Alisha Cash

A mother and full-time student “who never misses a day of school and always has a smile on her face,” Aisha Cash excelled at Waterbury Adult Education despite numerous trials and tribulations. With a “passion for learning so uplifting and rare,” Aisha achieved her goal of becoming a college student.

In fact, “Post University was so impressed with her enthusiasm and fantastic grades, that they came here to Waterbury Adult Education to tell her in person that she has indeed been accepted to the school of her dreams, Post University,” shared her teacher. 

 With plans to become a counselor to aid others on their journey, Aisha was one of two that placed college level on the Accuplacer Test as a student in the credit diploma program at Waterbury Adult Education. Mapping out the courses that would best prepare her for getting into the college program she wanted, Aisha did so well on her entrance exams that she earned course credit before starting her college journey.

 Always concerned with the welfare of her fellow classmates, Aisha views the classroom as a community where everyone can help one another. Openly sharing about personal challenges she has overcome—including being incarcerated and dealing with a lifelong autoimmune disease—Aisha’s desire to help others is sincere and heartfelt.

 “She makes sure the person sitting next to her ate something that morning, she will get up from her seat and sit with a complete stranger if she thinks they might not understand the material in class, and if someone is missing from class, she wants to know why they were absent and reminds them of the importance of coming to school every day.”

Edy Vasquez

Edy Vasquez immigrated from Guatemala and works two jobs while attending classes at San Mateo Adult School as an ESL student. When Edy first arrived in the U.S., he focused only on working for several years, as there were no classes nearby that he could attend. Since discovering San Mateo Adult School, Edy has regularly attended classes, steadily progressing as a learner and contributor, while “always helping others as he ascended. He is a leader who lifts up others as he moves forward, always thinking of the community and sowing all his accomplishments back into the community so that others can excel, as well,” says Edy’s teacher.

 Edy hopes to work in a forensic lab or open a small business in the future. Edy attends school four evenings a week and enjoys making a positive impact in school and community life.

Nazaria Valdez

As a young teen mother, Nazaria Valdez struggled to make ends meet, putting her education on hold to work and raise her daughter. Overcoming numerous challenges together through the years, including bullying and depression that caused her daughter to stop attending school, Nazaria and Sarahi recently celebrated their dual graduation!

 Their mother-daughter journey began when Nazaria accompanied Sarahi to an orientation and registration session at Region One’s ESC Adult Education and Literacy Program. At her daughter’s suggestion, Nazaria signed up for GED classes too. They supported each other in class, first passing the RLA test and, with assistance from Operation College Bound testing vouchers, completing the rest of their tests in no time.

 Nazaria graduated on November 6, and Sarahi graduated a week later, on November 14. The determined, inspirational mother-daughter duo plan to attend South Texas College in McAllen to continue their educational journey.

Katelyn Moore

Katelyn Moore possesses the potential and drive to one day serve as a United States Supreme Court judge, says her college math professor, describing Katelyn as “an amazing student, a true leader and a shining example of the opportunities that students can create for themselves when they have encouragement and support.”

 A single mother who enrolled in Spokane Community College after a 10-year break, “Kat” excels in her studies, community involvement and family life, despite financial and emotional hardships.

“She inspires so many students, especially the nontraditional, female students who are also juggling family, school, and work,” says her Applied Math professor, who met Katelyn in 2018 in the Adult Basic Education Division’s College Prep Program and challenged her to get involved in student life.

 “She accepted my challenge and surpassed my expectations,” her professor noted, adding that Katelyn served as the Chief Justice for the SCC Associated Student Government in 2018–2019, and this year, served as SCC ASG Vice President. “Her efforts have helped to improve the school’s food bank, better student organization events, such as our Family Fun Night in October and the Latin American Club’s Feliz Navidad event.”

 After graduating this spring with an Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis on Communications and Legal Studies, Katelyn plans to attend Whitworth University to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Law and Justice. She will then attend Gonzaga University School of Law to earn her Juris Doctor and become a prosecutor and eventually a judge with the state court system.

Caitlyn Robards

Caitlyn left high school without a diploma due to family issues, including the death of her father. He had been Caitlyn’s main source of support and encouragement, and without him she was lost. She left school weeks shortly after her junior year began. She worked in minimum wage jobs and lived paycheck to paycheck, struggling to provide for her son and daughter Caitlyn decided to make a major life change and enrolled at the Iosco RESA Adult Education program. As her skills increased, she gained the confidence to apply for more professional jobs and was hired at a local credit union. Caitlyn completed her high school diploma in the fall of 2019. She finished her final class the day after her late father’s birthday. Within a few weeks of earning her GED credential, she received a promotion. Caitlyn is better able to provide for her children, enjoys a higher standard of living, and is fully invested in helping her children succeed in school and in life.

Josiah Lewis

After earning his high school diploma through the GED exam, former GED Prep student Josiah Lewis knew he wanted to continue his education at Seminole State College of Florida. He decided to pursue an engineering career and is now thriving at the college level. Josiah developed a real passion for helping others and for connecting students with college resources. So he now serves as the president of the Student Government Association at our Altamonte Springs campus. Read More.

