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Pittsburg Adult Education Center

Building Knowledge, Skills, Confidence, and Careers

Pittsburg Adult Education Center

Building Knowledge, Skills, Confidence, and Careers

College Transition

PITTSBURG ADULT COLLEGE TRANSITION STORIES

Click on a name to read their story!
PITTSBURG ADULT COLLEGE TRANSITION STORIES

Kajonae Thomas

 
My journey to English 100 at Los Medanos College (LMC) has been both challenging and inspiring. As a student atPittsburg Adult Education Center, I have been working hard to earn my high school diploma while balancing the responsibilities of being a single mother of two and working part-time.

At times, the journey has felt overwhelming, but my determination to build a better future for myself and my children has kept me motivated. Enrolling in classes and pushing myself academically has not only strengthened my skills but has also given me the
confidence to pursue higher education. Each step I take brings me closer to my goals and the progress I’ve made so far has been incredibly rewarding.

Reaching English 100 at LMC is a significant milestone in my journey. It represents my hard work, resilience and commitment to self-improvement. This experience has shown me that no matter the obstacles, with dedication and perseverance, I can achieve my dreams. I hope my story inspires others to keep striving for their goals, no matter how difficult the path may seem.
 

Jenny Lopez

 
Hello, my name is Jenny Lopez, and I take classes at Pittsburg Adult Education Center. I want to tell you about my experience in the program. My decision to return to school was not made lightly. Juggling family responsibilities, personal commitments and health issues due to a car accident and job injury meant finding time for education required significant planning and dedication. However, the desire to complete my high school education and improve my prospects motivated me to take this vital step. Also, the opportunity and program the Pittsburg Adult School runs have made it more manageable to include in my daily life.

Like an adult learner, I faced initial doubts and insecurities about my ability to succeed in an academic setting after so many years. The fear of not fitting in, struggling to keep up with coursework and balancing my various responsibilities weighed heavily on my mind. Nonetheless, I reminded myself that education is a lifelong journey and that pursuing my goals is never too late. I also realized that my fears when I was young were just in my mind because PAEC is designed to accommodate the unique needs of adult learners, offering flexible schedules, supportive environments and resources
tailored to help students succeed.

In addition to completing my high school diploma, the option to take college classes was an exciting opportunity to further my education. Pittsburg adult school offers a pathway to college courses, allowing students to earn college credits while working towards their high school diploma. I took an English class at Los Medanos College, and I thought I would at least get a C grade pushed to a max of a B, but with the help and research available, my grade was an A. It boosts my ambition to keep learning, and I will start another class at LMC in Ecology and Environmental, which I am nervous about, but I know I will do great, too. Keep your mind on the goal, be positive, and you can do it. If I can do it as a 48-year-old woman with English as my second language and have not  studied or taken any class since I was 16, you can do it too.
 

Jeannie Peirce

 
I’m Jeannie Peirce, LMC Transition Specialist for Pittsburg Adult Education Center and I’m here to help students currently in our High School Diploma (HSD) or General Education (GED) classes connect to LMC. And yes, it is possible to take a class at the college FOR FREE! while enrolled and­­­­­ attending one of the HSD/GED classes here at PAEC. Students that complete a class at LMC that they need for graduation with us, will earn college credits as well as 3.3 times as many credits that help toward graduation with us.

I can also help students apply to LMC that already have their HSD or GED. Then they would apply for financial aid, if interested, and see if they qualify. Most likely you’ll have questions so, if you’re interested in learning more about the possibilities (or you know someone who may be interested) please contact me directly. I will be happy to make an appointment for a one-on-one meeting and/or contact you regarding any future workshops or events relevant to this program.
 
By appointment only: epeirce@pittsburgusd.net   (925) 473-2400 x4965