The Future Is Now

What started as a class to better her English has turned into an educational journey for Rosa Garcia.

Originally from Honduras, Garcia came to the States in 1999 and began a family. “I didn’t have an opportunity to go to school and stay in school,” Garcia said. On and off for 17 years, she tried to pursue her GED. “You find a place with a good schedule and location, but the teacher wasn’t good.”

In 2018, Garcia began taking ESL classes at CHRISTUS Learning Center with Norma Vargas. “It fit my schedule, and the location was good,” Garcia said. After working towards strengthening her English skills, Vargas and Garcia discussed the GED class at the Learning Center. “I was thinking about doing it in the future, but Ms. Norma told me I was ready and should try. This was going to be my last shot.”

Garcia began classes in person, and then COVID hit. She couldn’t do the online classes, so she took a break. When classes returned in person, Garcia started back. “The progress has been enormous,” she said. “I have taken classes at many places. This one worked.”

For Garcia, securing her GED is her dream. “If you’ve got an education, you have a better chance to get a job. It’s a step to other things.”