Faith of family propels GED grads to succeed
BRAWLEY — Striving for the future so his four-month-old daughter has a surer path to success, Cristian Ruiz found his motive to obtain a GED equivalency credential at home.
Along with other working adults, Ruiz received his general education development credential Friday.
The ceremony in Hidalgo Hall at the S.E.R. Jobs for Progress, Inc. recognized 94 graduates.
Service, Employment and Redevelopment for Progress is a part of the High School Equivalency Program funded through the Department of Migrant Education.
It started in 1964 to advocate for the development of human resources.
The local chapter serves 150 students per year in classes throughout Imperial County. Ruiz attended day classes at One Stop Business & Employment in El Centro.
Ruiz, 20, was also encouraged by his instructor. “My teacher told me I was smart but kind of lazy,” he said. “But I felt rusty because I didn’t go to school for two years.”
At first attracted to a corrections career, Ruiz is also interested in becoming an emergency medical technician since a cousin just started as an EMT.
Ruiz’s ex-wife cares for their child by day. He starts his morning at 5 a.m. putting in several hours for Pools R Us doing both construction and maintenance.
Then in late morning he is in class for several hours and back to work before heading home.
Despite the agenda he squeezes in homework before class. “I actually like science and math, I like doing projects to learn about the human body,” he said. “My advice to dropouts, it’s never too late. It may not be a diploma but a GED really helps with your career.”
Especially helpful to Ruiz was instructor, Edwin Zavala, who was flexible about homework and met one-on-one with Ruiz after class.
He made accommodations, yet did likewise for other students since all are working. “He’s dedicated,” said Zavala. “He wants to do something more than manual labor, go on to IVC and now thinking of health care.”
Zavala added that most students want to set a positive example for their children and illustrate how important school is if they want a job with a bigger impact on their community. “What the adults do is difficult going to class and work,” he said. “They forgo a lot with family. But their families are the ones providing critical support.”
Spending two hours in line at the port of entry, Eleazar Figueroa drove in from Mexicali to attend classes. The time wasted in line was exasperating because he could have been studying but it energized him to commit to the curriculum. His other motive was the field work he did for a living.
“You live that kind of life you know you can do better,” said Figueroa. “I didn’t like studying but realized field work was much worse. Graduating today feels powerful — like I can fly. A GED is hard but not impossible.”
Schooling is critical to attaining one’s dream, Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D-56th) told graduates. “Today I feel proud to recognize efforts the students have made to further their learning,” he said. “Education is a key part of life we should all be able to pursue.” This step took courage, discipline and commitment remarked Martha Anaya, S.E.R. program coordinator. “You had a thousand things you need to do,” she said. “Yet you overcame countless obstacles. Today is just another beginning not an end.”