Graduate Profiles

We love to celebrate our students!

Below you can find stories and words of encouragement from our recent graduates!

Nora Rodriguez Guardado

Nora Rodriguez graduated with a HS Diploma on November 26, 2024!

'I wanted to return to school so I could feel better about myself and make my kids proud. My

struggles were to do with homework, because it had been a while, but I pushed myself and kept moving forward. Now I'm here with all my work done and ready for graduation!

Lucia Mar Adult Education helped me so much! It's never too late, don't give up on yourself! My family was also a big support, but I really want to thank my teacher, Ms. Regina Castillo, for all her support and help. She was a huge help in keeping me motivated and moving.'

Joshua Acuna Zepeda

Joshua Zepeda graduated with a HS Diploma on October 29, 2024!

What words of encouragement do you have for fellow Adult Education students?

'It took two years and I achieved my goal. Never give up!'

What struggles did you face while attending school and how did you overcome them?

‘At first I was impatient, but I learned study skills and set a schedule for my classes. My grades improved after I took the time to answer questions and read assignments.’

Anything else you want the world to know?

'Adult Education was a very good experience. The teachers were very helpful and made me feel supported. I would like to thank Cindy LeLaurin, Tricia Robertson and Tim Arlen. I am happy I stuck with the program for two years!'

Kat De Leon

Kat graduated with a HS Diploma on October 28, 2024!

What do you want fellow students to know about Lucia Mar Adult Education?

‘Great teachers, positive encouraging environment. The students were positive and I had a much better experience this time around.’

What struggles did you face while attending school and how did you overcome them?

‘I completely struggled with Math, but I overcame with Cindy LeLaurin's help, patience and encouragement. Do the Math first, don't leave it for last! ’

Esmeralda Miranda Rojas

What struggles did you face while attending school and how did you overcome them?

‘Trying to stay strong for my family and show up to school when we had lost our house to a big storm... some of my classes were hard, but Ms. Cindy helped me and supported me a lot.’

What words of encouragement do you have for fellow Adult Education students?

‘Do this for your hard-working parents and just keep on going, because it will all be worth it.’

Antonio Tinoco

My name is Antonio Tinoco and this is my story. I came to this country 30 years ago. I crossed the border illegally along with 20 other people. It was really hard. We had no food during the 5 days that it took. I really wanted to come to the United States. I finally joined up with my dad here and I started working but the whole time I worried that I would be caught and sent back to Mexico. Finally, when my dad became a citizen I got my Permanent Resident Card and could work. Since then I have worked hard for my family and community. I went to church and volunteered. The job I do is satisfying.

There are a lot of opportunities to grow and learn. I think learning is the best way to take advantage of the things the United States has to offer. I want to fully participate in those. My wife found information about the Citizenship Class. It was then that I learned about the process of becoming a citizen. The teacher told me more about the history of this country and prepared me for the test.

I passed my citizenship test and it feels good taking that step. I want to keep going and participate in every way that I can. I encourage everyone to join this process and keep growing in this country and the advantages it has to offer.

I am also very excited, because I can now vote!