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Success Stories

A Long Journey to Graduation

by Fred Anaya, Director for Adult Basic Education
Ysleta Community Learning Center

This tall and distinguished gentleman looked more like a doctor than a student who needed adult education classes. Indeed, he was a retired microbiologist who had worked his way up from a 14 year old kid who worked in the animal clinic cleaning all of the animal stalls. He left school to start working at Ft. Bliss. He had to work to help his family survive during the “Great Depression.” Over the years, he worked his way up to gain the full confidence and support of his supervisors to work in the microbiology lab. Mr. P, a high achieving individual eventually became a certified trained microbiologist and later a leader in his field throughout the country. He worked with many distinguished doctors and experts in the field of microbiology. He became head microbiologist at Ft. Bliss and a consultant nation wide. Many nights he spent studying and learning about this new world of microbiology. He learned from the very best doctors throughout the nation and attended many workshops, conferences and meetings at such places as Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia and many other major facilities.

Mr. P had become an expert in his field and recognized for his accuracy in identifying micro organisms which made patients ill. He would also explore treatments which were most effective in treating patients. Needless to say, many doctors relied on his results and recommendation in treating many patients. And, in spite of all of this work experience and success for over 40 years in the medical field, one thing was missing. He never attained his high school diploma because he dropped out of high school after one year to go work. The third eldest of seven siblings, the older males were expected to work and contribute to the family. The times were challenging during these years of the “Great Depression.”

So this retired, sixty-nine year old gentleman decided that it was time to go back to school and prove to himself that he was worthy of the accomplishments he had earned. He remembered that it was through hard work and dedication that opened doors of opportunity for him and family.

He decided to sign up for GED classes and his teacher was a young lady who was especially proud of him for having made this decision to return to school at his age. He was an excellent student who did exactly as he was told. He was used to doing homework so he would read and come back to class with questions about specific readings in all subject areas. His teacher had to be especially prepared to answer Mr. P’s questions but she was most happy to help. As it turned out, he was one of her favorite students—even before he started classes. He was feeling especially fortunate to have such a helpful teacher. After all, this young lady was his daughter. There was no way they were going to let each other down. It was a mission for both to pass the GED on the first try. All this time and work would pay off for him and he wanted to make his teacher proud of him. He was especially grateful of the opportunity to take free classes at the high school where his children had all graduated from. His children had been his biggest supporters when he told them he was thinking of going back to school to get his GED. He appreciated the new knowledge he acquired from the readings. Math and Science came naturally to him but the process of working out certain problems was different. He applied his newly acquired techniques and it reinforced what he already knew in Math and Science. The results were the same; the approach was just a little different.

After one semester of night school his teacher/daughter told him he was ready. He wanted to prepare a little longer but he was reassured that he had scored well enough on the practice tests to pass the GED. Having worked hard all semester, it was time to put his hard work and new skills to the test. He signed up for the test and when the big day came to take the GED test, he felt confident. Sure enough, he took the test and passed it with flying colors. His teacher had a big graduation party for him! She was so proud of him because years before he had been her supporter and cheerleader when she was going to college. Supporting her through words of encouragement and telling her how proud he was of her, it was her time to give back. This wonderful daughter/father relationship and the love they have for each other and their family has fostered a deeper appreciation for education. This wonderful teacher also happens to be my wife and this gentleman, of course, is my father-in-law.

He often tells us that of all his accomplishments, he is most proud of his GED. His GED graduation party included 7 children, 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, and his beautiful wife. He was proud to share his new accomplishment with his family. He is their hero—their mentor for life. This is a man who leads through example and has made believers out of doubters.

It is never too late to accomplish a goal. For whatever reasons, time passes, but we never forget those dreams we once had. Dreams can become a reality when one is not afraid to make a decision. In this case, this decision has made a positive impact on many lives—including mine. He continues to be an inspiration to all of us.