Ana Laura Romo
Norwalk-La Mirada Adult School
Nominated in 2024
Ana Romo is a great example of a student utilizing programs at the Norwalk La Mirada Adult School to meet her educational goals while also meeting the needs of her family. Upon graduating from high school in Mexico in 2008, Ana moved to America in 2009 for better opportunities. She got married in 2010 and had 2 sons. She became busy raising her children but knew she had a desire to learn English and work, so she enrolled in the adult school in 2014 starting with ESL 2 in the evenings. It was difficult for her to leave her young children at home, but her family supported her and gave her motivation.
Slowly but surely, Ana improved her English, and moved forward all the way up to ESL 5. Soon, Ana moved her studies to the morning classes at the adult school, because child care was offered for her younger son who now had qualified in age. This program allowed her to take classes in the morning and then spend time with her family in the afternoons and evenings. After completing her ESL courses, she was encouraged to take classes and earn her US high school diploma. Ana was hesitant, but decided to take on the challenge. She was able to get some credits by showing her transcript that she had brought from Mexico, so it took her less than a year to complete the required courses and receive her high school diploma in America.
Upon graduation, Ana’s goal was to become a preschool teacher as she had taken child development courses at the adult school which sparked an interest in her. While waiting to enter college, Ana continued to take CTEC classes at the adult school to prepare herself in technology. During this time, she also landed a part time job as a para educator in the same district. Then, she was offered a healthcare aide position working with Special Day Class students. She worked 1 on 1 with students and also had to go on the school buses, picking up and dropping off her students at home safely. This position sparked another interest in her.
Ana decided that she wanted to become a school bus driver now. She took classes to receive the needed certificates like First Aid and CPR. She also needed a medical clearance. She then received a Class B driver’s license and California Special Driver Certificate. She was hired immediately at the district and began her career as a school bus driver. She is currently in her 5th year as a school bus driver and another interest has sparked in her.
Ana’s next goal is to become a district bus driver instructor and continue to work until retirement. To become a bus driver instructor, you have to go through the California Department of Education and will require a lot of studying and training, but Ana is hopeful to accomplish this next spark in her life. She wants to give back to the community where she has received so much.
