CLASS OF 2025
Nataly Andrea Bracety
Program: GED
Personal Message: “Earning my GED diploma is a major milestone, and I’m excited to unlock new opportunities and reach my full potential.”
Thank you: I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported me along this journey—especially my husband. His love, encouragement, and unwavering support have meant the world to me. I also want to thank the San Mateo Adult School and all my teachers. Your guidance, motivation, and dedication played a vital role in helping me succeed.
Future Plans: Looking ahead, I plan to continue my education to become a Medical Assistant and later a Licensed Vocational Nurse. My goal is to find a stable and fulfilling career in the healthcare field, where I can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Maria Lesley Casillas
Program: GED
Favorite Quote: “Don’t be afraid to speak up. Be proud of who you are. Don’t be afraid to share your story.” — Sonia Sotomayor
Personal Message: As I celebrate this milestone, I want to thank those who stood by me. Julio – your love and support gave me strength when I needed it most. You are my anchor! Yoshiri –your kindness and quiet strength mean so much. To my friends –thank you for the laughs, support, and motivation. Mrs. Carlota and Mr. Barnes – thank you for pushing me to do my best.This graduation is not just mine—it’s ours. I’m so grateful for each of you.
Fun Fact: I have two dogs—Floppy (14) and Dory (8). They are the light of my life!
Thomas Vaughan
Program: GED
Favorite Quote: "I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done."
Personal Message: I never thought I’d hold my own diploma—but thanks to San Mateo Adult & Career Education, I no longer regret not finishing my GED. A special thank you to my sister Catherine, who always believed in me and pushed me to keep going. I couldn’t have done it without the incredible support along the way. Thank you to everyone who believed in me!
Fun Fact: I’m always looking out for others. For the rest of my life, I’ll casually tell everyone I meet _ that it’s never too late to get your GED—and that programs like San Mateo Adult & Career Education make it possible!
Maria Velasco
Program: HSD
Personal Message: Self trust is the first secret of success, so believe in yourself and don’t ever give up! I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the staff and members of SMACE. Thank you for supporting us every step of the way—even beyond the completion of our program. With this diploma, I am inspired to continue my education and keep growing. I truly appreciate the opportunity and unwavering support you provide to us and the community.
Hobby: I love adventures! I enjoy discovering new places and trying out delicious food.
Renee Waash
Program: HSD
Quote: "Whether you believe you can or whether you believe you can't... you're right." – Henry Ford
"I did it! 36 years later! Never give up!"
Thank you: A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers and staff at San Mateo Adult School for your unwavering support and dedication to every student. A very special thanks to Frantz Prince—thank you for recognizing my struggles with algebra and spending countless hours guiding me step by step. You rock!
My Future Plans: I plan to continue my education in the medical field and pursue a life filled with success and happiness.
Noemi Hoyosparedes
Program: GED
Quote: “Starting over is not shameful — starting over is dreaming again.”
Personal Message: With this diploma, I step forward into my professional future. Thank you, God. Thank you to my mother for standing by my side and supporting me. To my sister — your encouragement kept me going. To my older sister — your motivation, even from afar, made a difference. And to Professor Aaron Villarreal — thank you for your constant encouragement and patience.
Wilson De Santana
Program: GED
Quote: "Having a gap in your education doesn’t mean there’s a gap in your intelligence. Keep pushing forward."
Thank You & Future Plans: Thank you to my amazing family for celebrating every step of the journey. Deep gratitude to SMACE staff—especially Mr. Lazalde, Carlota Zuniga, and Marina Kravtsova—for your support and inspiration. I’m excited to pursue a career in Electrical Engineering!
Fun Fact: I love traveling, good music, movies with family, and gaming with friends.
Kely Guzman
Program: GED
Quote: “Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.”
Future Plans & Thank You: First, I thank God for allowing me to live this experience. To my husband, Edwin Reano — thank you for your trust and unconditional support. To my children, Kely and Hugo — your patience and love mean the world. To my mother — even from afar, your encouragement keeps me going. And to everyone who supported and guided me on this journey — thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Fun Fact: I love spending time with my family and exploring new places together.
Yessica Avalos
Program: GED
My Story: I became a mom at a young age, and finishing my GED was always a dream. Today, I’m proud to say—I did it! I’m so grateful to my husband and best friend for their constant support.
Personal Message: It’s never too late. With patience, focus, and hard work, you can achieve anything.
