“I decided to take the High School Equivalency exams because my journey to graduation has been one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced. Despite being confident in my academic abilities, I was always afraid of failing. As an immigrant student who has worked in the fields picking grapes under the scorching sun, I want to support my family in Mexico. I know that obtaining this certificate will help me transition from fieldwork to a better-paying job where I can utilize my intellectual skills. My goal is to help my community and pursue a career in public accountant. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

“Decidí tomar los exámenes de Equivalencia de Equivalencia a la preparatoria porque mi camino hacia la graduación ha sido uno de los desafíos más difíciles que he enfrentado. A pesar de tener confianza en mis capacidades académicas, siempre tuve miedo de fracasar. Como estudiante inmigrante que ha trabajado en el campo recogiendo uvas bajo el sol ardiente, quiero cuidar a mi familia en México. Sé que obtener este certificado me ayudará a hacer la transición del trabajo de campo a un trabajo mejor y donde pueda utilizar mis habilidades intelectuales. Mi objetivo es ayudar a mi comunidad y seguir una carrera de contador público. Gracias por su tiempo y consideración.“

– Bryan P. Test Taker

“[I took the HiSET exam] to progress in my studies and probably have the opportunity to advance and achieve the long-awaited dream of obtaining a university degree that opens doors to a professional job.”

– Ana M. Test Taker

“My success story didn’t happen overnight, but it actually took years. However, with hard work and determination, I was finally able to complete my HiSET.

Every success story starts with a dream. Education has always been my dream since I dropped out in 9th grade. Some reasons are: more knowledge, better life opportunities and to some day have a career.

First, I started trying to achieve my HSE in 2014 but life got in the way. Then attempted to try again with an infant in 2018. I was losing all hope and getting discouraged.

Lastly, in 2022 after my third child, I took a small break but jumped right back into focus. I was encouraged to push myself to graduate for my children and family.

My hard work paid off! In 2020, I passed my science, math and language arts subjects first, followed by social studies in 2024. The easiest subjects for me were math and writing. The subject I struggled the most in was social studies. I had a negative mindset and poor attitude.

My main motivation was my 3 children (Aaden, Axyle and Atlys). Taking advantage of online tools and guidance from my advisor Sandra (NIACC) and support from my sister, Angela and my advocates/best friends, Beth and Kathy. I don’t know if i could have done it without their extra encouragement. I wanna give a big THANKS to them.

It was not an overnight success story, but year after year the quality of my hard work has landed me to complete my HiSET. The keys to success are a positive mindset, willingness to learn and put in hard work, consistency, and most importantly to never giving up! My advice: Don’t let anything or anyone get you down. Think positive, always think positive.”

– Elizbeth H. Test Taker

“I took the exam to get a higher level of education and to be one of the only members of my family to complete any sort of education in the high school to college levels!”

– Julian C. Test Taker

“I am a mother of 5 that worked 3 jobs and has been trying for about 10 years to get my diploma but full time hours at work and dealing with my kids right after just got in the way of that. I wouldn’t be able to make it to class because I either had to work overtime or didn’t have a babysitter and I was so exhausted that I wouldn’t have the energy to be able to study. I really wanted to get my diploma so that I would be able to get a better job with benefits to be able to support my family without so much struggle. I also wanted to show my kids that no matter what it is never too late to accomplish your goals if you put your mind to it and take the first steps to the door and actually following through with it and never giving up.

I was so excited when I find out that Hilo finally had an online course that could be done from the comfort of our own home as that wasn’t available in Hawaii before. I was able to log into all my classes right from home while still being able to watch my kids, get them fed and cleaned up while still engaging with the class and sending in my answers and essays without stressing on finding a babysitter for a few hours and I could do all this before or right after work. It was so perfect for a busy mom like myself and I am very pleased to have passed my HiSET tests and finally graduated.

You would not believe the level of joy, excitement and relief I felt after seeing my test scores and receiving my diploma in hand and having my kids so happy for me giving me lots of love cheering me on and wanting to do something special to celebrate my achievement. Thank you so much for helping me accomplish one of my long time goals! I really appreciate it!”

– Tonya T. Test Taker