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Adult Learner Success

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Jacques Abungwe fled to the United States from the war-torn country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Jacques’ path in adult education, would lead him higher than he could have imagined. He states, “No one comes this far to be unsuccessful.”

All the way from Iraq, Wurood Alazzawi would not allow language to become the barrier that would stop her from achieving success. Adult education gave her the education and training she needed to pursue the medical career of her dreams.

Bridget Anderson’s dyslexia threatened to shut her out from success until adult education intervened in her life. With the help of her English teacher, Bridget states, “Now I know I can do anything I set my mind to.”

John Anderson’s earlier days of being homeschooled left him feeling robbed of the education he deserved. Adult education allowed him that he had the ability to turn his dreams into reality if he worked hard enough to achieve them.

Adult education helped LeMar Anderson realize that his past bad choices did not have to imprison him for the rest of his life. After 23 years behind bars, the vocational classes LeMar took while inside equipped him with the skills he needed to own his own successful business and pursue his dreams of giving back to the community.

When all doors to an American education seemed closed in her face, Marianna Avetyan found adult education and suddenly she realized that the doors to her future had been thrown open wide.

With only a third-grade education, Mary never returned to school because her Romani family did not strongly promote education. Adult education pushed Mary Baker to overcome a lifetime of educational defeat and obtain her GED^® credential.

After years of her parents refusing her the right to an education, Marissa Benfield found adult education and realized that her lifelong goal was not that far out of reach.

Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Marcos Bonilla-Cruz came to the United States. Adult education opened his eyes to all of the opportunities he had before him, and even he could not believe the path he ended up taking.

After years of housing insecurity, adult education gave Scott Boswell the tools he needed to pursue a career in technology. Now he is the role model he always wanted to be for his children.

At the age of 81, adult education helped Sarah Boyd achieve a lifelong dream, and she soon found a way to give back to the very community that helped her to do it.

Adult education has fueled Ginessa Brown’s future goals. With two daughters to support, Ginessa enrolled in adult education and aimed high to achieve her dreams in the medical field.

When Howie Cao moved to the U.S. from Vietnam, he knew adult education would help him learn English. He didn’t realize that it would help him find an exciting career path.

Thian Cing, a stay-at-home mom and housewife wanted something more for herself. Adult education gave her the skillset she needed to get out into the workforce!

In regular high school classes, Isabella Davis found herself harassed and bullied. Adult education gave Isabella the acceptance she needed to find her own niche and move forward academically.

Adult education opened the door for Sam Deckoff to pursue higher education, where he learned to think critically, empowering him to overcome his frustration in math classes and pursue his passion for computer science.

A medical doctor back in her home country of Cuba, Greity Dominguez faced two daunting challenges when she came to the United States: learning English and practicing medicine in America. Adult education allowed her to do both.

LaShonda Easter had to put her education on hold to care for her children. After 27 years, adult education helped her boost her core academic skills so she could pursue higher education.

In a new country and suddenly abandoned by her husband, Maria Elena Galban Champa went searching for a community, and once she enrolled in an adult education program nearby, she found so much more.

After a head-on collision with a drunk driver robbed her of her ability to walk, Chelle Ferguson discovered adult education and decided to start her life over in an exciting new legal profession.

A former preschool teacher in Mexico, Esmerelda Flores was disappointed to realize she could not continue her same career in the U.S. without increased English skills. Adult education not only helped Esmerelda upskill her English ability, and it allowed her to aim higher for a new administrative career in the United States.

After years of mental health issues and cycles of substance abuse, Stacie Ford lost custody of her three children and adult education became her only hope. With a cycle of alcoholism behind her, Stacie knew that the best was yet to come.

After years of drug addiction, incarceration, housing insecurity, and depression, adult education gave Danielle Gillens the means to lead the life of fulfillment and purpose she had always longed for.

Maria Guerrero entered the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) program to learn English, improve her communication skills, and expand her job opportunities. She states, “This program… has allowed me to find the job of my dreams!”

After over 30 years living in addiction and domestic violence, Kelli Gunter started her road to recovery and rehabilitation. Adult education gave her the skills to empower others with similar struggles.

After 20 years out of school, Lynn Hamblin thought education would be impossible now that she was a mom of twins. Adult education, however, connected her to an incredible support group which helped her meet and surpass her goals.

