A former addict earns her high school degree and discovers an opportunity to help others
More than a decade after dropping out of high school, Nichole Duran wanted to get her diploma in 2016 at the Lompoc Adult School and Career Center (LASCC). Back then, however, a major obstacle stood in her way: addiction.
“Addiction consumes everything,” Duran says. “That’s the only thing you think of. Everything else is on the back burner, including yourself.”
While battling her years-long dependence on drugs and alcohol, Duran says she lacked the drive to follow through with anything—including her high school diploma classes. That is until 2021, when her self-determination and career goals motivated her to re-enroll at LASCC.
“There were times when I says, ‘I want to be done with this. And my oldest daughter says, ‘Take your time, Mom. There’s no rush, you got this.’”
Nichole Duran, Graduate, Lompoc Adult School and Career Center
“I needed that high school diploma to get a career,” Duran says.
When Duran first attended LASCC eight years ago, classes were held in-person. But since COVID, classes have been offered online, which allowed Duran to complete her course load at a steady pace that accommodated her busy schedule. In addition to taking classes, Duran worked full-time at a thrift store in Santa Maria while also raising three teenage daughters as a single mother. On top of it all, she played on a “clean and sober” softball team.
Duran, who graduated in 2024, is relieved to have finally received her high school diploma. The path was not always easy but she had the unwavering support of her daughters.
“There were times when I was like, ‘I want to be done with this,’” Duran says. “And my oldest daughter says, ‘Take your time, Mom. There’s no rush, you got this.’ They were very proud of me.”
Now, Duran says she appreciates LASCC and the services the school provides to the local community. Along with their high school diploma program, LASCC also offers English as a second language (ESL) classes, medical career certification programs, and computer classes.
“The staff is really helpful, really nice and really attentive,” Duran says. “I’m glad they have a place like that here in Lompoc for people who want to achieve their high school diploma.”
For Duran, one of the best parts of finally getting her diploma was the cap and gown ceremony, a memory that still makes her smile.
“I didn’t get a chance to do that in high school. It was so fulfilling,” Duran says.
Since graduating, Duran has begun a career as a drug and alcohol counselor at Good Samaritan Shelter in Lompoc, using her past struggles with addiction to guide the men she advises. She remains focused on future goals.
“I want to continue on the right path of my career,” Duran says. “I hope to one day be a manager and work in a facility where there’s women.”
For more information on the Lompoc Adult School and Career Center’s high school degree program visit https://adulteducation.lusd.org/.
by Jimmy Flynn
| Regions | Classes & Topics |
|---|---|
| South Coast California | High School |
