This past May, the Literacy Coalition had the pleasure of hosting a heartwarming graduation ceremony celebrating our students at The Learning Center. We acknowledged the achievements of our dedicated students who have excelled on their subject tests on their current journey to their GEDs, and proudly congratulated our incredible graduates who have earned their GEDs!
One graduate in particular, Albert Pesina, has overcome much hardship to earn his GED. Patricia Bauer-Slate shared with us his journey to a higher education.
Patricia met Albert a few years ago when he was living at Mary House Catholic Worker in South Austin. After the sudden passing of his mother, Albert was alone in life until being invited to live in the group home. Remembering her first impression of Albert, Patricia would describe him as “very shy” and “the first one that disappeared around the door and went back to his room.”
Now, Albert is thriving in an apartment at Foundation Communities and ready to pursue a higher education. Having successfully earned his GED with The Learning Center, Albert plans on heading to college to study computer engineering.
Patricia’s granddaughter as also recently passed all of her sample GED tests and will be walking the stage during The Learning Center’s next graduation ceremony!
“I’m very happy for this program. I think it fills a great need in Austin,” Patricia shared, “I’m very excited for all the graduates… this is a big step.”
Interested in supporting students like Albert? Consider making an investment at willread.org/donate or get involved at willread.org/volunteer.
