Years after completing her education, a student brings her skills back to school
As a mother of four in the early 2000s, Maria Rodriguez knew she wanted to find a way to better her life. Her chance at this, she eventually realized, was just literal steps away.
Back then, Rodriguez lived across the street from Lompoc High School, which, at the time, also housed a small building occupied by the Lompoc Adult School and Career Center (LASCC). With opportunity so close, Rodriguez started taking English language courses.
“I learned a lot of the skills [including] how to study and how to memorize information,” Rodriguez says.
The motivation to better her life stemmed from her experiences as a mother and her desire to inspire them.
“I wanted to grow myself, I wanted to learn more,” Rodriguez says. “I wanted to be an example for my kids—like, if I could do it, you guys can do it too.”
“If you want to reach your goals, you have to be consistent.”
Maria Rodriguez, Registrar and Graduate, Lompoc Adult School and Career Center
After graduating, Rodriguez worked for the school district as a paraeducator and later as a bilingual community liaison where she assisted English language instructors. Today, she works as a registrar for LASCC where she says she’s excited that her skills and educational background have opened new doors.
“I used to help the teachers in the ESL class, and I talked to them about my experience and how they can also learn the language and get a better job or help their kids,” Rodriguez says.
After rising through the ranks, Rodriguez has come to preach consistency to those around her.
“If you want to reach your goals, you have to be consistent,” Rodriguez says. “Otherwise, you just think about a goal and never put in any effort, you are never going to reach that goal.”
The example Rodriguez crossed the street to set, and all the work since has paid off. Her children have received their high school diploma, and now the focus is on setting an example for her grandchildren.
“My kids are all grown up, my grandkids are grown up,” she says. “Now, my youngest granddaughter is 19 and at the adult school getting her diploma.”
To learn more about the Lompoc Adult School and Career Center, visit https://adulteducation.lusd.org/
Written by Chris Woodard
| Regions | Classes & Topics |
|---|---|
| South Coast California | English as a Second Language |
