How adult education helped a woman find her dream job—at a school across the street from her home
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIA MCLAUGHLIN
As a high school senior, Maria McLaughlin was preparing to take on her senior project, then later pass the California High School Exit Exam and graduate with her hard-earned diploma. But her plans were derailed when her mother became ill and, as the oldest of four daughters at home, her priorities shifted.
“I couldn’t finish my senior project, which was a requirement to graduate,” recalls McLaughlin, now 34, who lives in Stockton. “I was already working, so I put my education on the back burner, though I did pass the exit exam.”
McLaughlin discovered that the lack of a high school diploma was a hurdle in the job market, confining her to a series of customer service positions in retail stores such as Victoria’s Secret and Hollywood Video.
“Never think you’re too old to further your education, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Maria McLaughlin, Para educator, Parklane Elementary School
“Even though I’m professional and have amazing customer service skills, I felt that because I didn’t have a high school diploma I couldn’t get the jobs I wanted,” she says. “I was looked over when I applied.”
McLaughlin’s goal was to work in the education field “because I love helping kids learn,” she says. “I knew the only way to get that job was to get a high school diploma. I only needed 25 credits and I wanted to go back.”
This led her to the Lodi Adult School, which specializes in multiple adult education programs.
“The staff made it known that they were available and interested in helping us reach our goals,” McLaughlin says.
When it comes to adult education, she advises, “Never think you’re too old to further your education, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. As my husband says, ‘A closed mouth does not get fed.’”
After graduating with her diploma in October 2019, McLaughlin learned of a “dream job opening” at Parklane Elementary School—literally across the street from her home. “We already had one child going there, it was perfect.” She interviewed and was hired last March.
McLaughlin works as a para educator, helping teachers prepare lesson plans and working one-on-one with students, some of whom are on the autism spectrum. “To be able to help kids like this is something I really wanted to do,” she says. “But, because of COVID, everything’s now being done through Zoom.”
McLaughlin’s driving force is rooted in the example she wanted to set for her four sons. “I wanted my kids to see that no matter what your circumstances, it’s never too late to work hard toward a goal and accomplish it,” she says. “It’s important to have that victory.”
To learn more about the Lodi Adult School in the Lodi Unified School District, visit adulted.lodiusd.net or call 209-331-7605.
Written by Allen Peirleoni
| Regions | Classes |
|---|---|
| Central California | High School |
