June 21, 2005
(Editor’s Note: A dress rehearsal for the ceremony is scheduled
for Thursday, June 23, at noon with a group photo at 1 p.m. in the College’s
Gymnasium on Baldwin Blvd. Any media wishing to interview students are invited
to the rehearsal.)
Success Stories Highlight 2005 GED Graduates
Determined students beat the odds to earn high school equivalency certificates
One word describes most students who go back to school to complete their high
school education after several years--determined. Their resolution to complete
their studies keeps them going, even if the odds seem to play against them at
times. On Thursday, June 23, over 170 Del Mar College 2005 General Education
Development (GED) graduates will receive their rewards--high school equivalency
certificates.
The ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the College’s Gymnasium, located
on Baldwin Blvd.
Reasons vary as to why these students dropped out of high school, but their
achievement is worth the effort they have put forth when they leave the College’s
campus with certificate in-hand. Some students who faced challenges before and
during the time they earned their certificates include:
Lorena Tijerina
At age 13, Lorena Tijerina’s parents decided to move their family back
to their native country-Mexico. For the seventh grader, the family’s move
impacted her life more than she could have imagined.
Tijerina recounts that Mexico holds different customs that dictate that women
should marry and have children rather than focus on education. “Education
was not considered important for women,” she notes. Tijerina didn’t
agree with these ideas, but there was little she felt she could do.
Tijerina never stopped asking herself, “What if I had been able to finish
school?”
After marrying, having a son and getting a divorce, Tijerina returned to the
United States at age 32. However, jobs were limited because she never completed
her education. While working as a waitress, Tijerina learned about the College’s
GED program and decided to enroll in classes.
“I believe we are responsible for our own lives,” Tijerina says. “Blaming
others or making excuses gets us nowhere.” While it took her 20 years to
return to school, Tijerina believes everyone should know, “It takes courage
to start over, but it’s worth the effort.”
On Thursday, Tijerina’s own efforts will pay off when she receives her
certificate—with honors.
“Earning my GED is one of the first steps to making my dream come true,”
she adds. “Ultimately, my goal is to become an art teacher.”
Mario Lopez
Mario Lopez, a 32-year-old father of three, looks forward to a career in the
medical field. He dropped out of high school as a 15-year- old freshman to work
full time to provide for his wife and son. At that same time, Lopez’s parents
were going through a divorce.
His problems didn’t stop there.
Lopez abused substances, but he decided to lead a sober life. And, to top that
situation, he worked two jobs for over eight years. Lopez worked two eight-hour
shifts in local restaurants until he suffered a back injury. At that point,
he only kept his daytime job at one local restaurant until he decided the time
had come for a change.
Lopez enrolled in the College’s GED program in May 2004. While preparing
to test for his GED certificate, Lopez received several awards, including perfect
attendance, most improved and perseverance.
After passing the GED in October 2004, Lopez enrolled in DMC credit classes
this past spring. This summer, he is taking a computer course.
Lopez is determined to be a role model for his three teenage children. “
I feel proud knowing that I can help my 14 year-old daughter with algebra,”
he says. “Even my wife is following my footsteps and enrolled in the GED
program.”
“I enjoy taking classes at Del Mar College,” he adds. “I’m
getting the opportunity to continue my education and make up for all the years
that I missed.”
Lopez hopes to fulfill a career in the medical field by becoming a physical
therapist, registered nurse or surgical technologist.
Malissa Gill
Malissa Gill’s story starts in Corpus Christi. At age 13, her parents decided
to get a divorce. Afterward, the young teen moved to Anchorage, Alaska, with
her father. At age 15 and in the eleventh grade, Gill became pregnant with her
first child.
She married and two years later moved back to Corpus Christi with her husband.
Gill found that finding work was difficult with a limited education, but she
also faced other challenges due to her hearing impairment.
Gill was determined to achieve her dream and finish her education. Getting started
came with some frustration, however, because school officials in Alaska could
not trace her transcripts showing the last grade she had completed. Gill discovered
later that her records were filed under her maiden name rather than the name
she had given them for the search.
In May 2004, the mother of three enrolled in the College’s GED Program.
The 26-year-old recalls how difficult it was for her to participate in class
discussions because of her hearing impairment. But, she was persistent and determined
to succeed. “I shared many one-on-one sessions with my instructors in my
subjects and in other discussions,” she says.
Gill’s persistence earned her the GED Program’s award for “most
improvement.” She passed the GED in October 2004.
Since then, Gill has taken classes toward earning an associate’s degree
in Industrial Management from Del Mar College. Currently, she is enrolled in
credit courses for both summer sessions and is also working in one of the College’s
labs as a student assistant for the Interpreter for the Deaf Program.
“I enjoy helping other students, especially those needing help with American
Sign Language,” she says.
And, Gill’s advice to other students about pursuing their education is?
“Feel comfortable and ask for help,” she says. “ Del Mar College
gave me the answers I needed as well as flexible options.”
-DMC-rlr