Maricela Garcia recently completed her high school diploma program during COVID isolation, taking 11 online classes between August 2020 and January 2021.
Garcia, mother of six, was able to achieve this milestone through the Adult Education program in the Moreno Valley Unified School District. For this achievement, the Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) has selected Maricela to share her story online, helping inspire other adults to complete their education.
“The Moreno Valley Community Adult School HSD program allowed her the flexibility to access her classes while helping her six children with their own virtual studies,” said Haidee Murphy, who was Maricela Garcia’s teacher and who nominated her for the recognition. “We are so proud of her accomplishment and honored to be a part of her educational journey.”
Garcia describes the health crisis as “a challenge, a curse, and a blessing.”
“It has brought me the opportunity to concentrate on my education and help my children with their studies, as well. It wasn’t easy but having my high school diploma will open up doors for me to a better life!”
OTAN invites nominations of California adult education learners who are successful as a result of the education received at WIOA funded adult education agencies for the California Adult Education Students Succeed program. The program honors outstanding students who are adults with significant life responsibilities, who have made positive contributions to the community, established and met life goals by attending an adult education program, improved the life situations of self and others, and overcome difficult circumstances in order to pursue adult learning experiences.
“We are so proud of Maricela and everything she has accomplished,” said Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora. “There were many challenging circumstances she faced this year and despite all of it, she maintained her focus and persevered.”