Future Plans: I plan to keep studying and be an example for my kids. My next goal is to improve my English and pursue a new career path.
Free Time: I enjoy spending time with my husband and kids—going to the beach, exploring San Francisco, or just grabbing ice cream.
Maribel Recillas
Program: GED
Cita o mensaje personal: "If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it." — Muhammad Ali
Breve nota de agradecimiento: Thanks to San Mateo Adult School for giving us the opportunity to earn this certificate, to Professor Villarreal, and also I want to thank my tutor Yamini for her time and dedication, y Muy en especial a mi ESPOSO y a mis HIJOS por siempre apoyarme y celebrar todos mis logros.
Mi pasatiempo favorito es: ¡Caminar por la playa y pasar tiempo con mi familia!
Edith Salazar Retamozo
Program: GED
Mensaje de graduación: Hola a todos, mi nombre es Edith Salazar, soy de Perú, ¡el país donde se come delicioso! Estoy casada y tengo dos hijos. Me inscribí en el programa GED para conseguir un mejor trabajo. Al principio pensé que no lo lograría por el tiempo, el cansancio y los retos diarios, especialmente el examen de matemáticas, que me daba mucho miedo. Pero tomé la decisión de continuar, y eso es lo más importante: ir tras nuestros sueños. Quiero que mis hijos, Álvaro y Dayana, se sientan orgullosos y que este logro sea un ejemplo para ellos.
Breve nota de agradecimiento: Gracias a la Escuela de Adultos, al programa GED, y especialmente al profesor Aaron Villarreal por su paciencia y dedicación. ¡Muchas gracias y felicidades a todos!
Renzo Huasasquiche Sianca
Program: HSD
Quote: “Even if the mission seems impossible, I’m going to give it a possibility.”
Future Plans: I plan to earn my Associate Degree at CSM, then transfer to a university to pursue a Civil Engineering degree.
Gratitude: Thank you to everyone who supported me—my teachers, friends, and especially my family, who are my reason and strength.
Fun Fact: I love going on road trips with good music and beautiful landscapes.
Deybi Hoyos Paredes
Program: GED
Quote: “Never doubt your intellectual capacity nor waste a second of your life.”
Personal Message: Today, as I receive my diploma, I’m filled with gratitude. Thank you to my husband, children, and parents for your unwavering support, and to my sisters for always motivating me. A special thanks to my daughter for paying for my exams, and to my teacher, Aaron Villarreal, for being a true guide and mentor. Above all, thank you to God for giving me strength. Congratulations to all the graduates!
Diana Orellana
Program: GED
Quote: “Proof that moms don't quit... we just take the scenic route. Mom always can!”
Thank You Note: Thank you to my family for believing in me—especially my son, who was patient when I didn’t have enough time to play. You reminded me why I kept going. To the teachers and staff—thank you for helping me grow, both as a student and a person. And to my past self—thank you for choosing to try again. This diploma means strength, growth, and hope.
Something About Me: I love spending time with my family.
Maggy Flores
Program: GED
Mensaje para compartir: El éxito es la suma de pequeños esfuerzos diarios. Con disciplina y dedicación, los sueños se alcanzan. Nunca es tarde para lograr tus metas.
Nota de agradecimiento: Gracias a los profesores y al personal de San Mateo Adult School por su dedicación. Su compromiso permite que muchos estudiantes sigan creciendo y ampliando sus conocimientos.
Veronica Vivas
Program: GED
Planes Futuros y Mensaje: Mi meta es seguir cumpliendo mis sueños con la ayuda de Dios y el apoyo de mi familia. No fue un camino fácil, pero hoy me siento muy agradecida, especialmente con el maestro que nos guió con paciencia y dedicación. Gracias por todo.
Hamza Sh
Program: GED
Thank You Note: I am deeply thankful for my family’s unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement throughout this journey.
Melissa Ayala
Program: HSD
To my parents: Thank you for always believing in me, for encouraging me to dream big, and for being the best in the world.
Benjamin, Abigail — this is for you. If I could do it, you both can too—and even better.
To my cousins: I'm paving the way for you. Never stop believing in yourselves.
To my aunts and uncles, thank you for your love and support. I love you all.
Quote:
“When God has something for you, it doesn’t matter who stands against it. God will move someone that’s holding you back away from the door and put someone there who will open it for you if it’s meant for you.”
— Chadwick Boseman
You have earned this moment!