Amran Firin

Following the dreams of her mother, Adult High School student Amran immigrated from Somalia to the USA at 12 years old to find a better life and a quality education. Years later, she is now realizing her goal of earning a high school diploma as she raises her own two daughters. Coming to Seminole State College of Florida was “the best decision I’ve ever made,” Amran declares. In the past she sometimes felt discouraged when others made her feel less for not having an education. “My biggest motivation of all was that I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. Education makes me feel powerful.” Her advice to fellow students: “Sometimes what we plan and what God plans are not the same. But don’t listen to the voice telling you to drop out. Do not let go of education because it is your life.”

 To help her persist through difficulty, Amran keeps a vision board in her house to remember what is most meaningful: her freedom, her dreams, her family. She also takes time to reflect on her past and how it inspires her future. Amran is motivated by the helplessness she felt when her mother fell ill but could not find quality medical care. Unfortunately, this kind of experience was common in her home country. “I never want to feel powerless again. I want to help somebody’s mother,” she proudly proclaims. After graduation, Amran plans to continue her education and attend medical school. She aims to partner with Doctors Without Borders, a humanitarian medical organization known for working in countries severely impacted by disease. Amran encourages people of all ages to consider going back to school to further their education: “Don’t hear the voice telling you your time has passed. Ignore it and go back to your dream of having complete freedom with your finances, bills, life – education is the way. Education is freedom!”

Alberto Rolando Hernandez

Alberto worked as a paralegal in Mexico City and came to the U.S. to pursue the American Dream. He knew he needed to learn English to succeed and enrolled in a Beginning Literacy class. As his language skills improved, he qualified for an employment preparation class and sought to become a technology instructor. Through this program and with family support he developed skills in time management, organizational strategies, and goal setting. Vocational Rehabilitation Services supported him in job development and accessing assistive techniques to help him succeed. Alberto plans to become a fully certified teacher for the visually impaired. For Alberto, persistence has been the driving force helping him to achieve his academic, personal and professional goals.

Gudelia Contreras

Gudelia came to the United States almost 25 years ago. Earning her GED diploma in Spanish at Oregon Adult Basic Skills, and improving her English reading and writing skills, propelled her from the brutal work on the processing floor of a fish cannery to HR and QC responsibilities. Gudelia then began doing her own outreach work, tutoring students for the Spanish GED and teaching English-speaking volunteers basic Spanish so they could better communicate with students. Five years ago, she was hired by a nonprofit to provide health outreach to low-income clients. Her good work earned her a spot on the boards of Seaside Providence Foundation and the Clatsop Community College Foundation. In 2018, she earned an associate degree from Clatsop Community College, and is now enrolled full-time at Portland State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in Black Studies/Latin America. Her goal is to become a professor.  Gudelia is a testament to literacy and adult education programs and how they empower students to take charge of their futures and their families and fully participate in our communities.

Sandra Zavala

Sandra journeyed to the U.S. from Peru to give her son a better life. She stepped into her classes determined to grow. Learning was not without challenges—she navigated the public transportation system to work three jobs while also attending school. In June 2017, Sandra earned her high school equivalency diploma with her son proudly in attendance. One year later she was hired as the English Language Learner Paraprofessional/Secretary at Wayne Township Adult Education. As Sandra welcomes new students, she talks about the challenges on the journey while emphasizing the rewards awaiting each person who remains dedicated to their dreams. “Sandra is a role model who inspires our staff, our students, and our community. She exudes confidence, optimism and her determination is impacting the lives of hundreds of new immigrants,” says Christy McIntyre-Gray of Wayne Township Adult Education.

Sabrina LeVan

Seven years ago, Sabrina–and her service dog Saddie–enrolled in the ASPIRE program to give learning another chance. Sabrina is an example of what it takes to find the tools and solutions to persevere in the face of adversity and embrace lifelong learning. She has grown her skills substantially and is well on her way to earning her high school equivalency diploma. Sabrina has balanced caring for three children, single motherhood, extensive surgeries, the transportation barriers inherent in Appalachia, and even homelessness, while pursing her educational goals. Once a reluctant learner, she is now referred to by her peers as “That really smart girl with the dog!” Sabrina hopes to pursue a postsecondary degree in animal science with an ultimate goal of training service dogs.  

Cecilia DeLeon

Outstanding Adult Learner 2020

Cecilia battled stomach cancer and raised two children on her own while pursuing her GED diploma at Whatcom Community College. She became an advocate for other victims of sexual assault while also serving members of her community as a translator and resource. She has truly demonstrated leadership while overcoming the most difficult of circumstances. When Cecilia sets her mind to something, it will get done and done well. Helpful, engaged and encouraging, Cecilia brings out the best in her fellow students.

Karmel Radan

Karmel grew up in the foster care system and endured an abusive childhood. She taught herself to read and write with the only books in the house—the Bible and a set of encyclopedias. Despite having no formal schooling, Karmel earned her GED® diploma after a mere 10 months of study. She is now a 4.0 student in college and leader on campus with dreams of a career in medicine or business. “I want to help people who believe the negative about themselves and don’t see that they are unique and have many possibilities,” Karmel explains. “They are smart and they are capable—they just don’t know it yet.”

Dov Yaffe

Dov’s studies have created more stability and security for his family of five. While pursuing his GED diploma, Dov was co-enrolled in Austin Community College’s Ability to Benefit program and began taking college credit classes. He earned his diploma in December of 2018 and a Level 1 Certificate in Network Administration the following year. He is currently pursuing his associate degree and plans to continue his internship Housing Authority of the City of Austin. Dov has become a mentor to his peers. He donated time outside of class and provided students with equipment and encouragement to help them succeed in their studies.