Graceful and determined

In 2015, UNM-Taos beat out 26 other adult learning schools to win “Program of the Year,” which is a top honor from the New Mexico Higher Education Department. Katharine Egli

Graceful and determined UNM-Taos High School Equivalency students juggle daily responsibilities while working toward the future

By Yvonne Pesquera F or adults, there can be obstacles to pursuing higher education. But the University of New Mexico-Taos Adult Learning Center has removed the barriers by helping adult students pass the High School Equivalency (HSE) exam in English and Spanish –– free of charge. Students receive individual attention and guidance, as well as distance education and Questa classes. With a diploma in hand, students can then apply for college.

Juliana Maestas has lived in Taos for 23 years. She attended Vista Grande High school up to ninth grade, but found it difficult, so she dropped out. She has been studying to take her HSE and now only needs to complete the math test.

She recently completed the UNM Certified Nursing Assistant exam and is scheduled to take the state exam in Santa Fe. Right now, she works with the elderly, but she wants to work with kids who have hearing problems or disabilities.

“I have a 4-year-old daughter who is deaf in her right ear. My daughter inspires me,” says Maestas. “I want to help prepare kids early for life. To work with kids who need more help.”

When asked to describe the UNM HSE program, she explains, “They are really focused on what you’re trying to do. It’s very one-on-one. I feel accomplished. I improved my learning abilities in just six months. Thanks to Nina (Gonzales) and the teachers, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They are all so great, so helpful and so nice.”

Rossy Payero has been attending classes for one year and

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UNM-Taos’ High School Equivilancy program sets many Taos women on a bright career path, such as in areas of health.

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is expecting to receive her HSE diploma in May.

“The school work is easy. What’s hard is juggling school while working full time and taking care of my kids,” says Payero, who works at the Taos office of Rotman Electric & Association.

Payero completed seventh grade in the Dominican Republic. Her goal is to become a nurse because she loves helping people. “I want to keep going. After getting my HSE, I want to go to the university and study nursing.”

When asked what she would tell other women who are considering getting their high school diploma, Payero says, “It doesn’t matter how old you are. When you want something, go for it. Don’t let excuses stop you. You can take your kids to class, they have babysitting.”

Judy Hofer is the director of the Adult Learning Center at UNMTaos. In 2015, Taos beat out 26 other adult learning schools to win “Program of the Year,” which is a top honor from the New Mexico Higher Education Department.

Hofer says, “Our hats go off to the women in our program. Many parents face the incredible challenge of balancing work, family and school. Yet, for many of our mothers, their children are also their inspiration for getting their High School Equivalency.”

Nina Gonzales is the program specialist at the Adult Learning Center and is one of the HSE teachers. She says, “One of the things I love about my job is to work with women who for many reasons were made to feel incapable or that they just don’t have what it takes to be successful and to be somebody. I find that these are often some of the most highly intelligent students that I know.”

Maya Lama has lived in Taos for almost three years, but is originally from Nepal. There she worked at a travel agency doing ticketing and receptionist duties. She studied economics and sociology, but having moved to America, she is now focused on nursing. In addition to the HSE program, Lama is enrolled

Katharine Egli

in the Certified Nursing Assistant program.

“I am getting my HSE because I want to complete my goals. I want to become a registered nurse. There is a need for nurses, and I like to help people,” she says.

Lama explains that her HSE schedule is every day from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and she never, ever skips school. Since English is not her first language, she works very hard and even works with a tutor.

When asked what she likes about Taos, Lama says, “I like the people, the food, the nature, the arts, the culture and the Ski Valley.”

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