When I first enrolled at Pathways in Education, my plan was simple—stay for a few months and return to my previous school to graduate with my classmates. But as I settled into the Pathways community, I realized something profound: this was the place where I could truly thrive.
Before coming to Pathways, I felt lost in a traditional high school setting. The passing of my uncle, which happened around my birthday, deeply affected my motivation and sense of purpose. I found myself disconnected, uninspired, and struggling to regain the drive I once had.
On top of that, I felt out of place among peers who didn’t share my mindset or aspirations. I knew I wanted more out of life, but I wasn’t sure how to move forward.
Everything changed when I spoke to my counselor and learned about Pathways. From the moment I arrived, I felt something different—support, encouragement, and a genuine belief in my potential. At Pathways, teachers weren’t just educators; they were mentors who truly wanted the best for their students. Even the principal was actively involved in student success.
For the first time in a long time, I felt seen, heard, and motivated to push myself forward.
My teacher, Ms. Elizabeth, played a key role in my transformation. She never doubted my ability to succeed and continually pushed me to stay on track. The turning point came when I was asked about my upcoming graduation.
That moment made everything click—I realized I was closer than ever to achieving something I had almost given up on.
Getsemani Peña receives her diploma from the PIE leadership team, celebrating her achievement.
I kept telling myself, “You’ve made it this far. You can’t give up now.”
With Ms. Elizabeth’s support and my own newfound determination, I pushed through the challenges and made graduation a reality.
Through my journey, I learned an invaluable lesson: no matter how difficult things get, you have to keep pushing yourself.
Even when you feel alone, even when the odds seem stacked against you, perseverance is the key to success. My ultimate dream is to be a better person, to help my family, and to continue making them proud.
Today, as I stand among my fellow graduates, I reflect on the support system that got me here. I’m deeply grateful to God, my family, and the teachers who never gave up on me.
“No matter the circumstance, always keep pushing,” I say. “One day, you’ll look back and say, ‘I did it.’”
My story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the right environment for learning. Pathways in Education didn’t just help me graduate—it helped me regain my sense of purpose and confidence in myself.
I hope my journey serves as an inspiration to students who may feel lost, reminding them that with the right support and determination, anything is possible.
