Wife, mom, waitress, student, and now GRADUATE- Rocio Duncan wears a lot of hats (and she wears them extremely well)! She is someone who puts her all into whatever she is doing and does not give up when there are “bumps in the road.” This is one of the many reasons why we are very proud of her and excited to share her story.

I started going to ESL classes a few years ago so I could get better at my English. The classes have helped me a lot; I have been able to talk more with my English-speaking husband and help my three kids with school. 

It was always a goal of mine to get my HSE. I took it in Spanish and passed every subject except math. I ended up taking the math test five times until I finally passed. I worked on math for almost a year, so I screamed when my husband called to tell me the good news!

My proudest moments during this journey are always when I learn something new. When I haven’t understood something, my teachers have helped me learn a better way so that I can understand.

I don’t want to stop here! I want to have a career, and my two options are to become either a psychologist or a lawyer. I work at iHop right now, but I would like to continue with school so I can reach my goals and have a more stable career that I love.

The advice I would give to others wanting to learn English or earn their HSE is this: Don’t give up. When you really want to do something, you can do it. It’s never too late- I am 42 and did it! Sometimes I wanted to give in and say, “I’m done. I’m tired,” but I’m glad I didn’t. Never give up on your dreams!

Rocio’s ESL teacher, Gretchen Easterday, says of her, “I’m so proud of Rocio’s determination. She didn’t love math in high school more than twenty years ago, but she was determined to conquer it this time around and she did it!” 

Rocio, we are proud of you and excited for the future you have ahead!! Congratulations!!