OTAN invites nominations of California adult education learners who are successful as a result of the education received at adult education agencies for the California Adult Education Students Succeed program. The program honors outstanding students who are adults with significant life responsibilities, who have made positive contributions to the community, established and met life goals by attending an adult education program, improved the life situations of self and others, and overcome difficult circumstances in order to pursue adult learning experiences. The program recognizes the hard work that outstanding adult education students have completed in the pursuit of their personal, academic, and professional goals and aspirations.

You can read stories and watch videos from previous years by clicking on the Students tab. You can also explore stories from specific adult education agencies and programs by clicking on the Schools and Programs tabs. To learn how to nominate a student for the program and to submit an online nomination form, click on the Nomination tab.

Students Succeed Honoree: Angeline Guzman

Guzman

Imagine having to make a choice in the 3rd grade: continue to go to school or take care of your brother and sister. This was the stark reality of Angeline Guzman's life when she was a child. Due to substance abuse, her mother was in no shape to care for the family, so in the 3rd grade, Angeline made a decision that no child should ever have to make. She chose to drop out of school, so she could take care of her siblings. At times, she remembers locking herself and her siblings in the closet to protect them from dangerous situations. Over time, she has managed to be resourceful and acquire a cosmetologist and beauty career selling products. She has also created a family of her own with her wonderful, supportive husband of 27 years. During Covid, tragedy struck her family when her teenage son died of chronic lung and Covid-related complications. For a while, Angeline experienced some depression, then she decided to return to school to earn her high school diploma. Since January of 2023, the Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School has served as a safe haven for her.

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