Success stories
For You, Your Families, And Your Community
Francisco Solano
Salinas Adult School
Francisco Solano began in the ESL program at Salinas Adult School in 2010 while working full-time in agriculture. Despite facing major life challenges, he earned his GED in 2015, completed three associate degrees at Hartnell College, and graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Along the way, he has mentored other students and volunteered with programs supporting undocumented and first-gen learners. Francisco was recently accepted into PhD programs at UCLA and UC Davis, where he plans to pursue cancer research—an inspiring testament to resilience and the power of adult education.
Adolfo Gonzalez
Salinas Adult School
Adolfo Gonzalez, a former farmworker and GED graduate of Salinas Adult School, returned in 2018 as a CSUMB Service Learning volunteer to support adult learners with literacy and communication skills. Now a Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures major with a 3.85 GPA, Adolfo recently received the Service Learning Award for his impactful contributions. After 16 years in the fields and completing studies at Hartnell and CSUMB, he plans to pursue a teaching credential to serve and uplift diverse learners in Monterey County.
Guadalupe Navidad
Soledad Adult School
Guadalupe “Lupita” Navidad came to the U.S. from El Salvador in 2018 and began her journey at Soledad Adult School through the ESL program. A dedicated mother and community volunteer, she was deeply involved at her children’s schools and quickly became known for her kindness, leadership, and willingness to help. Inspired to work in education, Lupita overcame her fears and enrolled in the HiSet program, successfully completing it in 2022. She now works as a substitute in the Soledad Unified School District’s Food Service Department, supporting students and staff across campuses. Lupita’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and adult education.
Janet Aceves Amador
Gonzalez Adult School
Janet’s journey shows true perseverance and resilience. She attended Gonzales Adult School on and off for a year and a half, often feeling like giving up. With her teacher’s patience and encouragement, she kept going. As a young single mother balancing part-time work, family travel between Mexico and the U.S., and childcare challenges, Janet stayed determined. She earned her high school diploma and is now at Central Coast College, set to complete the Medical Assistant program in May. Looking ahead with hope, she encourages others: “Don’t give up. Be patient.”