It takes determination and grit to re-enroll in school, learn a new language or gain skills in a new trade. However, for the more than 4,500 learners seeking Harris County Department of Education’s Adult Education programs and certifications annually, many may need an additional source of strength or someone to offer encouragement on the path ahead.  

For those lucky enough to reside in the Pasadena area, that source is Mary Vargas.  

“I was raised by a single mother with ten children,” she said. “I’m number nine, and being both mom and dad, my Mama did her best in raising us. One thing she told us was that education is important.” 

Vargas helps adult learners reach their full potential as a general office clerk, and this November, she is HCDE’s Employee of the Month. Joining the division nearly 12 years ago, she brings first-hand knowledge of the challenges Adult Education students face when they walk through the door.  

Despite her mother’s wishes, Vargas met her now-husband and dropped out of high school to start a family of her own. She stayed home raising their four children—three girls and one boy—and immersed herself in their upbringing by coaching soccer teams, driving to band practices and instilling that college was always their goal.  

The devoted wife and mom began to pursue a career of her own after the kids settled into adulthood. One daughter entered the military, and three other children graduated from college and joined the corporate world. Vargas entered the retail industry but faced setbacks when trying to move up the ladder due to her decision years ago to drop out.  

“I was devastated, but my kids said, ‘Mama, it’s your turn to go back to school. You don’t have to work, cook or do anything. Just hit those books because it’s never too late to finish what you started,” Vargas recalled. “They were my support.” 

She was an instant success within the Adult Education program, acing her courses and inspiring her fellow classmates to persevere through their personal challenges. Determined to complete her High School Equivalency (HSE, formerly known as GED), Vargas jumped around three different sites to continue classes after each session, afraid to stop and delay her goal once more.  

HCDE leaders quickly took note of her drive and the effect she had on classmates.  

“I spoke to the teacher and said, ‘You know, I’m looking for somebody that could be graduating soon that you can recommend who fits the mission of what we do at HCDE,’” said Adult Education Manager Guillermo Medina. “She immediately introduced me to Mary, and I told her to call me after graduation.”  

While still working to complete her own courses, Vargas recalled a classmate who shared her disappointment in being unable to participate in the graduation ceremony because no one was there to watch her children. Vargas refused to accept that as truth. 

“I told her, ‘I’ll support you. I’ll take care of your children, but you must go up there and walk that stage because you earn this! You will never get this opportunity again,’” she said enthusiastically. “It was a beautiful feeling for her, and when it was finally my time to walk, I was so happy. I was like, ‘Wow!’ I looked at Mama and said, ‘I did it,’ because she was the one that inspired me the most.” 

When Adult Education leaders heard of her continued impact on students, they had to get her on staff. Within weeks of her graduation, HCDE hired Vargas. Her ability to support students in their most vulnerable state of asking for help – whether in a language, revealing citizenship status or wanting to provide for their families – was invaluable.  

“We serve all walks of life,” Vargas said. “Some students have no education at all; they don’t know their ABCs or 123s. We also have educated individuals who, for whatever reason, come to America, but they need to learn the language. We tell them all, ‘It’s okay. We are here to help you through everything.’” 

Added Medina: “Hiring Mary has been one of my best decisions in 26 years at HCDE. She goes above and beyond for the students we serve, and she always does it with a smile. Mary brings a lot to this program and that’s why I nominated her for Employee of the Month.” 

The Adult Education alumna experienced the immediate impact of a community willing to help its own as a product of a single-parent household. Now, she’s trying to return the favor by recruiting potential students in the area who have the passion to excel with flyers boasting the division’s programs and courses taped to her truck.  

“I move around a lot because I visit three different sites across Pasadena. So, when I’m parking my vehicle in the lots or at a light, I figure people have to look at something. Why don’t they look at our flyers?” she laughed. “It’s working because people call me, ‘Hey, I saw your number on the truck, y’all offer ESL classes?’” 

Working a split shift four days a week, Vargas supports students and staff throughout each session.  

After enrolling students in the necessary classes, she conducts orientation and initial benchmark testing to ensure they’re placed at the correct advancement level. The general clerk then works with teachers to ensure paperwork is accurately completed and submitted by deadlines.  

That’s only her morning shift.  

When most HCDE staff are clocking out for the day, Vargas is clocking back in to visit with community members and promote the Adult Education program at various events or ensure students enrolled in night courses have what they need.  

“I have nobody else that would do a split shift without any issues, but Mary does that because she knows she is helping people,” Medina said. “She knows how to connect with potential learners, so whenever I can’t attend an informational event, Mary is always my go-to person.” 

As one of the largest Adult Education programs in the state, Vargas describes how HCDE clearly has the “secret sauce” to success and her desire to continuously contribute to it.  

“I love working for HCDE because we’re all on the same mission to help people, even if they are baby steps in the right direction,” she said. “We are helping them open doors and us because we learn from them as well. The experience, the diversity and the feeling we get when helping the community succeed makes me feel good, like I’m successful too.”  

To learn more about HCDE’s Adult Education programs, visit hcde-texas.org/adult-education.