Nearly 30 adult learners were celebrated for not only completing workforce training and obtaining certifications but also earning career opportunities and employment offers from some of Harris County’s top businesses. The new event – Career Kickoff Day – was a success for Harris County Department of Education’s Adult Education division, which strives to change lives and be a difference maker for adult learners.

Held June 13 at the Irvington Conference Center, the day was about shining a spotlight on the achievements of the honorees.

“This is graduation season – high school graduations, college graduations and we’ll even have our GED graduation in two weeks,” Dr. Eduardo Honold, Adult Education Senior Director, said to open the ceremony. “But you guys are even more special. You not only achieved your credential, but you went out and found a job related to that credential.

“How many graduates can say that? Not too many. So, you are special.”

Career Kickoff Day celebrates students in Adult Education’s Career Pathways Program who recently completed workforce training and earned employment from numerous area business partners. Whether it is changing careers or forging a new path after years of waiting, graduates have given themselves a new opportunity.

The group was recognized in front of loved ones, HCDE and Adult Education leadership, and community partners.

“I’m proud of each and every one of you,” said graduate Arcadia Gandara, who earned a job with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center after completing her training. “I felt like quitting at one point but one of the cool things about determination is it shows you exactly what you’re made of. Some of us had other employment, school or just home life that could have got in the way, and yet you did continue to show up every single day. Pride yourselves in that.”

Gandara spoke of being at a low point in her life before finding workforce training.

“I ran headfirst into something I had no knowledge of and I found understanding,” she said. “I found something that sang to my soul like I never felt before and I found a purpose. That’s why I’m so grateful to the Harris County Department of Education for having programs like this.”

Following words of encouragement from business partners and a keynote address from Dr. CJ Rodgers, HCDE Assistant Superintendent of Education and Enrichments, the students were each called on stage for recognition. Each then received a Chromebook to help on his or her journey, be it employment, more education or both.

“This is not the top of the mountain,” Rogers said to the graduates after thanking the business partners and family members. “I know the view looks good and you can see everything, but this is not the top of the mountain. This is just a testament of how far you can climb. Throughout all the tears and hardships, you kept getting up, you kept showing up and you didn’t stop.”