A mother earns her high school diploma to set an example for her son
When her 14-year-old son struggled to find motivation in his freshman year of high school, Danielle Thomas knew she could set a good example by earning her own high school diploma at the Lompoc Adult School and Career Center (LASCC).
The school offers a free and flexible high school diploma program that can be completed entirely online. The program offers one-on-one support, career and job search and college transition assistance.
The oldest of Thomas’ three children started high school in 2023, and struggled to find the motivation to graduate and complete his education.
“I wanted to actively show my son instead of just telling him, this is why he needs to go. I wanted to show him that if I can do it, he can do it.”
Danielle Thomas, Graduate, Lompoc Adult School and Career Center High School
“I wanted to actively show my son instead of just telling him, this is why he needs to go,” Thomas says. “I wanted to show him that if I can do it, he can do it.”
In addition to setting an example for her three kids, Thomas knew a diploma was necessary to further her life and career. To achieve that, Thomas fast-tracked her diploma completion with the help of her teacher at LASCC and received her diploma in June 2023.
“Finding a schedule to sit down and complete the assignments, I juggled it around for a while, so I found one that fits,” Thomas says. “Once I did, with determination, I just dove in.”
Thomas credits her teacher, Lynn Maxwell, for helping her complete her diploma program, and said Maxwell would not hesitate to provide additional help when it was needed.
“Anytime I needed help with an assignment because I didn’t understand something, she would make time for me to come in and sit down for a few hours with her,” Thomas says. “[She would] explain how to do it and show me what I needed to do.”
Now, Thomas is getting a head start on setting the next example for her kids as a college student. In September, Thomas began her first semester at Grand Canyon University, where she is studying behavioral science with an emphasis on adolescence and childhood.
“I can be an active example daily of showing them that Mommy does it too,” Thomas says.
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 | High School |
