For Lucila Hernandez of Buda, the path to adult literacy and achieving her General Educational Development (GED) certification was long and slightly crooked. But as she recently reflected back on the last 20 years of her life, the smile on her face was both genuine and illuminating.
Hernandez, 40, arrived in the United States from Mexico in 1991. She was 19 years old and alone, save for some family members in Houston. Through the next several years, she got married and gave birth to four children, now ages 20, 14, 12 and 7.
While in Mexico, Hernandez completed her elementary and middle school education. Raising four children opened her eyes to the fact that she was unable to help them with their homework as they got older.
“It is very, very important to get education,” Hernandez said, her accent still thick but the words clear.
At the urging of friends, Hernandez enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at the Kyle Learning Center in 1999. But with no transportation, and child care always an issue, Hernandez realized her education may have to wait. For several years, she started and stopped the classes as the needs of her children and work life allowed.
Through her connection to the Kyle Learning Center, located in the Saddlebrook Apartments, Hernandez landed a job with the National Center for Farm Workers in Buda as a health promoter.
For the past six years, she has gone door to door in low-income Hispanic communities, primarily in Eastern Hays County, educating women about breast cancer and the importance of self examinations as well as informing them of free mammograms funded by the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Four years ago, Hernandez applied for U.S. citizenship. A year later, she passed the test and became a naturalized citizen.
When a friend invited her to a GED graduation ceremony last fall, Hernandez knew then she wanted to walk across that stage one day. She never imagined she would end up speaking at her own GED ceremony a year later.
Hernandez attended the GED classes, which were given only in English. She was able to take the five GED exams – each at a cost of $30 – in Spanish, and this past June, Hernandez earned her GED and walked in her cap and gown alongside 52 other students. She shared her path to adult literacy with the audience as a speaker during the ceremony.
“I felt excited to walk the stage,” Hernandez said with barely restrained joy. “I couldn’t have done it without the Kyle Learning Center.”
The smile accompanying that statement lit up her entire face.
Hernandez said her children attended the GED graduation and were proud of their mom. She said she is happy she can now be involved in their education at Hays CISD. Two are in middle school and one in elementary school; her oldest already graduated high school.
“I can help them more with their school work,” Hernandez said, beaming. A look of sheer pride came across her eyes and extended down to the edges of her wide grin. “Getting my GED helped motivate my family.”
