Daughter learns from her mother’s experience

Adriana Lemus, holding granddaughter Jocelyn, eventually earned her GED.

“I dropped out of high school between the 10th and 11th grade after I had my daughter. I tried, but it was really hard working and going to school.

“I was working at McDonald’s, trying to make money to support her. But I would get off work at 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning and then would fall asleep in school. I was failing my classes, so I thought I’d drop out for a year and then go back. That didn’t happen.

“As she got older, I always told my daughter that whatever she did, do not drop out. Keep on going. It was hard for her, too, because she made me a grandmother early. She has two kids now, but she’s doing great. She graduated high school and she’s in college for nursing.

“I think she saw the struggles I went through, and it helped motivate her to do better for herself and her kids. Everybody would tell her, ‘You’re going to be just like your mom, drop out and not do anything.’ But she’s like, ‘Nope, I’m going to show them.’ And she has. We’re all so proud of what she’s accomplished so far.”

— Adriana Lemus