Adult education was not a path that Cloe Hardy envisioned for herself, but when her life took a turn, and high school was no longer an option for her, adult education was there to help her hit the ground running with a paid work experience!

After her mother died, Chanteea Harmon felt a part of herself go with her. She lost all hope. Adult education reignited a passion in Chanteea and enabled her to begin a purposeful career that gives back to the community.

As soon as his supervisors found out he could not read, Mike Hatten was never able to advance. Adult education not only gave him the tools to read, it provided a new and exciting career for him at the age of 53!

Experiencing a homeless shelter with her two young children made Raylena Hayes determined that she would never go back. Adult education gave her the skills she needed to make that promise come true.

Adult education opened the door for Anneyris Hernandez to serve the members of her community while being well paid. And her dreams are just getting started.

Hoping for a better life for her four children, Marlene Hernandez moved to the United States and enrolled in adult education. Marlene was highly qualified back in her home country, but her lack of English skills would make employment almost impossible. Adult education stepped in and fulfilled her highest career aspirations.

Surrounded by negativity, Caprea Horn refused to be held down. After years of dedicating her life to meeting the needs of her siblings, adult education provided Caprea a way to stake a claim on a future of her own.

After the crushing loss of her baby, Hayley Howard had to decide whether she would give up or continue her path forward through adult education. Her decision would help her chart a new path forward out of her grief and into a surprising career.

Adult education opened up a new, rewarding career path for Tracy James. In fact, her new career is helping other adult learners to reach their goals just like she did.

Initially hoping to just learn English, adult education inspired Caixia Jiang to get her HSE diploma and pursue a career. Today her career path has shown her that in America, the sky’s the limit.

Once Ashley Johnson tasted success in adult education, she knew she could not stop at her high school diploma. Today, Ashley is not only chasing her dreams, she is reaching back to pull others along with her.

A teacher and mother from India, Jagroop Kaur came to Sacramento full of excitement for a new job. The reality of finding one, however, felt difficult and intimidating. Adult education helped Jagroop to find a rewarding career that utilized her gifts.

After putting her education on hold to become a mother, Blu Kelley wanted to discover more about herself and her potential. Adult education awakened a love for learning that she never had before.

After teaching English in the Middle East for 15 years, Nelofar Khamisani thought that pursuing her doctorate in the United States would be a quick and easy transition. However, she felt lost and could not understand as much as she hoped. Adult education gave her the tools she needed to pursue her degree with confidence.

With his high school education derailed and his life in shambles, Jonah Kihoi found himself in drug court. Adult education gave Jonah the tools to get his life together and begin dreaming big.

Watching another aging waitress struggle to keep up, Brandy Logan had a wake-up call. Adult education led Brandy to pursue her education at the highest levels of academia.

When Wendy Longmoore happened upon a brochure at the bank for an adult education program, a world of opportunity called her away from her dairy farm and into a new and exciting career.

When difficult life circumstances took away Haziel Lopez’s opportunity for education, he nearly gave up on having any life goals and his self-esteem was broken. Adult education gave him a second chance.

As a young person Tania Lugo’s future goals had nothing to do with education. She never dreamed that enrolling in adult education would become one of the most influential decisions she ever made.

Charlene Lull found herself in a new city without many prospects. Recently divorced and looking for ways to support her three children, Charlene came to NWACC’s Adult Education program with high hopes.

Adult education is helping Jose Lupercio take his first steps toward two of his biggest goals in life: connecting more deeply with his English-speaking children and rising at his company to provide better for his family.

After ten years at his company, James Macias was offered the promotion of a lifetime, but only adult education could have provided him the high school diploma he needed to take hold of it.

Adult education gave Maira Marroquin the language skills to begin her pursuit of higher education in the United States. With her expanded English skills, she is now well in pursuit of her educational goals.

Always labeled “the kid who couldn’t sit still,” in elementary school, and often getting into trouble, Kendrick Marshall dropped out in high school. Adult education gave Kendrick a productive outlet for his boundless energy as well as a hope for a bright future.

Adult education gave Patrick Martin a foundation to build upon as he broke free from years of drug and alcohol addiction. They could not believe the results that came from him taking this first step.

When David Maxwell’s wife unexpectedly passed away, David felt the heavy burden of finances looming over him and knew he needed to upskill his resume. Adult education filled him with hope for a way to provide for his boys in the midst of immense grief and loss.

