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: Miami Abdulal
Miami Abdulal moved to the USA, fleeing the Syrian crisis in 2011 with dashed hopes and trepidation. As a child in Syria, Miami was often caught holding a hairbrush as her microphone and play-acting as a TV journalist. With limited English and learning and adapting to a new culture, Miami started ESL classes at Corona-Norco Adult School. She then transitioned to Norco College, where she enrolled in an Early Childhood Development course. During college, she was afraid that her dreams of becoming a TV journalist would need to be adjusted because of her language barriers.