Linh Tran, selected as the Adult High School/GED graduation speaker in June 2022, was also a speaker at the Medical Assistant graduation in April 2022 and has been a long time ESL student. Thus Linh has been part of all three noncredit categories (GED/ESL/Career Skills) leading to a certificate or a diploma. In her graduation speech, she described the road she traveled to accomplish her goals. It was not an easy one.
Although English is not her native language, Linh initially enrolled in the GED program in 2010. Family tragedy struck in 2012, however, prompting her to put her dreams on hold. In 2020, she registered again, even though with children, a husband and a busy life she knew it would be tough. Then COVID-19 hit and all instruction moved to the a virtual environment. Her children had to stay at home from their schools, as well. “All of the sudden,” she said, “I became a teacher, a therapist and even a clown to try and keep my family smiling.” When her husband’s health began to decline by the end of that year, it added one more challenge for her and her family to contend with. “My mind was pulled in many directions, but I didn’t want to give up.”
With a persevering spirit and hard work she stayed the course and did not give up on her education. Looking back, Linh reflected, “During this time, I was a busy bee and worked hard to be a good role model for my kids. I hope that they will follow me and know that education will give them a better life.”