When Bruce McCallie had to drop out of high school to help his family during an interstate move, adult education placed Bruce on the fast-track to a world of possibilities.

When the death of her father threatened to derail Miasha Melvin’s educational goals, adult education helped Miasha Melvin get back on track. Little did she know, her dreams would all come true.

Yaina Mitchell moved to America with her family to give her children a better life. She worked hard to support her children, but needed more for herself. Adult education helped Yaina to finally find a sense of belonging in the United States.

Nicole Moliga found herself out of work with two grandsons to support, and underqualified for nearly every position she applied for. As she began looking for work, she realized that without a high school equivalency exam every door was closing on her.

After moving here from Colombia, Yolanda Molina Chica desperately wanted to become a U.S. citizen. Adult education gave her the English skills she needed to begin pursuing her dreams in America.

Yuriko Monelo knew that she wanted to make a better life for herself and her daughter, but she wasn’t sure where to start. Adult education fostered a new love for learning in Yuriko and encouraged her to have academic dreams for her future.

Adult education was there for Lily Mostad when the traditional high school model no longer worked for her life. Her results surprised everyone, and she finished her program in record time.

Raiza Montoya found adult education when she came here from Caracas, Venezuela in 2018. It provided a pathway to improve her English skills and gave her the tools she needed to follow her dreams of owning her own business.

Growing up homeschooled, Cristian Morales had finished 12th grade online, but he needed to pass the GED® exam. He states, “Don’t overthink it if you’re trying to advance your education. Go for it!”

A series of bad choices led Jayce Munoz down a dark path in Denver. But, keeping a promise to his beloved mother, he pursued adult education and has taken steps towards his dream career.

Adult education showed Mousumi Murmu that a medical career was possible, even after having children. She states, “I feel proud. I am a woman, I am smart, and I know I can do anything.”

Harassed in high school due to undiagnosed schizophrenia, adult education empowered Derek Neilson to get the help that he needed and provided the space necessary for him to succeed in his own way.

Toneshia Nelson decided it was time to empower herself and lead her children and grandchildren by example. The journey was difficult because of her many medical challenges, but the results she attained made it all worth it.

Adult education gave Mia Nicer the flexibility she needed to complete her education while meeting the needs of her children. Today she pursues a career in an emerging and exciting field of study.

Depressed and suffering from addiction after his parents’ divorce, Eric O’Connell found himself in and out of jail. Adult education is helping him to find his way back to the life he really wants.

Disappointed to realize he was too old to enroll in high school when he came to the U.S., adult education empowered Cristian Orejarena Monroy to aim high and take the first steps to realizing his dreams of a medical career.

With a difficult past behind her, adult education helped Litzy Ostos begin her first steps toward a fulfilling career and helped her to know she was making her brother and sister in Mexico proud of the role model she had become.

In her late twenties, Leaundra Perez realized that it was time to take charge of her life by furthering her education. Adult education gave Leaundra newfound passion and purpose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When a vicious rumor spread in high school, Ashanti Posey thought that was the end of education for her. Little did she know, adult education would meet her twenty years later and change her life.

Feeling isolated in a new country, adult education helped Juan Puac overcome language and educational barriers, and filled him with the promise of a new career in finance.

Karina Ravkina-Matousov needed a program that would allow her to work a full time job and complete her high school education. Adult education met her where she was at, and propelled her to success beyond her wildest dreams.

At 15 years old, Krista Roberson wanted a real job that could earn her a real salary. Adult education kindled excitement in Krista for a new culinary career path ahead.

Although she was a bright, focused student, Lindsey Roberts decided to drop out halfway through her junior year of high school. Her constant migraines interfered with her education and threatened her future ambitions, but adult education gave her the flexibility she needed to provide her an alternative path to career success.

Born during the post-depression era in West Texas, Patty Rogers worked many interesting jobs in her lifetime, but she always wanted to earn her high school diploma. Adult education helped Patty achieve her 58-year-old dream.

When Yeli Romero wanted to start her own marketing business for her local Hispanic community, she knew she would need to develop her English proficiency and her entrepreneurial skills. Adult education helped her to do both.

After a turbulent teenhood, Eddie Rivera found himself incarcerated, but not forgotten. Adult education breathed life into the dreams he had always had, and upon reentry, Eddie began to chase his second chance with everything he had.

