Rio Salado College Thomas

Nikole Cruz

Nikole Cruz became a mother at a young age. She dropped out of school to support her family, moving to Arizona from California in 1995. Despite not having a high school diploma, Cruz was fortunate to obtain employment. She worked hard and attempted to earn her GED many times over the years while working full-time as a single mother.

Cruz eventually married and moved to Texas while her husband was deployed to Iraq. After helping her two eldest children graduate high school, she found herself back in Arizona to help support her two youngest children. She thought it would be easy to find a job. “Even with the amount of experience I had, no one would hire me because I did not have a high school diploma or GED,” Cruz said.

She enrolled in GED prep classes at RSC Thomas, where she also works in a support role. “I’m very proud to be a part of this program and support all students as we make this journey together!”

Cynthia Barragan

Cynthia Barragan is a native of Phoenix and single mother to four children. Transitioning from middle school to high school was a confusing time in Barragan ’s life. She was put into special classes for the learning disabled. Overwhelmed, she dropped out of school without graduating. She married and divorced young, all the while working two jobs to meet the needs of her family.

After being overlooked for promotion twice at work due to her lack of education, she enrolled in classes at RSC Thomas. When her life was challenged, she fought for it and prevailed. She is looking to start her own non-profit to aid those in need, and to sharing her new motto. which is: “I love my life!”

Alejandro Chavez

Alejandro Chavez is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, where he studied medicine, attended veterinary school and practiced homeopathic medicine. He moved to the U.S. eight years ago, and became an avid activist for the Hispanic population. Chavez has a wife and three children.

After working for the U.S. Census in 2010, he decided to enroll in English Language Acquisition for Adults (ELAA) classes at RSC Thomas. By obtaining a more proficient understanding of the English language, he hopes to continue educating and helping others in the field of medicine.

Robert Box

Robert Box was 14 when he dropped out of high school. At the time, he did not know what effect this decision would have on his life. He quickly fell in with the wrong crowd and overlooked the cause and effect of his actions. Eventually he began working fulltime and put school on the back burner.

Box married his wife nine years ago. They now have two beautiful children. His wife enrolled in a college nursing program and urged him to go back to school to get his GED. He completed GED prep classes at RSCThomas and began the Adults Achieving a College Education (AACE) program. He sums up his experience by quoting this old English proverb: “If there is a will, there is a way.”

Arturo Diaz-Tena

Arturo Diaz-Tena came to the United States from Mexico, where he worked at the Mexican consulate in Mexicali. He attended a notable university in Mexico. where he studied business.

Diaz-Tena worked as a banker and accountant for 25 years and had two children. Now retired, Arturo decided to continue his education by improving his English skills. He enrolled in English Language Acquisition for Adults (ELAA) classes at RSC Thomas. He focuses his time on consulting for a company that creates homeopathic products.

Diaz-Tena says learning English will allow him to finally break down the communication barriers that he has faced for so long. He aspires to help others discover natural remedies that can enrich and better their lives.

Margarita Real

Margarita Real moved from Mexico to California where she worked several odd jobs for income. She had a hard time communicating with her supervisors and quickly realized that not being able to speak or understand English was a huge disadvantage.

After moving to Arizona, Real worked two jobs to support her family. Her eldest child graduated high school and enrolled in a culinary program, providing Margarita with the spark to change her life. She enrolled in English Language Acquisition for Adults (ELAA) classes at RSC Thomas. She enjoys the learning experience and knows that once her language barrier becomes obsolete, the sky is the limit!