Greater Homewood Voices: Interview with Hector Rosado

Hector Rosado is a learner at the Greater Homewood Adult Learning Center, beginning the GED track in April 2011.  Having spent most of his adult life as a skilled laborer, Hector came to the Center looking to further his education in order to acquire a sustainable career.  With focused dedication to academic and personal goals, not only is Hector registered to test for the GED in December, but he has already taken and passed two assessments qualifying him entrance into the Biotech training program at the BioTechnical Institute of Maryland. 

Describing himself as “normally an introvert,” Hector says he has made great social and educational strides, becoming more capable of communicating on a professional and personal level. Hector recently spoke about his experience as a learner at GHCC’s Annual Celebration on November 9, 2011. The audience was so inspired that Hector received a standing ovation and hug from Councilman Bill Henry (our Master of Ceremony for the evening). We’re sharing Hector’s story here, in case you were not at our celebration to witness his moving speech firsthand.

GHCC: When did you begin taking classes at the Adult Learning Center, and what brought you here?

HR: I found you guys on the internet.  I believe I began taking classes in April of this year [2011].  I came to the Center because I want to get my GED.  I always knew I wanted to get my High School Diploma.

GHCC:  Tell me about what skills you have developed at the Adult Learning Center. 

HR: I’ve improved my spelling, but I’m still working on it because I really struggle with spelling.  I have definitely improved my math skills.  Before I was in classes, I couldn’t multiply and divide.  Now I’m doing algebra and geometry.  I feel very proud of my progress.  It’s enabled me to have the confidence to pursue other opportunities, like the BioLab Tech training program.

GHCC:  Right.  You recently passed the two entrance tests for the Biotech training program at the BioTechnical Institute of Maryland.  What drew you to this program?

HR: I just wanted to see if I could do it – the challenge of it.  It is a possible career choice too.  It’s a reasonable wide open career in Maryland, and there’s a lot of opportunity.

GHCC: How have your teachers supported you in your efforts?

HR: Michelle List has been teacher every step of the way. She’s taken me from not having confidence in my education to making me aware of the skills I have that got me this far in life.  She showed me how to use my own skills to learn and to get me to the GED.

GHCC: What other supports have you relied on in order to be successful?

HR: My wife supports me throughout.  She always offers her encouragement.  Also, the staff has always pushes me forward.

GHCC: Has your sense of your options changed since you began studying at the Adult Learning Center?

HR: Definitely.  Definitely.  When I first got here, I only wanted my GED.  Now getting a job or furthering my education, it’s possible.  I don’t have to be stuck in a menial job or manual labor.  I know I can do something that is mentally challenging.

GHCC: What else have you done outside of class to practice skills that you’re learning in class?

HR: I get books from the library.  I find time to do the work.

GHCC:  What are you working toward now?  What do you see as your next steps?

HR:  Testing for the GED on December 10^th and 17^th, that’ priority one.  Then I want to look at my options for apprenticeships or trainings.