Adult education helped Alexis Ruebeck put her education into her own hands. Now, she’s dedicated to helping others to do the same.

In his home country of Syria, Majd Saad held a prestigious professional position for many years. Adult education gave Majd a path back to success as he began his new life in America.

With children to support, Romiro Sanchez always put his dreams on the back burner. At the age of 71, Romiro decided it wasn’t too late for him to enroll in adult education and pursue his dream.

Originally from India, Harjit Sandhu found it hard to adapt to the technology commonly used in the American workplace. Adult education allowed Harjit to upskill her resume so that she could achieve success in a new country.

After a lifetime of being put down by his own family, Richard Sandoval was able to finally believe in himself and find his potential through adult education.

Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and depression, Maria Grace Schmid dropped out of high school in 2017. Once she discovered adult education, finally her dream of pursuing a medical career that allowed her to give back to her community was within reach.

Upon arriving in the United States, Innocent Sengabira Nkurunziza realized that his prior degree would not be accepted in U.S. hospitals, and he turned to adult education to help him fulfill his dreams of a career in medicine.

Megan Shelton always told herself that she would go back and get her high school equivalency diploma, but life was not easy, and a good time never presented itself. Determined to prove her potential to her four boys, Megan’s success in adult education helped her to embark on a brand new career in the healthcare industry.

Adult education is helping Aaron Sherk finally make progress on his educational journey. In a matter of months, he has come further than he has in several years.

Most of Raymond Silva’s classes did not interest him at all, so he gave up on school. Adult education gave Raymond the skillset he needed to pursue a career that truly engaged him.

Overcome by weight-related health problems at the age of 20, adult education provided Meegen Smith with new hope and the determination to make a better life for herself and her kids. She states, “I’ve gone from jail, addiction, and pain, to barbells, protein, power, and a Lexus!”

Years of drug dependence left Hunter Smith-Hilton searching for a new chance at life. Adult education gave Hunter the boost she needed to reclaim the life (and love) of her dreams!

After devoting decades of her life to her children and grandchildren, Marisol Soto decided it was her turn to chase her dreams. Adult education has put her on the path to begin her studies towards a fulfilling career.

Adult education gave Fousseyni Soumare the confidence he needed to overcome his worries about life in a new country. Many challenges awaited him, however, his years of hard work would certainly pay off.

Adult education gave Mamadou Soumare the head start he needed in a new country and fueled his dreams with possibilities. He states, “My journey to America may be over, but my journey in America is not.”

When his company instituted a new payroll system that required everyone to input their educational history, David Tanner knew his secret was out. At the age of 58, he realized he would have to start over.

Adult education upskilled Noriko Tauer’s resume so that she could successfully compete in a competitive job market, landing her a role in a prestigious government agency.

Thanks to her adult education program promoting digital literacy skills, Kristy Trudel went off to college and became equipped to give back to the adult education community using her new in-demand computer security skills.

After a long, difficult journey to escape Cuba’s stifling communist government, Edel Valle made it to the United States with no English skills whatsoever. Adult education is starting to change that.

With six children to provide for and no high school diploma to her name, a rewarding, well-paying career seemed out of reach for Latasha Wallace. An adult education program has started to change all that.

After years of child-rearing, Millicent White Duncan knew she needed her GED® credential to create a better life for her and her children. Adult education changed Millicent’s life, but the legacy it created for her children would prove to be her finest achievement.

Although he was a bright student, Jeremy Wilson did not see the value of high school and dropped out. Adult education was there for Jeremy when he found himself presented with a new career opportunity that required a high school diploma.

Ashlyn Woolsey had always struggled to learn in the regular school system, and one day she finally decided to drop out. Adult education opened up career pathways for Ashlyn and helped get her future back on track.

After attending the Houston Community College (HCC) Adult Education orientation meeting, Jose Zambrano realized he needed a goal to fuel his ambition, and he decided to take his dreams all the way to the top.

Adult education gave Jessica Zhang the skills to communicate and connect with the people around her. With her improved English skills, she has also decided to pursue a college degree.

Hoping to improve her English skills, Bing Zhou joined an adult education class. Here Bing formed a long-term friendship that blossomed into a successful (and delicious!) business.

Adult education dramatically increased Wendkouni‘s earning potential in a matter of years. He has completed his manufacturing certificate and has landed a job at Boeing as a tool maker.