Thirty-one graduates from Cleveland Community College's Learning Center were awarded an adult high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate on July 18, 2017 in the Mildred H. Keeter Auditorium.
Among those receiving their adult high school diploma was Claudia Arrez. She began her educational journey at CCC in 2013 when she entered the English as a Second Language program. After about three months, she was ready to move forward so she enrolled in the Adult Basic Education and the Adult High School program.
Arrez's motivation for beginning this journey were her children. "It was hard for me to help my children with their homework" she says. "They would ask me questions and I wouldn't know how to help them." That has all changed. "My oldest daughter will show me a problem and now I can help her. I feel better because I can help her." Wanting to be able to help her children with their homework got her started, but now she has new goals. Arrez plans to enroll in CCC's Early Childhood Education program this fall.
Arrez admits the journey has not been easy. "At first I thought it was hard and I should just quit, but I told myself I have to keep doing this. Even sometimes when I took the Test of Adult Basic Education I would be sad and think I should quit." But she kept going, even when friends who started the program with her dropped out. Now, as she enters her next phase of learning she is confident because she says, "I want to do this."
For anyone who is thinking of earning their adult high school diploma or high school equivalency Arrez says they should come to the Learning Center. "It's a great opportunity to get an education and be able to help your children. They have good teachers, and they help you a lot."
Submitted by Paula Vess