With millions of people roaming the planet, there is no “one way” to get an education. Some finish school early, while others take a break, jump into the workforce and return at a later time. Regardless of the path, challenges are expected.
On June 21, more than 100 adults who courageously chose to return to the classroom will turn the tassel on a new chapter — one where they hold a diploma or the skills needed to advance their careers. Through Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) Adult Education program, students of all backgrounds found a place to grow, learn and reclaim opportunity after earning their High School Equivalency diploma (HSE), formerly GED.
“Everybody has their own different story,” said Adult Education Program Manager Bill Medina. “Students come here to get their diplomas and improve their lives with a better job or promotion. Everybody has gone through obstacles and challenges throughout life, but they come here for a second chance.”
Unlike a traditional graduation, age is only a number in Adult Education. Students like Rodolfa Saucedo, a 59-year-old daycare instructor, are welcomed with open arms and encouraged to pursue their dreams boldly.
“My goal is to get into college and study more,” Saucedo said.
Her journey to graduation began unexpectedly while attending church.
“I was at the Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where they announced that Lee College offered ESL classes through HCDE,” Saucedo recalled. “I would come for the ESL classes because it was always a goal of mine to learn English.”
When HCDE began offering HSE courses in Spanish, Saucedo saw an opportunity to fulfill her dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher.
“I’m so proud of Rodolfa, she is a hard worker who never gives up and is an example for everybody in my class,” said Anamilena McDonald, an HSE teacher. “But this course is also an excellent opportunity for many Spanish speakers who want to improve their education.”
Balancing school and work wasn’t easy, but Saucedo remained focused. With every assignment and test, she moved one step closer to the classroom she hopes to lead one day. She credits much of her success to her support system at home and school.
“I feel excellent because apart from teaching us really well, they encourage us to move forward and excel,” Saucedo smiled. “Thank you to HCDE for opening these classes for all of us. The important thing for students is to dedicate themselves, focus on their studies, and say, ‘Yes, I can!’”
Like Saucedo, Babyline Benoit proves that perseverance has no expiration date.
She moved to the United States from the island of St. Lucia to seek medical care for her daughter. Benoit is a trained dental assistant, but starting in a new country meant she had to rebuild from the ground up.
“I left my whole family, my house, everything back home,” Benoit described. “In the process, I went through a lot of hardship, including homelessness, but I didn’t let that prevent me from doing what I wanted to do. After getting my kids settled, I decided to get my HSE, and they helped motivate me.”
Benoit was determined to show her children that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. On the first day of classes, her instructor, Audrey Nelson, clarified that students would need to remain focused on their goals to succeed in the Adult Education setting, as it vastly differs from a traditional classroom.
“Most of my students who have children expect our programs to be like K-12, and so that is a little bit of a harder transition for them in the beginning,” said Nelson, who has worked in Adult Education for more than 20 years. “They must be independent and take responsibility for their learning. Students can look at me all day and say, ‘I want it,’ but if they don’t do the work, it’s not going to happen.”
Taking that message to heart, Benoit did everything she could to gain her diploma, from buying school supplies and study books to researching help on the internet. It wasn’t long before she cashed in the vouchers[AV1] provided by HCDE to take the HSE practice and final tests.
“I passed everything on the first try because I studied really hard,” Benoit said. “I went on YouTube and did whatever I could to help me pass because I wanted to finish it. And here I am, with my HSE, on my way to college to become a dental assistant again.”
Despite adjusting to a new country, Benoit’s determination and belief in lifelong learning now serves as an example to her peers and children.
“Nothing is impossible,” she smiled. “Don’t let anybody tell you that you cannot do it. Don’t let your mind tell you that you cannot do it; go ahead! Put your whole self into it if that is really what you want to do.”
For Nereida Rivero, she decided to get her GED as a strategic step toward professional growth. She currently works as a custodian at a middle school in Pasadena Independent School District, but before moving to the United States from Venezuela, she held a professional position. Now, she aspires for more.
“It’s important to follow the educational lines of the country you’re in,” she said. “It is important to grow professionally and personally, and it gives you better job opportunities. It is good to dedicate time to yourself. It is good to grow; it is good to read. Information is good.”
Rivero took on her educational journey alongside her daughter. Together, they tackled each lesson, spending hours reviewing materials, encouraging each other and holding one another accountable.
“It has been an emotional ride because you have to challenge yourself,” Rivero recalled. “You say, ‘I’ve done it once, I can do it again. I am 53 years old, but who cares?’ Your brain has a great way of remembering things, and it did.”
Added Medina: “One of the things that we like to do is encourage the students not to give up. Once they’re in the Adult Education classes, they have already taken the first step with us, and the next step is not to stop and continue the path to higher education or career advancement.”
No matter their starting point, as the graduates prepare to turn their tassel on June 21, they also carry the knowledge they’ve gained and the confidence to keep moving forward.
“These moments mean the world to us,” Medina smiles. “I’ve been with HCDE for more than 20 years and have seen many graduations. Every year it gets better! We take pride in it at Adult Education because we’re here to support people who need our help.”