Gateway Adult Education Network

Maricela:I received my degree in office administration, certificates for website development, medical billing and coding, introduction to computer applications, essentials of business communications, office procedures, document formatting, and social media. I was able to complete a total of 23 units in one year. After lots of hard work, I received my high school diploma from Gustine Adult School.

Elizabeth White: This program has taught me that no matter what age you are it is never too late to achieve your goals. There are people on your side who will be rooting for you the whole way and when you finally achieve your goals, they will be celebrating with you. Now that I am a high school graduate, I plan to enroll at Merced College spring semester of 2024 and finish my associate degree in criminal justice, with a focus on alcohol and drug studies. For now, my end goal is to become an alcohol and drug counselor. Currently, I work at a Chevron in Los Banos, and I love it.

Vanessa Vasquez took the Construction Technology program from August of this year through September. She completed the program with her OSHA 10 safety card, First Aid/CPR, and an industry recognized pre-apprenticeship certificate from the construction unions. She maintained an excellent attendance record and was always on time with her assignments. She was able to obtain full time employment with a construction company before the end of the program. Her employer was so impressed with her work that they hired someone based on her recommendation.

Bianca Cardenas-Cervantes enrolled in the Merced County Office of Education: Foundations in Early Education Adult Regional Occupation Program. She started her site placement at Merced College Child Development Center, where she completed 355 hours working with infants and toddlers. Importantly, Bianca will be honored at the 2023 Award of Excellence Ceremony for receiving the Evelyn Eagleton Scholarship. Bianca plans to work and continue her education in child development at Merced College.

Remedios Reyes enrolled in the Merced County Office of Education: Foundations in Early Education Adult Regional Occupation Program. She completed the program with 6 units of college credit, which allowed her to transition out of her role as a part-time custodian for Merced County Community Action Agency (MCCAA). Currently, Remedios continues to work for MCCAA in her new position as a full-time instructional aide, working with young preschool age children. Most importantly, she will be honored at the 2023 Award of Excellence Ceremony for her commitment to higher levels of educational attainment.

Catherine Xiong, aka "Catherine the Great" as she has been called by her teachers at Merced Adult School, represents perseverance, determination and the will power to never quit until she reaches her goals. As a Non-English speaker new to this country, she learned to adapt to an unfamiliar culture all while raising 5 children as a single parent. She has been a student at Merced Adult School for many years, climbing the educational ladder first as an ESL Student, progressing to the ABE level, and currently, to the GED program. Catherine continues to be an inspiration to the entire campus community.

Samuel enrolled in Merced County Office of Education’s ROP Culinary Essentials Program, through the Gateway Adult Education Network and Empower Program. This class provided Samuel with the skills and training necessary for him to grow and gain more independence. Samuel earned a Food Handlers Certification, which is essential in the food service industry. Samuel completed his internship with Food 4 Less in Merced. Through the skills and experience he gained from class and his internship, he was given the opportunity of being scheduled for an open interview at Food 4 Less in Atwater. Proud to say, Samuel is employed with Food 4 Less and starting his career journey.

Juan enrolled in Merced County Office of Education’s ROP Culinary Essentials Program, through the Gateway Adult Education Network. With high hopes, Juan enrolled in this program to find a career and expand his culinary talents. While enrolled in MCOE’s Culinary Essentials Program, Juan completed an Employability Portfolio and an internship at Food 4 Less’ Bakery. This internship led him to an interview and ended with permanent employment by Food 4 Less. Juan is currently working in the Bakery as a full time employee. Successfully, Juan earned Merced County Office of Education’s Award of Excellence for the year 2020.

Jocelyn came to Gustine Adult School to continue learning English. Although, she had learned some when she attended prior adult schools in other areas. After hearing there was a high school program at our school site, she decided continuing her education was best for her and her son. She had widowed recently, and was afraid that not having a higher education would limit her abilities to obtain better than menial jobs. While in the high school program, she acquired a housekeeping job, but quickly gave it up because the required hours encroached on her studying time. School was her priority. Jocelyn did not have regrets; she believes that after attaining a high school diploma, more opportunities will present themselves. Now that she has finished, she is interested in pursuing medical training so she can work in the medical field.

Dolores Arechiga: My name is Dolores Arechiga, and I came to the United States in 2003 and settled in San Jose, CA. At this time, my English was very basic. In June 2016, my husband and I moved several times and settled in Merced. We purchased a house, so I decided to take advantage of my time and enrolled at Merced Adult School. I registered in a citizenship class and a pre-HSE class, and not long after, I was promoted to the GED class with Mrs. Tatum, where I completed my GED and received my citizenship! Currently, I am taking the Computer & Office Technology class, hoping to achieve and become certified in the Microsoft suite.

Anna Gomez: Like anyone else, I had my share of obstacles that kept me from getting my diploma. I could have used these obstacles as an excuse, but I chose just to get to work. It wasn't always easy, but I got it done. I am fortunate to have the support of my mother, who always believed in me. I also had the help of my teacher, who created a good learning environment. He allowed us to have fun but also kept us on track. It made things so much easier for me. Thank you, Mr. Sobrevilla! To anyone thinking about finishing school, stop hesitating because you can finish school. All you have to do is sign up, get started, and do the work. If you do that and stay focused, you will succeed.

Megan Leon started the new ROP Adult Foundations in Education Program. Importantly, Megan showed a great desire to learn the skills necessary to be an effective childcare provider. She's excellent at working with infants and toddlers. Megan will apply for her Child Development Permit from the State of California as an Assistant in an Infant Toddler Child Care Program. In the future, Megan’s goal is to open her own Family Childcare Center. Please recognize Megan for the Merced County Regional Occupational Program - Award of Excellence - Winner.