas, 77022 in our conference center.  This story is part of a series of interviews with our adult students called “Strife in Life.” For class information, go to www.hcde-texas.org/adulteducation.)

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Adolfo Gomez, 35, came to the United States at age 21 from Mexico. He has worked religiously for up to 20 hours each day as a day laborer. Last year, he enrolled in an English class at Harris County Department of Education. The teacher said: “Don’t just learn English. You can learn anything you want.”

That moment stuck with Gomez as he thought about his little girl, 10, and wife Doris. He decided to go for his GED at a HCDE community class at Hastings High School in Alief.

Days were long and then came class and studies.

“Then I also had to be a father and a husband,” he said.

He believes a higher power gave him the wisdom to go back to school.

“I did this for my family and my future,” he said, clutching a graduation cap that would soon bear his tassel. That’s why I’m here right now.”

Gomez, now a foreman in a glass and aluminum company, will continue his studies at a local college. He wants to become an architect.

“So when I become an architect, I will be an example to my daughter,” he said. “I believe in education. It’s the key to opening doors.”

About Harris County Department of Education: HCDE helps school districts in the state’s largest county meet the needs of uniquely challenged learners, directly serving students at their schools or one of four HCDE-operated campuses across the county. Learn about these services and more at www.hcde-texas.org.